The OP’s pic and the one from the blog are so similar, it appears to have been taken at the exact same time of day at the exact same time of year, as every shadow and highlight match. Only the big tree is different. It’s almost like they were standing next to each other when the pics were taken.
Good job on the results, though. Image searching exact locations is a hit-and-miss affair sometimes.
Actually most likely from the “mirador” (lookout spot) here: Google Maps
There are lots of photos (including some 360 degree panoramas) on Google Maps at that link.
Nice work on the ID!
Plus, when it’s winter here it’s summer there. Based on the “no snow” I suspect this was taken in the dead of North American winter. (There’s a ski hill in the area). Good time to get away.
Why do you have any belief that he actually went there in person?
We’ve collectively demonstrated that pix of that scenic spot are pennies the hundred on the web.
if the guy is a goof as you’ve implied, he may well be a lying goof. Or perhaps it’s just a pic of someplace he hopes to go, not claims to have been. His “spiritual home” as it were.