Zions Canyon and Narrows in Fall Color Photo Workshop Tour

Posted by: Greg Clure

Nov. 6 - 8, 2013 - Zion National Park is a top fall foliage destination this time of year. The maples are a brilliant red, the cottonwoods and aspens are bright yellow and the oaks will be shades of orange. Since the number of visitors increases dramatically on the weekend, I have choosen a Thursday and Friday for my workshop which avoids the crowds and leaves you free to explore other parts of the park on the weekend. We will spend a full day photographing the fall foliage and rock formations along the Virgin River of Zion Canyon from sunrise to sunset and we will make a trip to the east side of the park for some classic sandstone and fall color images. Wildlife is also commonly seen throughout the park this time of year with numourous sightings of deer, wild turkey, foxes, various birds of pray, many song birds, ravens, taranculas, coyotes, cougars and Desert Bighorn Sheep. While we may not see all of these species you should definitely plan to see the majority of them. The Virgin River Narrows is one of the longest, deepest and most beautiful slot canyons in the Southwest. We will spend another full day photographing the Virgin River Narrows as we hike up river to the Orderville confluence where the walls tower 2,000-2,500 feet over head and a mere twenty feet across. With the sun at a low angle this time of year we will have good reflected lighting throughout most of the day, it will be hard not to get great images in this location. There will be numerous photo opportunities throughout this hike all accented by gorgeous fall colors. The hike into the Narrows is moderately strenuous and requires you to be in good physical condition. The water will be cold this time of year and you will need neoprene socks and canyoneering shoes, a drysuit or pants and have dry bags for your gear which can be rented from a local Sprindale, UT adventure outfitter. Join me on what is sure to be two full days of photographic nirvana.