Southwestern Utah is home of the dramatic and amazing Zion National Park. Zion Canyon sits between enormous mastiffs which make for absolutely unbelievable vistas. As part of my continuing % Pictures series, let’s take a look at some of my favorites from Zion National Park.
Zion Canyon is sudden and steep, leading to some absolutely stunning shadows which are cast across the landscape. I thought black and white would be the perfect medium to show off the amazing contrast between the light and the dark.
This picture is from The Wiggles, a series of switchbacks on the famous Angel’s Landing hike. Until this point in The Wiggles the middle third of the hike was cast in shadow, this moment is when the sun hits you and stays with you until you either reach the summit or turn back.
The cairns at the summit of Angel’s Landing are obviously man-made but I enjoy seeing the randomness and chaos of nature somehow made into order without losing it’s genuineness. As a photographer I tend to search out for patterns and was happy to see these, even if they weren’t exactly naturally occurring.
As I left Zion National Park the first time I visited I was blown away by an epic and amazing silhouette cast by the setting sun against the surrounding mountainscape. I love seeing nature represented so starkly against the remnants of an awesome sky.
Walking back down from the summit of Angel’s Landing is much easier than your way up, but it doesn’t hurt to stop and take a look at the crazy and winding trail you had to tackle in order to make the summit. It’s a great reminder of what you had to work through to reach your goal!
Your multi-part series on Zion and Angel’s Landing this year is fascinating. I know nothing of photography(iPhone anybody?) but your pics are outstanding.
We(wife, 2 teenage girls) are likely headed there next spring break(April ’17). It’s good to know that novice hikers can enjoy the park without having to learn advanced mountaineering.
Thank you for such informative posts.
I hope you enjoy your trip, it should be beautiful next spring!
Top of Angels landing is my favorite place on the planet! Been there twice. Thanks for sharing and making me smile and remember !
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Did a motorcycle your around there and Bryce Canyon this past September. Truly enjoyed the River Walk in Zion…
A motorcycle tour sounds fantastic!
Totally was… also went to Arches… Northern Arizona was neat also…
I did the two day top down Narrows hike. There’s no other hiking experience like it. Standing atop Angels Landing was awesome. But some lesser know areas like LaVerkin Creek are beautiful as well. Your photos captured it well.
I’m really looking forward to doing the Narrows next year!