Zion National Park is one of the premier icons of America and one of my favorite national parks to photograph. It’s full of destinations that are beautiful and will leave an impression that is hard to forget. While the park offers sweeping vistas, the hikes that go deep into the canyon are what really can offer unique perspectives. There are probably hundreds of slot canyons that carve deep into the canyon floor and where the Virgin River flows, but one stands out among the rest.
The Narrows is in a class of its own, and if your goal is to photograph Zion’s most beautiful places, this place has to be on your list. However, it is a hike that is full of uncertainty and unexpected danger, if you don’t prepare correctly. So here are some tips that can help you navigate one of the world’s most beautiful hikes.
Go in the fall
The Narrows is a hike that has no marked path. You simply follow the North Fork of the Virgin River upstream for as long as you desire. Just simply get off the bus at the Temple of Sinawava, head up the River Walk until it ends, and step into the river and begin. The trip can last for hours, or days. In the spring, the Narrows is normally closed because of high water levels due to snowmelt, and if it is open, the potential for torrential rain in the spring months can lead to dangerous flash flooding that can mean serious danger, even death. The summer months, while beautiful, are incredibly crowded, and rarely yield an opportunity for photography. It is also brutally hot.
While the fall is technically off-season, it is less crowded, has much cooler weather, and the water level is normally very manageable to trek through. The weather stays very mild as well, and the threat of storms is minimal. The best part? You are rewarded with the incredible views of the cottonwoods turning bright yellow, rooted throughout the Narrows, that seem to dot the landscape at each bend in the river.
Get the right gear for cold, wet conditions
One word: neoprene. If you go in the fall, like I hope you do, the water will be freezing. While Zion National Park is technically in the desert of Utah, the Virgin River stays cool to cold, year-round. If you traverse the Narrows in the fall and want to go far, you will need neoprene footwear and waders to guard against water up to your waist, which you can sometimes run into.
Neoprene is the same fabric wetsuits are made of and it neutralizes the cold, keeping your feet dry and comfortable for miles. This gear, paired with a walking stick or monopod to brace for rapid currents, will enable you to successfully navigate the Narrows comfortably. There are several rental companies directly outside of the park’s entrances that rent this gear and are open early enough for you to get a head start.
Shoot from noon to afternoon
I know, I know. If you’ve read some of my previous articles, you’ll hear me preach about shooting in the early morning or evening for the best light. However, when it comes to slot canyons, like the Narrows, the best time to shoot is around noon or into the afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky and lighting up the orange and yellow walls of the canyon. If you don’t shoot in the Narrows during this time, it will be very difficult to shoot, and the shadows will mute out the details and colors, which make this place so magical. It also will make the journey a little more comfortable, as the Narrows can get a little chilly in fall without the sun’s warmth and the wind whipping through the canyon.
Shoot with wide angle and 24-70mm lenses
I am always about shooting simply. Packing minimally will lower weight, allow for you to shoot more efficiently, and let you focus on what you need to shoot rather than which lens you should use. If you plan on shooting the Narrows, I suggest ditching any prime or telephoto lenses, as the slot canyon is narrow (as the name accurately describes), and focus on these two lenses:
- First is a 24-70mm lens with an aperture of 2.8g if possible. The lower aperture is necessary for places with shifting or low light, as it allows for you open your lenses wider, and allows for more light in your photograph if you need it. The zoom range is perfect for portraits and for details on the canyon wall or any subject you want to focus on. Nikon and Canon make great versions of this lens, but the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is a 3rd party lens that has mounts for both Canon and Nikon, and it performs incredibly well.
- Second is a wide angle lens, with the capability to zoom out to 14-15mm, at an aperture 2.8g. Since the Narrows is tight in space, you will want a lens that can capture every angle of this place, and not limit you. A wide angle will produce stunning results, especially if you are able to center the shot in the middle of the river. The natural curve of wide angle lens will make your photos of the canyon walls look breathtaking. I highly recommend either the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8g, Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8g, or Sigma 14-24mm f.2.8g ART. All three perform well without unnatural curve or distortion from the lens barrel, but the 3rd party lenses will be much easier on your wallet.
Bring a tripod and remote shutter release
This is the last tip, but it is one of the most important. While a tripod adds weight, you will not be able to get any shots that capture the movement of the river, which looks spectacular, without one. Having a reliable travel tripod will expand your camera’s capabilities and offers a sturdy resting place for your camera in an environment that is hard to find dry land at times. A remote shutter release allows you to control the shutter through a remote control, which insures you won’t have to touch your camera while it shoots, which will eliminate any unwanted blur on your subject. Pair your tripod with a remote shutter release, and you’ll be ready to take fantastic photos in the Narrows.
The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most special places I have ever visited. While this not a comprehensive list, I believe if you follow these steps, you will have an incredible experience, and your photographs will be outstanding. As always, if you are in a national park, please make sure to respect the land you photograph on, and leave it better than you found it. Obey park rules and never go into the Narrows, or any slot canyon, with high water levels or rain in the forecast. A good way to insure safe passage is to check for updated conditions at the park ranger station. They will have all the information you need. I hope your future trip to Zion National Park is incredible, and because of these tips, you will come back with some incredible content from the Narrows.
Featured Image by Frances Gunn on Unsplash.
