Canyon Overlook
The Journey
Sometimes, it’s only a few steps from the car. A great photograph can be that close. But other locations require a calculation about your hiking prowess.
Most landscape photographers hump a 30-pound backpack full of gear. And I’m not getting any younger. Uphill hikes at elevation can be difficult.
Despite the challenges, hiking to a location is part of the fun. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy being in the wilderness. Occasionally, it’s reassurance that I don’t need a cardiac screening test.
Last October, I joined friends and fellow photographers Steve Horne and Scott Fuller to explore the Southwest. One of our stops was Zion National Park.
I talked about icons in the previous Friday Photo. Canyon Overlook in Zion is one of them. It’s a gateway to one of the most magnificent views in the park.
The Canyon Overlook trail isn’t very long or challenging. It’s just one mile with an elevation gain of only 163 feet. But it offers a breathtaking view.
The trail starts with a set of stairs where most of the elevation gain occurs. From there, it’s relatively easy the rest of the way. You are walking along and below beautiful sandstone walls. While there are sheer drop-offs, many have guardrails.
The trail ultimately emerges onto a hilltop covered with hoodoos (mushroom shaped rocks). It then weaves across the sandstone slickrock and between pinyon pines to reach Canyon Overlook.
East Temple looms to the north, while to the west spreads a panorama highlighted by Bridge Mountain, the West Temple, the Towers of the Virgin and the Streaked Wall.
The Shot
Once there, it was a matter of finding a composition and waiting for the sunrise. The guardrail-protected overlook had a nice view, but we kept exploring. Treading carefully, we went off trail and each of us found slightly better compositions near the edge of the cliff.
Just before dawn, the clouds suffused the landscape with beautiful pinks. Taking our pictures, we packed up for the return trip. On the way, we were delighted to spot a group of desert bighorn sheep, recently reintroduced to Zion.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus