I'd guess somewhere in Arizona or southern California at moderate elevation (enough precipitation to support hard pines like Ponderosa or Apache Pine).

It sounds like there is an interesting story behind your request. Would you care to tell it.?

Not to mention the dude has a UCLA T-shirt on...further increasing the probability this is somewhere in SoCal..

Thanks for your replies!
The story behind it is actually less interesting than it may seem. It was sent through from someone I know to various people, and the first person who could guess the location would win a bottle of champagne. I will continue my search in Southern California.
Now let's hope the answer is close and I was first!

Good luck. We hope you share the champagne.

Unfortunately I didn't win, the picture was taken in:
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

I still think you were close, thanks again and have a good new years eve!