This is a shot I took at a lower elevation on one of our hikes into Madera Canyon. Off in the distance is what looks to be a copper mine.
(Don, see 'next' image for a close up of the development in the distance)
Best viewed in 'original' size.
Nikon D800
,AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G 1/250s f/9.0 at 70.0mm iso560
UnCropped FX Image greatly Reduced for Internet Viewing
full exif
Interesting insight into that hillside shrubland, almost semi-arid but perhaps not quite, with dry grass in-between. Substitute cypress-pines for your conifers and Acacia for your shrubs, and this could easily be an Australian landscape; I'm intrigued by the parallels and differences.