Hell Hole Canyon, part of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is one of the premier Southern Utah hikes when conditions are right. I describe the conditions below.
Hell Hole Canyon Waterfalls: Ivins, Utah
Utah
Rainbows On Ice Part 2
These are birefringence patterns of reflected light bouncing through thin sheets of ice over flowing water.
Continue reading “Rainbows On Ice Part 2”Rainbows on Ice Part 1
These are diffractions patterns of reflected light bouncing through thin sheets of ice over flowing water.
Continue reading “Rainbows on Ice Part 1”Fremont Indian State Park, Historic Cabin and Petroglyphs
The images in this set are from the Fremont Indian State Park near Sevier Utah.
Kanarra Falls, Utah
Kanarra Falls is 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Kanarraville, Utah. It’s a very popular trail in the summer where kids splash around in the water. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Goblin Valley State Park Utah – Annular Eclipse
At the last second, I decided to try my luck getting images of the 2023 annular eclipse. With three days to go, I found a room about an hour from where I wanted to be. The eclipse exceeded my expectations.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Tropic Canal, an Excellent Morning Hike
Bryce Canyon National Park sits in bowl with a mostly southern exposure. This makes it difficult to capture stunning sunset images.
The Navajo Loop, Fairyland Loop, Rim Trail, and Queens Garden are all great morning hikes. They may also be crowded.
The Tropic Ditch Canal is an excellent morning hike away from the crowds. As an added bonus, you can stand behind a beautiful waterfall or hike to an arch.
Continue reading “Bryce Canyon National Park – Tropic Canal, an Excellent Morning Hike”Ashdown Gorge, Rattlesnake Creek and Lake Falls, a Great Hike Near Cedar City UT
Ashdown Gorge is a 9 mile out and back trail in the Dixie National Forest near Cedar City Utah.
Red Canyon, a Perfect Sunset Spot Near Bryce Canyon
Red Canyon just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, is a perfect spot for a sunset.
Continue reading “Red Canyon, a Perfect Sunset Spot Near Bryce Canyon”Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The rain this Spring and melting snow from winter made for some spectacular waterfalls in numerous Southern Utah locations this year. Here is another set of images.
Willis creek normally has minimal water flow and is frequently dry.
Continue reading “Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument”Many Pools Trail, Zion National Park
The rain this Spring and melting snow from winter made for some spectacular waterfalls in numerous Southern Utah locations this year. I am still editing images but this is another one of my water image favorites.
Continue reading “Many Pools Trail, Zion National Park”Gunlock State Park Utah Waterfall
Gunlock State Park is a state park of Utah, USA, adjoining the 266-acre Gunlock Reservoir that impounds the Santa Clara River. The park is located approximately 15 miles northwest of St George. The reservoir dam was constructed in 1970 for irrigation water and flood control.
Continue reading “Gunlock State Park Utah Waterfall”Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #4 Moose
Cascade Springs is a large artesian spring north of the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness Area and along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway. Seven million gallons of water a day flow down a series of limestone terraces and pools among lush vegetation. The short half-mile nature trail wraps around the natural springs and streams with bridges, boardwalks, and paved pathways. Crystal clear waters make it easy to spot trout that inhabit the pools. Interpretive signs along the pathways explain the geology of this small natural wonder. This is an enjoyable destination for families and hikers of all ages. Ample parking is available and public vault restrooms are onsite.
The above text is from Heber Valley Attractions
This was my favorite Autumn spot this year. The lead image that follow are all from the last week of September or first week of October 2022.
These images were taken mid-afternoon, not when one would normally expect to see moose. But there they were, a pair of them, one bull and one cow.
The bull moose was kicking up water like mad. I asked someone about this behavior and was told the bull was attempting to get the cow’s attention. She didn’t seem too care too much.
Feature Image Details
- EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera
- Canon 100-400 MM F 4.5-5.6 L Lens
- 1/750 second ISO 1250 F5.6
- Focal length 200mm
Discussion
I used a higher ISO and a more open F-stop to stop the motion. It was a bright overcast day which is perfect light.
My longest lens is a Canon 100-400mm lens and it was where it normally is, that being the trunk of my car. It’s barely suitable for wildlife images and it’s heavy so I only carry it when I think I will use it.
On this trip I also spent a long time at Silver Lake. Many photographers were there with enormous 600mm, fast lenses hoping to get moose shots. The moose were so far off in the distance I could barely see them even at 400mm.
But here they were right in front of me. I took some images with a 24-105mm lens and then went back to the car for my 100-400 mm lens. It was more than adequate.
The moose were so close I shot most of these images at 200 mm. A handful of other people were around taking pictures with their cell phones or smaller cameras.
Additional Images
The image immediately above was taken with my 24-105 mm lens at 105 mm. When I was confident that I had a good shot, I went back to my car for my longer lens but assumed the moose would be gone when I got back.
It was a good decision. The moose moved even close to the boardwalk and 200 mm was easily adequate.
Someone asked how close we were to the moose.
I estimate 30-50 feet for the closest images. That is probably in danger territory but the moose approached us on the boardwalk.
They stayed close for well over an hour. The bull followed the cow wherever she went.
Equipment
Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.
Previous Related Posts
- Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #1
- Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #2
- Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #3
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Mike “Mish” Shedlock
Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #3
Cascade Springs is a large artesian spring north of the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness Area and along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway. Seven million gallons of water a day flow down a series of limestone terraces and pools among lush vegetation. The short half-mile nature trail wraps around the natural springs and streams with bridges, boardwalks, and paved pathways. Crystal clear waters make it easy to spot trout that inhabit the pools. Interpretive signs along the pathways explain the geology of this small natural wonder. This is an enjoyable destination for families and hikers of all ages. Ample parking is available and public vault restrooms are onsite.
The above text is from Heber Valley Attractions
This was my favorite Autumn spot this year. The lead image that follow are all from the last week of September or first week of October 2022.
Continue reading “Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #3”
Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #2
Cascade Springs is a large artesian spring north of the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness Area and along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway. Seven million gallons of water a day flow down a series of limestone terraces and pools among lush vegetation. The short half-mile nature trail wraps around the natural springs and streams with bridges, boardwalks, and paved pathways. Crystal clear waters make it easy to spot trout that inhabit the pools. Interpretive signs along the pathways explain the geology of this small natural wonder. This is an enjoyable destination for families and hikers of all ages. Ample parking is available and public vault restrooms are onsite.
The above text is from Heber Valley Attractions
This was my favorite Autumn spot this year. The lead image that follow are all from the last week of September or first week of October 2022.
Continue reading “Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #2”
Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #1
Cascade Springs is a large artesian spring north of the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness Area and along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway. Seven million gallons of water a day flow down a series of limestone terraces and pools among lush vegetation. The short half-mile nature trail wraps around the natural springs and streams with bridges, boardwalks, and paved pathways. Crystal clear waters make it easy to spot trout that inhabit the pools. Interpretive signs along the pathways explain the geology of this small natural wonder. This is an enjoyable destination for families and hikers of all ages. Ample parking is available and public vault restrooms are onsite.
The above text is from Heber Valley Attractions
This was my favorite Autumn spot this year. The lead image that follow are all from the last week of September or first week of October 2022.
Continue reading “Cascade Springs, Utah Scenic Byway, Post #1”
Wahweap Hoodoos, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Part 2
Wahweap Hoodoos
Hike Details
It’s an 8 or 9 Mile Out and Back Hike to the Wahweap Hoodoos. 4-weel drive vehicles can get a little closer.
The best light is just before sunrise and an hour or so after sunrise.
The elevation gain is minimal, about 400 feet spread out over miles. Getting to the trailhead early enough in the morning then hiking in to be there at the right time is the main difficulty.
Summers are hot. The hike is best in Spring or Autumn. In the winter, there is no direct light on the hoodoos but the light is soft and nice.
Image Details
I took a number of images just before and after sunrise.
The lead image is just after sunrise before the light hit the hoodoos. The caps are of a harder sandstone than the white entrada sandstone that is eroding away much faster.
The lead image was F16 for 1/30 of a second at ISO 200 with a Canon 24-105MM F4 L Lens on a EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera at 35mm.
Additional Images Continue reading “Wahweap Hoodoos, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Part 2”
Wahweap Hoodoos, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Towers of Silence
Hike Details
It’s an 8 or 9 Mile Out and Back Hike to the Wahweap Hoodoos. 4-weel drive vehicles can get a little closer.
The best light is just before sunrise and an hour or so after sunrise.
The elevation gain is minimal, about 400 feet spread out over miles. Getting to the trailhead early enough in the morning then hiking in to be there at the right time is the main difficulty.
Summers are hot. The hike is best in Spring or Autumn. In the winter, there is no direct light on the hoodoos but the light is soft and nice.
Image Details
I took a number of images just before and after sunrise.
The lead image is just before sunrise. The caps are of a harder sandstone than the white entrada sandstone that is eroding away much faster.
The lead image was F16 for 1/60 of a second at ISO 1250 with a Canon 24-105MM F4 L Lens on a EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera.
I do not normally shoot at that ISO in the daytime but we were there very early and things were dim.
Additional Images Continue reading “Wahweap Hoodoos, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument”
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area – Hollow Cottonwood Tree at Sunset
Hollow Cottonwood Tree at Sunset
Image Details
The images in this post are of an old collapsed cottonwood tree on the Red Reef Trail in St. George, Utah. The tree is so big that two people could easily stand inside it.
The trail head starts at the Red Cliffs Campground. The best spot to park, is near campsite #2, if you can get it. Parking is extremely limited, so go midweek or very early in the morning or late in the day or you will struggle with parking.
It’s 2.2 miles out-and-back and it’s an easy trail for kids. The trail passes old cottonwood trees, an alcove with Pictographs, and reflection pools in the creek, and a pair of waterfalls that are sometimes dry.
Continue reading “Red Cliffs National Conservation Area – Hollow Cottonwood Tree at Sunset”
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Reflection Pools
Quail Creek Pool Reflection
Image Details
The Red Reef Trail in St. George, Utah follows Quail Creek to a pair of waterfalls that are at times completely dry.
The trail head starts at the Red Cliffs Campground. The best spot to park, is near campsite #2, if you can get it. Parking is extremely limited, so go midweek or very early in the morning or late in the day or you will struggle with parking.
It’s 2.2 miles out-and-back and it’s an easy trail for kids. The trail passes old cottonwood trees, an alcove with Pictographs, and reflection pools in the creek.
Continue reading “Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Reflection Pools”
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Waterfalls
Second Waterfall on Quail Creek
Image Details
The Red Reef Trail in St. George, Utah follows Quail Creek to a pair of waterfalls that are at times completely dry.
The trail head starts at the Red Cliffs Campground. The best spot to park, is near campsite #2, if you can get it. Parking is extremely limited, so go midweek or very early in the morning or late in the day or you will struggle with parking.
It’s 2.2 miles out-and-back and it’s an easy trail for kids. The trail passes old cottonwood trees, an alcove with Pictographs, and reflection pools in the creek.
The waterfalls were totally dry in December and January but rain and snow came in February and the water is still flowing headed into April.
If you hike the trail stop, at the alcove on the way to the waterfalls. I will cover the alcove, pictographs, reflection pools, mountains, and other areas of Red Cliffs in following posts.
Continue reading “Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Waterfalls”
Grafton Ghost Town Cemetery Sunset
Grafton is a ghost town, just south of Zion National Park in Washington County, Utah, United States. Said to be the most photographed ghost town in the West, it has been featured as a location in several films, including 1929’s In Old Arizona—the first talkie filmed outdoors—and the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The nearest inhabited town is Rockville.
To get to Grafton, you cross the Rockville bridge built for the National Park Service in 1924 to provide a link between Zion National Park and the North Rim area of Grand Canyon National Park.
Image Details
Continue reading “Grafton Ghost Town Cemetery Sunset”
Full Moon Over Rockville Steel Girder Bridge Near Zion National Park
The Rockville Bridge and Grafton Ghost Town are just outside Zion National Park. The bridge was built for the National Park Service in 1924 to provide a link between Zion National Park and the North Rim area of Grand Canyon National Park.
The bridge was designed by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads for the Park Service, fabricated by the Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company, and erected by Ogden contractor C.F. Dinsmore. The bridge spans 217 feet (66 m) in a single span, using a steel twelve-panel Parker through-truss.
The Rockville Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Image Details
Continue reading “Full Moon Over Rockville Steel Girder Bridge Near Zion National Park”
Quail Creek State Park, Mouth of Creek, Sunset Reflections
Quail Creek State Park is very close to where we live. It’s a small but popular park for fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking.
Quail Creek reservoir was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek but is diverted from the Virgin River and transported through a buried pipeline.
Two dams form the reservoir. The main dam is an earth-fill embankment dam. The south dam is a roller compacted concrete dam, constructed to replace the original earth-fill dam that failed in the early hours of New Year’s Day 1989.
The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so it is cold enough to sustain the stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. Largemouth bass, which is also stocked, and bluegill thrive in the warmer, upper layers of the reservoir.
Standing In the Creek
Image Details
Continue reading “Quail Creek State Park, Mouth of Creek, Sunset Reflections”
Quail Creek State Park, Sunset Reflections From Overlook
Quail Creek State Park is very close to where we live. It’s a small but popular park for fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking.
Quail Creek reservoir was completed in 1985 to provide irrigation and culinary water to the St. George area. Most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek but is diverted from the Virgin River and transported through a buried pipeline.
Two dams form the reservoir. The main dam is an earth-fill embankment dam. The south dam is a roller compacted concrete dam, constructed to replace the original earth-fill dam that failed in the early hours of New Year’s Day 1989.
The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so it is cold enough to sustain the stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. Largemouth bass, which is also stocked, and bluegill thrive in the warmer, upper layers of the reservoir.
Park Overlook at Sunset
Image Details
Continue reading “Quail Creek State Park, Sunset Reflections From Overlook”
Hidden Falls, Mounthaven, Utah
On a trip to Salt Lake City, my wife and I visited some waterfalls in the area. Hidden Falls is in Mounthaven, Utah.
It’s a short 0.3 mile hike to the falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
I used a Canon 16-35MM F4 L Lens for 1.6 seconds at ISO 200.
Continue reading “Hidden Falls, Mounthaven, Utah”
Bryce Canyon National Park, Wall Street Trees, Navajo Loop Trail
Returning back to Bryce Canyon, here is an image taken in a section called “Wall Street” on the Navajo Loop trail.
Feature Image Details
I used a Canon 11-24 F4.0 L lens at 11mm.
To get this shot I am flat on my back with my tripod perhaps 1 foot off the ground. I was halfway between those two trees with the camera pointed straight up.
Leveling the camera a foot off the ground and squaring it perfectly between the trees is what makes the shot work.
I took a sequence of exposures and blended them manually in Photoshop. Here is an additional image.
Continue reading “Bryce Canyon National Park, Wall Street Trees, Navajo Loop Trail”
Bryce Canyon National Park, Milky Way, Sunrise Point
Due to the direction of the canyon walls, Bryce Canyon generally presents more opportunities at sunrise than sunset.
This image is a panorama composite (two panorama images merged) from the same location.
Continue reading “Bryce Canyon National Park, Milky Way, Sunrise Point”
Bryce Canyon National Park, Sunset, Bryce Point Overlook
Due to the direction of the canyon walls, Bryce Canyon generally presents more opportunities at sunrise than sunset.
The Bryce Point Overlook provides a genuine Sunset opportunity. These images were taken at sunset on the same day.
Continue reading “Bryce Canyon National Park, Sunset, Bryce Point Overlook”
Bryce Canyon National Park, Sunrise, Bryce Point Overlook
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a fairyland of red, orange, and white hoodoos and spires. The rim elevation varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet.
Rooms in the park can be difficult to obtain, so book early.
The images in this article were taken in Late July and Early August. As is typically the case at Bryce Canyon, sunrise generally presents more opportunities than sunset.
Continue reading “Bryce Canyon National Park, Sunrise, Bryce Point Overlook”