Tuba City Turnoff

This past weekend I revisited a couple of canyons near Tuba City, AZ as the sunset is almost at the head of the canyon this time of year. The hopes were to have some clouds, but if not, get some shots with the earth shadow at sunrise and sunset. Your honest thoughts and suggestions on the processing and image in general are welcome.

#1 Close to last light on some spires

#2 No clouds at sunrise. Taken from the southern side of the canyon looking down canyon.

Edited to add that a crop of the sky is needed.

#3 Walked out on the caprock ridge where some blocks had fallen through. Had thoughts of what if an earthquake occured. The effect of the CPL on the sky is slightly bothersome to me.

#4 Last evening's sunset.

#5 Stopped in a side canyon before sunset. Taken before the long shadows encroached on the canyon floor.

Beautiful texture in those rocks. #4 is exceptional.

I agree with Koveh that #4 is the best.
This place is a decidely tough one to capture successfully at sunset/sunrise because, unlike Bryce for example, the area is bathed in contrasty circumstances (per #3) during much of that time.
That's why I favor images taken before sunrise/after sunset (per #4). This place was made for those times and that sweet light, IMO.
Having said that, I do like the closeup perspective of #1.

Coincidentally, there's an image from here at ES&S.

A very nice set. I agree, the soft light in #4 is by far the best. I love shooting after the sun has officially set.

Doug- #4 is exceptional!! Driving from Colorado to AZ I have probably passed by this area a dozen times and did not know such incredible formations were there.

Like four as well but they are all fantastic.

Doug, I like #4 as well. I also like #1. I wonder if it might be improved if you cropped right to the point where the lighter colors begin. My eye went right to that line and the darker hills in the distance. You have gotten me interested. I would like to check the place out.

John and Rod, here is a closer crop of #1 to isolate the spires and eliminate the band of coal and bright rock just beneath.

Does #4 look just a little too warm? I am thinking a WB somewhere between cloudy and shade (image was taken with shade setting, iirc)

Thank you for your input.

Doug, that crop works well. I like the simplification and emphasizing the 3 spires as your center of interest.

Ooooo #4 is the one! Great! #5 is really interesting too but the light not so much. I love how that red band of rock/dirt goes right through the cliffs.

Exactly what Bill said.
And #4 does indeed look a bit to warm for a post-sunset capture.

Doug, this is truly a beautiful collection of images! I have to agree with others about #4 being the top pick, but I also love #1. The only one I might change if mine, is #2. I am by no menas a landscape expert, but not sure if the FG really adds much for this image. I would be inclined to crop it out.

I like the crop, and 4 & 5 as well. Very pretty!

Great looking location that seems to be very under photographed, but you probably just put Tuba City on a few peoples list......

#4 and #5 are really nice.

Thanks for posting this!