Wild Zion
This blog post is the first in a series of posts relating to new fine art prints I am introducing of Zion National Park. The theme of the new art prints is Wild Zion: Celebrating out of the way and less traveled locations in the park. Some prints, like this one, are from images I rediscovered while scouring my archives looking for stunning photographs I have taken in past years but had not yet spent the time to turn into a real fine art print. Others are from more recent times.
The one here, Archangel Falls, is from my hike to the Subway feature. While this place is certainly known, it is less traveled than other places in the park and requires a permit to hike it. You can read about my adventure on this entire hike in my earlier blog post titled: Subway Pools. This post will focus specifically on the Archangel Falls and the fine art print of the same title.
Archangel Falls
Archangel Falls is a series of small cascading sandstone steps that the water traverses along the left fork of the North River. It is not far from the Subway feature in Zion National Park. In fact, if you are going bottom-up to the Subway, you will reach these falls only a short distance before the Subway.
Most people will hike along this route specifically to see the Subway but definitely take your time when you get here to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, the striking overhanging rock cliff, and all the small waterfalls cascading over the sandstone.
The shot below was taken on my way back from the Subway. The falls at this point are now in sun. Not ideal for photography, but it gives a good overview of the falls showing the long series of cascading steps. On the way to the Subway, they were in shade, making for better photographs as you will see.
In and Around the Falls
I did not bring a tripod on this hike because of the extra weight over the long hike. You need to bring plenty of water, you can’t drink filtered water from the stream because of toxic algae, which adds to the weight you need to carry. Without a tripod, you will be somewhat limited in your creative opportunities for photography, so I recommend bringing one despite the extra weight.
Why is a tripod necessary? It is because you want to use a longer exposure to capture the smoothness of the water. Additionally, many shots require a smaller aperture for focus depth, which pushes up the exposure time. But I can say, thank goodness for the incredible ability of the in-body stabilization features of newer cameras.
You may even catch a glimpse of an American Dipper, the bird that walks underneath the water. It is the only truly aquatic songbird. The first time I saw one, I was shocked and amazed to see this thing shoot up from under the water and take flight. I observed it for a while as it would dive into the water, swim around for a while under the water searching for food, and shoot back into the air, over and over.
Archangel Falls: The Fine Art Print
One photograph of these falls really stood out to me. It is the fine art print below, available for purchase here.
Why I love it. I love the warm orange-red tones of the sandstone complemented by the beautiful greens of the surrounding foliage. It combines the right depth of field to capture sharp details throughout, with enough exposure time to smooth the water. I love the cascading waterfalls in the foreground with the sweeping, curving cliff face above it.
There are two somewhat different colors of rock, the unusual horizontal and vertical striped rock, below the overhanging more traditional red sandstone rock above it. The flow of the scene makes for a wonderful composition leading the eye up and to the right towards the cliff face which then takes the viewer back to the left behind the foliage only to imagine what lies beyond the foliage. The viewer is thus immersed in the scene.
If You Go
This hike is fairly well known and easy to follow. It is not particularly difficult except for the length and the steep climb out near the end on the return portion. Here are some tips if you plan to do this hike:
- You will need permits which can be obtained here.
- It is long, 10 miles round trip and may take 7 – 10 hours.
- Bring plenty of water. At least 3 liters.
- Your feet will get wet, especially as you get close to the Subway. Bring shoes that can handle it or bring a change of shoes. Consider water shoes and possibly neoprene socks.
- If you plan on doing photography, bring a tripod and possibly a 3 or 6 stop neutral density filter. For waterfalls, try to keep the exposure time over 1 second if possible.
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