Like an army of ants, autumn colors made its journey through Zion Canyon the past few weeks. Cottonwoods, maples and scrub oaks are the trees that provide the display. Its just too bad that the colors don’t stay longer.
Autumn colors at the foot of Angel’s Landing
I went to Zion National Park today to photograph the amazing fall colors happening now but was detoured because it snowed. I mostly shot the fall colors(To Follow) but thought I’d post some early winter pics or both?
Some autumn images at California’s Owens Valley.
Below are other fall color images as the peak was coming to an end. These images and more are available for purchase as metallic and paper prints, gallery wraps, standouts and giclee prints at Dawn2Dawn Photography.com
The Virgin River has done to Zion Canyon what no Hollywood special effects movie director could ever do. Create a remarkable canyon that is and looks natural. Throw in a pinch of fall colors and you have a masterpiece. During early November, Zion NP hosted the Plein Air Art Invitational(Facebook Page Link) where a number of renown landscape painters plied their trade(In The Footsteps Of Thomas Moran) and produced memorable paintings capturing the essence of Zion during the autumn season. One such is Steve Hill and you case see his work at Windswept Studios. The images below are fall colors I shot along the Virgin River a few weeks ago.
Was in Zion Canyon today and noticed trees were on fire. The cottonwoods, maples and oaks were aflame. I got one shot for this post today. The rest to follow in a few days. Look for post tomorrow on the surreal and otherworldly Yellow Rock. You won’t believe it.
You’re probably wondering about the name. William Granstaff , a black man, settles in Moab in 1877 and successfully becomes a cattle rancher. The trail leads you through this glorious canyon composed of Navajo Sandstone, Cottonwoods, Willows, Juniper, Pinyon Pine, some prickly Cactus and one refreshing perennial creek. The big payoff is at the end(2 1/4 miles from the trailhead), the Morning Glory Natural Bridge, at 243 feet wide. A natural bridge is an arch but with water running under it.
Took a quick trip over to Arches National Park with my main purpose to shoot Delicate Arch at night, under the stars. But along the way, I had to drive through that amazing Southern Utah landscape again including Capital Reef National Park.
The other day I was in Zion National Park, scouting out locations where the fall colors may be beginning. There were hints that fall foliage was about to burst but not this day. Echo Canyon is a steep climb about 1,500 feet above the Zion Canyon floor and it was possible fall colors would appear there. I made the trek and was I thrilled that I did. Echo Canyon was aflame in color! There was still some green so the peak may not be for another week but Echo Canyon is spectacular in any season and the brilliant hues and pastels made it extraordinary. These images and more are available as prints including Gallery Canvas prints at Dawn2Dawn Photography
I’m headed over to Moab, Utah this week and the incredible Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
