pictures

Stormy Zion Country

Desert Southwest, National Parks, Utah, Zion

Persistent rains and thunderstorms continue to invade Southern Utah and Zion National Park. Flash flooding remains a threat as Pacific storms migrate from Southern California. Which of course can provide some dramatic photos.

Zion Entrance Storm_2164 — Storm approaches the South Entrance at Zion National Park

A storm approaches Zion National Park through The Watchman in Southern Utah

A storm approaches Zion National Park through Gooseberry Mesa in Southern Utah — I actually took this shot while driving, hence the blurriness. Don’t try this!

A storm approaches Zion National Park through Eagle Crags in Southern Utah

Wildflowers On Parade At Kaibab National Forest

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Flowers, National Parks

I spent a few days last week, beating the heat of Southern Utah’s desert, at the cool Kaibab National Forest next to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The spring rains and current monsoonal thunderstorms produced a colorful wildflower scene. More pics of the Grand Canyon to follow soon!

Images from White Pocket in Northern Arizona

Desert Southwest, Out In The Field

Last week I drove about 25 miles off of the nearest paved highway to reach White Pocket. Unlike the Coyote Buttes and The Wave, you don’t need a permit to visit White Pocket. You do need 4-wheel drive with good clearance, a good map and an ability to NOT run over the cows that graze on this BLM land. A rain storm passed through the area and these back country roads became a quagmire as my truck turned sideways going down a hill. You can see the companion time lapse video at http://wp.me/p1XNt4-tl.\