Recorded from above, these aerial and drone shots from the American Southwest will leave you speechless. The warm color pallets, arid landscapes, and dry ecosystems have weathered some of the most stunning natural formations in the world. A few otherworldly destinations for overnight camping and hiking, the call to adventure is impossible to ignore! Check out these breathtaking views of the SW and consider some of these destinations for future adventures! This video even showcases a few scenes from Albuquerque's highway exchange!

Withstanding millions of years of wind and water erosion, the American Southwest is home to some of the most jaw-dropping deep desert scenes in the world. A haven for outdoor hiking enthusiasts, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Catch a glimpse of some of the stunning views of the SW, knowing that there's always more to explore.

I often shoot in complete darkness and the only way I can really pull details out of photos is by working with lenses that have very wide apertures (F 1.4, F 1.8) and a camera that can really perform under high ISO’s. Using the Nikon D850 and the Nikkor 20mm F1.8 allows me to have no fear of ISO and crank it to 10000 to get both a well-exposed sky and foreground with more detail.

Connor Schmidt is a full-time student at CU Boulder and freelance photographer. Born and raised in Colorado, Connor has grown quite familiar with the mountains and surrounding states. Connor picked up his first camera at the age of 13 and has been taking photos ever since. With a primary focus on landscapes, Connor aims to show off some of the world’s most beautiful places through his unique perspective.