Four days in Zion: April 2009, it was my first time
I got everything I could handle and then some: All sorts of cloud and mist, bright skies to dull, rain and even snow showers. The light was incredible and the spring greens were fresh and bright. It was unseasonably cold Spring weather with the snow showers and morning frost a couple of days but I loved it. We even got snow showers with the sun shining on me at the same time. We thought we would be able to wade up the Narrows but the river is just too high in the spring so the next time it will be a fall tip. It was all I could have asked for and then some.

I found it most difficult to shoot in the main canyon because the walls are so steep and the canyon so narrow. This makes the canyon and sky light range tricky. I can see why the famous shot are often taken from climbed up elevations here, which is something I did little of. For the eyes and snapshots it really should not be missed. We splurged and stayed at the main lodge in a cabin for the 4 nights.

The east road, east of the long tunnel was much easier to work with because there was more space and sky available. Parking is quite limited so it was so good to be there in April because those spots would be always gone in summer.

I so recommend going over to the Kolob Terrace entrance. It’s huge and there are incredible roadside views. It is much less visited—just a few cars passed us. There is not even a fee station. The high terraces and plateaus were so intense visually and we got into about 4 inches of fresh snow by the time we got up high.

A short highway drive north of the terrace road is the northern Kolob Canyon road. It is just a short drive in to the canyon walls which takes you to several of the best roadside views in the park.

I have never seen so many shooters with decent to pro equipment. Everybody is shooting with at least point and shoots. There are just wonderful views everywhere. At one point in Kolob Terrace, I found myself just spinning around and shooting at every direction. At the end of the third day I actually reached a point of visual overload. There was so much to see and 4 days with the family just was not enough time.

I would love to go in the fall and have several days to a week by myself without the family. I got to be such a pain asking again and again for stops, detours and delays but that light and those views just would not quit.