Earth Palette Version Duce (w/ repost)

Thanks for the feedback on the first one of these...I found it very helpful. People seemed to be split on whether the sagebrush in the fg was a good thing. This version is sans bush. Better or not?

You can get a refresher on the first image HEREif that helps.

The light was changing fast, so there are some differences in contrast and color. I also wasn't able to exactly replicate the processing.

Thanks!

Sean, I prefer round 1 w/ the bush. Also, to me, both images seem to be warmed up a bit too much. There seems to be a pink hue to everything, but maybe that's how this place is... Both are very nice regardless.

The idea of the sage was interesting, but I agree with some that it was just too much for this scene. I like the 2nd post here better.
There is quite a bit of pink color cast here, and maybe you can bring out a little more contrast/detail in the hills themselves?
I've gotta get out here sometime soon. I've never seen the hills, but am amazed by everyone's photos

Super helpful critiques! The red sunset light that was reflecting off the clouds was certainly throwing a magenta cast, but I think you guys are right...it was too pink. In the repost I tried to pull the magenta back a bit, but did I go too far? Too green now? Chris, I also attempted to bump the contrast in the hills with selective USM and some dodging and burning. How does that look?

2nd version looks better but maybe a tad too green(ish) on the lower elevation of the hills where the black sand is at? They are more golden in color from what I remember..... Nice shot - I like both versions, by the way.

Still nice, but I really liked the sagebrush, Sean ("More cowbell... and sagebrush!") I really thought it added important context and interest to the image.

Better, 2nd version. The sage brush was ok but it's much cleaner now. Nice work Sean.