Table rock Sunset

If you’re familiar with Boise, there’s a good chance you know where this is.  On the northeastern edge of town, above the Warm Springs area, stands the Table Rock Mesa.  And on that mesa stands a lighted cross.  It’s a Boise landmark, a beacon over the city.  I remember as a kid seeing it up there – and being fascinated by it – on the rare occasion that we would have a reason to be in “the big city” at night.

Many of us have made the trek up to its base.  And so, the challenge is capturing a scene that so many people know so well.  With tools like Photoshop, I can remove “distractions” – like the graffiti in the lower-right corner.  But I left it there because that’s what this scene looks like for real, and we all know it.

This photograph was taken in mid-November, 2025.  It was an unseasonably warm day, so dozens of hikers were enjoying the trail.  I knew that rain was forecasted later in the evening, so I stood a good chance of dramatic clouds.  For my part, I had been planning to stay past dusk, and the reward was incredible: a beautiful sunset, and as it faded to dark and folks left, the whole scene to myself. 

I’ve been pondering this image for years.  Trying to imagine a composition that might work.  Trying to find the right weather.  In some way, I wanted to capture the fascination that I’ve had with this landmark for most of my life.  So, this one is personal.  And the result?  I think it works.