Impression Evergreen

Zion National Park, Utah Sculpted out of the Colorado Plateau, Zion National Park is a dragon’s lair of rock towers, caves and hanging gardens. The narrow slot-canyon gradually widens to where the Virgin River escapes into the Utah desert near St. George. Looming above an emerald forest of twisted trees, orange sheer-cliffs create an intimidating profile set against the summer sky. Overhead, the morning fog has burned away and wispy clouds are arranged in a pattern of complicated design. The place is a hiker’s paradise so if the astonishing beauty doesn’t take your breath away, then climbing up to the rim certainly will. Though Zion is difficult to describe with words, luckily, the unique landscape is photogenic from every angle.

Virgin River, Utah The Virgin is an enigmatic river that sweeps through southwest Utah shaping the deep chasm at Zion National Park. Contradicting the vibrant colors of the canyon landscape, the shallow stream is a muddy brown. Cut through an arid desert, the cold river is a life-giving force offering fresh water to a diverse selection of plants and animals. The forest of arched cottonwoods is a peaceful oasis that also provides plenty of shade. The compressed end of Zion must be approached with caution as flash floods are a serious hazard. Despite drenching the hiker with peril, this awesome waterway rewards the risk with spectacular scenery at every bend.

Zion Narrows Deep inside Zion National Park, the red-rock walls start closing in. There, our first experience in the dark chasm was negotiating that startling labyrinth known as The Narrows. At first you follow a traditional pathway but after a mile, the river becomes the road. From this starting point, the shallow stream is about ankle high but before long you’re wading through water that is waist deep. Tinted a muddy green, the Virgin is an unpredictable force propelled by a swift current that gets even stronger as the canyon becomes compressed. Thunderstorms that occur miles upstream can create a dangerous situation for unsuspecting hikers in Zion. Heavy rainfall can send a powerful swell through the unforgiving gorge, trapping anything unlucky enough to be stuck inside. Fortunately, our canyoneering experience was filled with nothing but beautiful scenery and blue skies. Due to unstable footing, attaining the mysterious slot was a slippery endeavor but well worth the s

Zion Canyon “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” - Greg Anderson Zion National Park is known for its dry heat, clean air and bright colors but on this day the canyon is cool and wet. During a steady drizzle, we begin our steep ascent up the dark, weeping wall. Despite the limited light, the narrow gorge displays a wide value range. Under such conditions the desert can’t be seen in black and white, it must be expressed with a thousand shades of gray. Lofty height is earned quickly from a steady effort exerted up the long switchbacks. The far rim vanishes in a veil of dark clouds as the storm descends below and settles over the riverbed. The dangerous ravine is approached with respect but climbed with confidence. While walking a narrow line, the airy landscape is visually stunning but frightful vertigo is induced to the sensitive viewer. A slender cavern provides surprisingly dry cover during the heaviest

Zion National Park Carved out of the Colorado Plateau by powerful erosive forces, Zion Canyon is difficult to describe with words. Luckily, I found out that the lovely landscape is photogenic from every possible angle. Insulated from the surrounding desert, the deep corridor of rock towers and hanging gardens is enriched by the Virgin River. It’s a long pilgrimage to get there but reaching the righteous ravine is a religious experience. Early settlers must have agreed as they labeled the most impressive landmarks with biblical names like Court of the Patriarchs, Altar of Sacrifice and Angels Landing. No wonder the place is a Mecca for hikers from all over the world. Well-worn trails are woven throughout the National Park but at the north-end Narrows, wading through water is the only way. Splashing through the slot canyon is wet and wild but keep your fingers crossed for no flash flood. Being there on a bad weather day, really brings out the best. If the astonishing beauty

Mills Lake, Colorado "In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park." ~ Enos Mills Enos Mills was a distinguished author, photographer, nature guide, lecturer and adventurer, but he was probably best known as the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park." He promoted Colorado's pristine wilderness through his articles, books, lectures and photographs. Enos hoped to educate the public about the importance of preserving large tracts of land in the scenic mountain west. After a six-year struggle urging Congress to create such a refuge in the Northern Front Range, the national park was officially established in 1915. Dwarfed in an environment displaying breathtaking views at every turn, Mills Lake may be the prettiest place in the park. Black like an inkwell, the reservoir is exhibited at the bottom of a deep gorge that has been gouged by an artistic creek. The beautiful landscape is strewn