Day 343: September 3, 2005 - The Zion Narrows

by Christian Williams
I had spent a lot of time in the Narrows before, but I had yet to hike the entire 16 mile stretch. Karen was pregnant at this point and didn't feel up to it, so I brought along my hiking buddy Randy. Note to self, when choosing a hiking buddy in the future, don't go with someone who runs marathons for fun.

The Narrows is one of the most amazing places, with rock walls towering high above you and nothing but the river in between. Naturally, during the rain season or high-water periods hiking is restricted.

To hike the Narrows requires a day permit. To save on time, we picked the permit up on the previous day, and started the hike at dawn from the trail head at Chamberlain Ranch. The beginning of the hike is very interesting as the trail starts along flat ground with a small stream running alongside. As you walk, the stream gets larger and larger, and the canyon walls climb higher and higher. This waterfall is one of the earlier sights along the hike.

Orderville Canyon connects into the Narrows. We took a short detour hike down the canyon and back to the main section, which added a few miles to our trip. Hiking in a river is extremely tiring by about the tenth mile, the constant water resistance on my feet really stressed the tendons in my ankles.

This waterfall is called Big Spring, a year round fresh spring. It's a stunning sight to be rounding the corner and have this oasis appear in the middle of the river.

Epilogue: The hike took all day. We didn't get home until past night fall (because we had to shuttle back to pick up our car at the top of the trail head). From the fatigue and constant water exposure my body was shivering continuously as I drove myself the one hour drive home. I probably had mild hypothermia. I remember being so cold when I got home, I walked straight into the shower, turned it on hot and passed out for about 3 seconds! Then I got back up and was fine. The next day my legs were quite sore (Randy on the other hand wasn't phased at all). But it was an awesome hike.

Day 41: November 5, 2004 - The Garden of Eden

by Christian Williams

We spent the afternoon walking along the Virgin River, and came across this beautiful scene that looks like the Garden of Eden. Beautiful green, rushing river, blue skies, paradise.

by Karen Williams

While Chris was busy photographing the lovely scenery, I sat by the river enjoying the plantlife growing all around me. I know, it looks like a weed - but the whimsical nature of the seeds blowing off the plant in the breeze reminds me of the beauty I found in nature as a child. Soft, small, magical.

by Karen Williams

Chris looks kind of like a beaver as he leans closer to inspect this beaver-knawed tree. Beavers are rarely seen in Zion, as they are mostly active at night, but signs of beavers can be seen near the Virgin River.

Day 27: 10/22/2004 - Weeping Rock & Telephone Canyon Falls

by Christian Williams

Weeping Rock is one of the most popular trails in Zion, probably because it is so easily accessible. Water from Echo Canyon located above gradually seeps through the sandstone in a 1000 year-long process of filtration and gets pushed out through the rock face where hanging gardens of plantlife thrive in the permanent dew. However, the view at Weeping Rock is usually not as specatular as what I witnessed this day. In this photograph, rain water is pouring out from Echo Canyon above, bypassing the slow process of seeping through the sandstone.

by Christian Williams

This waterfall, located near the entrance to the Zion Narrows, is usually present during and just after rainfall in Zion. I love the effect of the towering canyon walls and magnificent waterfall as murky brown floodwater from the Virgin River rushes by in the foreground.

Day 24: 10/19/2004 - Watchman Towers & Eye of the Tree Frog

by Christian Williams

The Watchman Tower is one of the most photographed scenes in Zion National Park, with photographers crowded around the Virgin river nearly every day at sunset. This put the pressure on me to capture a good photograph. I hiked away from the pack, and set-up my tripod and camera as close to the water as I could get, without getting too wet. The lighting was even, but not spectacular. Still the Watchman has a nice glow to it that occurs nearly every day for about 30 seconds as the sun sets.

by Christian Williams

On the way back, I caught a glimpse of rapid movement within a small crack of a large bolder. On closer inspection I found this canyon tree frog burrowed inside the rock. It had backed itself into a corner, and was just barely visible if I rested the 100mm macro lens on the crack. Its eye looks amazing!

by Christian Williams

Spotting the first tree frog led me to look around for more, and I found this red spotted toad. In Zion, if you stand still for 10 minutes, and slowly look around, you'll notice the land is teaming with insects and wildlife. I was sad Karen wasn't with me this day, as she is usually the one taking these kinds of pictures.