It’s a very southwestern Photo Friday this week, with some really beautiful desert photography and an incredibly picturesque camping scene.

Robin Black sets the mood with her shot of the melted-looking road winding its way through Nevada’s Valley of Fire.

Alexander Fitch is next with this unbelievable shot of nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Zachary Bailey takes us to one of my favorite places on the planet – Arches National Park. Here, the Milky Way is visible near Balanced Rock, where Edward Abbey sketched out notes that would become the book Desert Solitaire .

And finally, Dan Conger set up a very inviting campsite and had the good sense to share at least the image of it with the rest of us!

As always, thank you to everyone who submitted – and keep sharing your favorite outdoor photos for future Photo Fridays!