Mars-Scape?

Though the photo may match our conception of a Mars-scape, it is not Mars. Rather, it is a barren area at the top of Mauna Kea, a million year old dormant volcano on the northeast side of the big island in Hawaii. The summit of Mauna Kea stands almost 14,000 ft about sea level. (Measured from the base of the sea floor, it is 33,000 ft high - thus a local claim it is the highest mountain in the world.) Areas at lower elevations are green and varied ecosystems. Mauna Kea is best known as the location of a dozen internationally shared astronomical observatories. The access road to the Information Station and observatories is a favorite of bicyclist who seek the thrill of coasting on its down slopes and switchbacks to the sea at breakneck speeds, while avoiding slower vehicle traffic traveling in both directions.