Zion Narrows: I will be traveling to Zion National Park in late September and I am hoping to hike The Narrows. Can anyone give me advice about what time of day the best photography...

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

I will be traveling to Zion National Park in late September and I am hoping to hike The Narrows. Can anyone give me advice about what time of day the best photography light might occur in this very deep and narrow canyon? Also, does anyone know of any other slot canyons in Zion, Bryce or Capital Reef that do not require technical canyoneering skills or 4 wheel drive access to the trailhead? Thanks for any advice.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

In each of the parks you listed there are numerous tours available, including photography tours. They can take you to parts of the parks you couldn’t ordinarily get to. We used MildtoWild rafting (they offer a wide variety of tours).

knessr

I've hiked the Narrows in early September. Being you will be hiking in water anywhere from ankle to waist deep, go to town (Springdale) and rent dry gear from one of the sport shops. A rental set includes a walking stick which you will need. The dry gear will keep you warm. If you are taking a backpack be sure everything that you want to keep dry is in a dry bag.

As far as a time of day, the light starts to get good in the Canyon around late morning to early afternoon. A good hike is from the trailhead at the Temple of Sinawana to Wall Street and back. That will take you about 5 hours if you also take the short hike into Orderville Canyon (which I recommend doing). The picture I posted is of Wall Street and you can see how massive it is compared to the people.

Take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Tell us how it went when you get back.

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

knessr wrote:

I've hiked the Narrows in early September. Being y... (show quote)

Wow! That is a beautiful photo. Thanks for the advice.

Dave Sr Loc: Nazareth, Pennsylvania

We went in October, 2012. Dry pants and wooden staff were well worth the $40 and picked up the night before in order to get the first bust the next morning. What a wonderful and beautiful hike!

photoman43

At Bryce Canyon, I have found that some of my best shots were taken at the overlooks labeled sunset and sunrise. However, I also did them in reverse--and found that a lot of shots taken into the sun were more dramatic. I cannot remember the names of the hiking trails we took in Bryce, but an Internet search ought to tell you what they are.

In the narrows, if you have shadows, they will be very dark. Consider bracketing your exposures so you can blend them if needed.

The Photographers Ephemeris can help you plan your shots.

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

Thanks for the suggestions!

old poet

We were there in late May. Rained on us the whole time. The Narrows was closed due to high water. However, I got some shots of rarely seen waterfalls, and the low clouds made for a beautiful scene. Best wishes.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Is this where the Subway is?

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

Fotoartist wrote:

Is this where the Subway is?

No; different part of the park.

wilderness

Halls Creek Narrows is a superbly beautiful non technical narrows in the southern part of Capitol Reef National Park. HOWEVER it is at least a three day backpack down to it, through it and to return. Buckskin Gulch between Kanab and Page is the longest slot canyon (thirteen miles) and is not technical- you can turn around whenever you want to. Get weather information (CRITICAL) at the ranger station (the same one where you can try for that days lottery for Coyote Buttes).

wrk1234 Loc: Russellville, Arkansas

Take a look at Kanarra Falls. It is just north of the Kolob Section of Zion National Park. I was in a group that went there in early April.

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

wrk1234 wrote:

Take a look at Kanarra Falls. It is just north of the Kolob Section of Zion National Park. I was in a group that went there in early April.

Thanks. I'm definitely planning a trip to Kanarra Falls. Does anyone know if it is difficult to get a permit to hike there?

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

wilderness wrote:

Halls Creek Narrows is a superbly beautiful non technical narrows in the southern part of Capitol Reef National Park. HOWEVER it is at least a three day backpack down to it, through it and to return. Buckskin Gulch between Kanab and Page is the longest slot canyon (thirteen miles) and is not technical- you can turn around whenever you want to. Get weather information (CRITICAL) at the ranger station (the same one where you can try for that days lottery for Coyote Buttes).

Thank you. I have backpacking experience, but I am a 66 year old woman traveling alone for this trip so I will be car camping. Can you recommend non-technical canyons or other interesting sites without such a long approach? I can hike about a 10 mile day hike and will be visiting Capital Reef, Bryce, and Zion and Colorado National Monument.

wilderness

gorgehiker wrote:

Thank you. I have backpacking experience, but I am a 66 year old woman traveling alone for this trip so I will be car camping. Can you recommend non-technical canyons or other interesting sites without such a long approach? I can hike about a 10 mile day hike and will be visiting Capital Reef, Bryce, and Zion and Colorado National Monument.

My advice is don't worry about slots. While in Capitol Reef make sure to hike down Spring Canyon, PAST Chimney Rock, for as far as you feel comfortable then just turn around. I'd also hike The Cohab Canyon- Fryingpan Trail as well as Grand Wash Narrows. The narrows of the Pioneer Register are lovely as is the scenic drive to it. Again Buckskin can be as long or as short as you desire. Just wear boots you're ok with getting wet.