Day 319: August 10, 2005 - Swimming Hole

by Christian Williams
Pine Creek runs all the way down from East Zion into the Virgin River in Main Canyon. However, just before it connects with the Virgin River, the Creek pools up in a nice swimming hole, where it is not uncommon to find a few people "in the know" swimming on a hot day.

Day 198: April 11, 2005 - Pine Creek Bridge

by Christian Williams
It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was drawn to the light reflecting off the surface of the Pine Creek and unto the bridge above.

Day 124: January 27, 2005 - Hidden Falls

by Christian Williams

These photos are from an area I like to call, "Hidden Falls". When driving the switchbacks to Zion tunnel, just above Pine Creek, there is a waterfall that can be found only when it rains. It is not visible from the road, only when one stops at a certain pullout on the switchbacks and hikes around the corner can it be seen. On this rainy day I hiked over to the falls which is quite large, and took some photos. As I followed the stream down from the main pool, however, I found a multitude of small falls that attracted my interest, and I spent time photographing many of these mini waterfalls.

by Christian Williams

An interesting view of another waterfall. The large fallen tree is a reminder of the many storms and flash floods that have left behind much debris.

Day 106: January 9, 2005 - Flash Flood

by Karen Williams

After several days of heavy snow, the temperatures warmed up, and the snow was followed by rain. This was the start of a historic 100-year flash flood, which devestated downstream Washington County.

by Christian Williams
What started in East Zion as little waterfalls completely flooded Pine Creek, with the river being added to by waterfalls from canyons throughout the park.
 

by Christian Williams
We of course hiked down toward the flooded Pine Creek area for a better view and better photos, and had to stop for a bit of fun.

Day 101: January 4, 2005 - Foggy Bottom

by Christian Williams

I went for a walk along Pine Creek this morning, and the fog rolling in and out created fantastic lighting on the mountains of main canyon.

Day 26: 10/21/2004 - Flash Flood in Pine Creek

by Christian Williams

Pine Creek looks more like a raging river, and not a small creek that feeds into the Virgin River. After four days of constant rain, Pine Creek in Zion had reached flood levels. In just 4 days, Zion National Park was hammered with 8.1 inches of rain, which is amazing considering the park only averages 15 inches of rain for the entire year.

by Christian Williams

Notice how brown the water looks, a common sign of flash flooding. Heavy flooding in Zion can cause instantaneous rock or mudslides. I carefully moved closer, checking above and below me at all times, but no matter how careful you think you are in situations like this, all it takes is just one unlucky moment...

by Christian Williams

I stopped by this spontaneous waterfall, in East Zion on the way back home. We have an affection for Juniper trees, and eventually named our first born daughter after this scrubby, resilient, yet beautiful tree of the west.

Day 5: September 30, 2004 - Daily Commute

by Christian Williams

Night Falls on Mount Spry

Some people sit through 2 hours of traffic every day. Others, like us, have to make a daily commute through Zion National Park. Here we can see two lanes of traffic hurrying through the Pine Creek switchbacks, while Mount Spry looms above. Behind Mount Spry are the Towers of the Virgin and the Altar of Sacrafice.

Day 3: September 28, 2004 - Sun Beams in Pine Creek

by Christian Williams

Let There be Light

This photo was taken down by Pine Creek in the morning. The scene looked promising, but poorly lit, and I was struggling with the extreme range of light and dark. On a whim, I decided to increase the exposure by several stops and was surprised to see the dramatic rays of light illuminating the leaves of this Cottonwood tree from behind. It's interesting to see how the beams of light almost appear to be pushing back the darkness into shadows.