My Simi-Definitive Guide to Photographing the Narrows
The further I hike up the Narrows the more I realize how much it is an oasis in the desert. The lower part of the narrows are generally very tall, with sparce amounts of vegetation relatively speaking. The further up one travels, the experience changes. The canyon, still deep seems to allow for more light to creep its way down. Because of this the plants begin to show up in higher numbers and the walls turn into a landscape of hanging gardens. When combined with the canyon glow of the deep, it makes for a truly magical experience.
The Plan
There are a couple ways you can photograph the Narrows of Zion National Park. The simplest is to simply show up and hope for the best. Not a bad strategy but will reduce overall success. If that is what you want to do, go for it. If this is you skip the rest of this post and I will see you in the canyon.
If that is not you keep reading.
Time and Year
We as humanity collectively recognize four seasons, functionally there are only three for photographing the Narrows. Those are winter, summer and fall. From about March to the end of May (sometimes into June) the Narrows closed to hikers due to high water levels.
Once the Narrows hits 150cfs it closes no matter the time of year. And that number is pretty much reached all spring.
That leaves from January to March (sort of, see note above) and June through December.
Winter
During Winter, expect foliage to be minimal with a few pine trees being the odd men showing their green. Deep canyon glow to be generally reduced but ice to be prevalent throughout the canyon. Areas that will have some of the most spectacular ice formations include the inflow from Mystery Canyon, anywhere in Orderville Canyon, the boulder at the base of Imlay Canyon, and the spring on river left soon after the Imlay Canyon inflow. Thsi spring is called Hiccup Spring. I don't recommend going about this as there is a huge deep pool af this point. During the summer it is neck deep on me and I an 6' 2''. In the winter you would need to have a dry bag, and for sure a dry suite for getting in the water to get past this point.
I find photographing during the winter to be surprisingly nice as the crowds are few and far between and for once you have time to work a scene without people in the shot.
I recommend hiking the narrows in the winter on a sunny day from 10AM till 4PM Anything before this time or after, the colors and light are simply lacking.
Summer
In many ways summer (June- Early October) is the best time to photograph the Narrows. The water is cool and the air is warm. Because the sun is high, the light reaches deep into the canyon. this creates ample opportunities for warm reflected light.
The true challenges for summer photography are the crowds and the monsoons. Crowds start early in Zion and the front half of the canyon will be filled with people. These crowds thin out around Orderville canyon and functionally drop away at Hiccup Springs. Above Hiccup Springs the canyon is hard to navigate until Big Springs which is your turn around point.
After people, the next challenge is the monsoons. Monsoons pick up in July and run through September and Sometimes into October. Most of the time they are not deadly, but the key phrase is most of the time. If there are major flash floods warnings issued or expected to be issues in Zion, do not go up the Narrows.
Always check weather before you go.
This photo feels like summer comfort. Warm water, green plants and the light warm glow of the sun reflecting off a neighboring wall. It makes for a relatively pleasant image that shows the texture complexity of the narrows. It also proves that even in the lower canyon where people are abundant, there are small scenes that can be captures that remind you that wilderness can be found in small pockets.
Fall
Fall in the Narrows begins around mid October but peaks early November. Colors can be found all the way into mid to late November, and rarely into December, but don't plan on it.
Fall in the narrows is the crown jewel of the Zion experience. It can be truly spectacular. Reflected light is still quite nice this time of year. Crowds have thinned and great fall colors can be found throughout the canyon. I have done up to Orderville in the fall multiple times but never beyond that points, so I can't say what the canyon is like up above.
The Narrows is one of my favorite places to photograph and when there is a bit of fall colors it is even better.
Photographic Gear
Technically anything works but these are my recommendations.
- Tripod- Make sure its sturdy to withstand the current. Flimsy things will lock up, fail and cause to many problems.
- 16-35mm lens or equivalent
- 70-200mm lens or equivalent.
- Not having a telephoto means you will miss out on a variety of upper canyon compositions. Bring one just in case.
- Polarizer
In a recent adventure up the Narrows of Zion I was surprised to finally find the time of day to photograph this rock. I have tried for years now and have been unsuccessful, but after going up way further then I have ever gone, I came by this rock much later in the day than I normally do. I guess that was the trick, because I got here while there was spectacular light bouncing off the walls. I guess you have to push yourself some times to get the desired outcome.
Let me just say right now, polarizers are not necessary but are exceptionally useful. I wouldn't bother with and ND filters. I have never needed one. It doesn't mean they cant be useful in the right moment.
Light and Composition
The narrows is famous for a few reasons but the most notable for photographers is the canyon glow. When light strikes a canyon wall and bounces off to its neighboring wall it creates a soft warm glow. This is canyon glow. I highly recommend utilizing this.
The narrows has ample opportunities for unique images if you know how to be creative. For larger scenes try to emphasize depth and motion of the water and canyon. For smaller scenes tell stores that move viewers or at least yourself.
Notes On Repeat
The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the best places to photograph. I enjoyed fall colors this day as I wandered through the slippery boulders of the Virgin River. This wall is surprisingly iconic.
Much of the lower Narrows has been photographed extensively. Putting a random rock in the foreground wont make your images unique, in fact it kind of makes them look like any image that has ever been created by a photographer on their first trip into the canyon. Accept this and try to be true to what you find appealing. Try to create visual narratives that bring you joy. I have a handful of awful images that wall into landscape tropes that I created in the Narrows because I though they had to be composed a certain way.
If you only have once chance to ever see and photograph the narrows, do a trope or two, but also try to do your won thing. Create an image or two that isn't for the gram but for you.
