Utah canyon land recommendations?

NorthernFocus

We've got a trip planned to Zion/Bryce/Escalante this spring. Any tips on locations for slot canyons in the area that are reasonably accessible for photos? Reasonable means accessible w/out having to backpack in and overnight nor any technical climbing. We're fit enough for several miles RT day hikes but won't be hauling backpacking gear. Any advice will be appreciated.

acowan

I don't know how much you've read up on Zion but the trial to Observation point is great! It's pretty strenuous (2000 ft in 4 miles, one way) but it passes through Echo Canyon which is very nice. There is also Hidden Canyon access off this same trail but I didn't go there since it was February and a lot of snow/ice was still around. Check out this site too if you haven't already:

http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/map.html

NorthernFocus

Thanks, Aaron. Great map We've been to Zion a couple of times but I don't remember the names of the trails we hiked other than Angel's Landing. I'll check out the one you mentioned on the map. Thanks again.

kdog

acowan wrote:

I don't know how much you've read up on Zion but the trial to Observation point is great! It's pretty strenuous (2000 ft in 4 miles, one way) but it passes through Echo Canyon which is very nice. There is also Hidden Canyon access off this same trail but I didn't go there since it was February and a lot of snow/ice was still around. Check out this site too if you haven't already:

http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/map.html

I'll have to try this trail out next time I'm in Zion.

Not sure if it's classified as a true slot canyon, but the Subway of course is pretty good.

coscorrosa

I'll echo kdog on the Subway, it's amazing, not just the subway slot itself, but just before it there are two great waterfalls, here's one of them:



I would recommend trekking poles for this hike (not a lot of elevation gain, but some minor scrambling over rocks and small boulders, and the trail isn't especially well marked), you'll need to get a permit too. The hike through the Narrows is also amazing (and a lot of fun), there's an outfitter place in Springdale that lets you rent neoprene socks and special boots that make the hike easier.

NorthernFocus

Thanks folks. That subway does look like a cool area. And I'm fairly certain we'll hike up the river. We did that years ago and really enjoyed it. That was back before serious photography days but from what I remember there was very interesting lighting in the river canyon.

kdog

coscorrosa wrote:

I'll echo kdog on the Subway, it's amazing, not just the subway slot itself, but just before it there are two great waterfalls...

And the little pond before you get to the waterfalls ain't too shabby either.

Ditto on the hiking poles. They're useful to help keep your balance in tricky situations and in general are very good things to have any time you're on rough terrain carrying a heavy pack.

joe-bob

articblooms wrote:

We've got a trip planned to Zion/Bryce/Escalante this spring. Any tips on locations for slot canyons in the area that are reasonably accessible for photos? Reasonable means accessible w/out having to backpack in and overnight nor any technical climbing. We're fit enough for several miles RT day hikes but won't be hauling backpacking gear. Any advice will be appreciated.

I've found this site really helpful for my trips to the southwest. Enjoy.

http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/index.html

NorthernFocus

Thanks, joe-bob. That's the same site that Aaron recommended below and I am getting some great information from it. Thanks for the response.

joe-bob

articblooms wrote:

Thanks, joe-bob. That's the same site that Aaron recommended below and I am getting some great information from it. Thanks for the response.

Oops...I missed that.

NorthernFocus

Well we finally made our trip to the desert. Thanks to the info gleaned from the links provided below I was armed with maps and directions for several slot canyons. Zion was our first stop. There was still enough spring run off taking place for the Park Service to have the Narrows and most of the backcountry canyon access shut down. However we were lucky enough to walk up and get a permit for the Subway (aka Left Fork of North Creek). Made that trip, Angel's Landing, Observation Point Trail, and Hidden Canyon. Then I got called back to work before we made it to Bryce, Escalante, or any of the slots I had information on. :cry

There was a lot of water flowing in North Creek so wasn't able to get the classic subway pictures with the turquoise colored potholes. Plus the high flow caused a lot of vibration if the tripod was set up in the creekbed. Also the falls downstream were cascades and not very photogenic. But... we managed a photo or two anyway.


Subway Lower Entrance


Subway (composite image from three exposures)


Watery Steps

Doug Solis

Looks like you did great with what Mother Nature delt you. Nice shots.

NorthernFocus

Thanks for commenting, Doug. Flip side of the conditions is that we did have good weather. Partly cloudy so variable lighting as the clouds/sun came and went.

agunther

Although it's a cliche shot, I still recommend False Kiva (above) in Canyonlands. Aztec Butte is also wort the hike.

JimKarczewski

Is subway a massive hike like it sounds? Thought I read somewhere it's 5 miles in, most of it through the the stream bed.

NorthernFocus

JimKarczewski wrote: »

Is subway a massive hike like it sounds? Thought I read somewhere it's 5 miles in, most of it through the the stream bed.

It is probably upwards of five. More of a scramble than a hike. Well worth the trip. Pack plenty to eat and drink and make a day of it. Time well spent.