First Week of Nov. Zion Trip-Where to go

I plan on making a trip for about a week to Zion in November hoping to catch some peak color. I read that the last week of Oct. and first week of Nov. were good for autumn foliage in Zion. (I definitely want to see red.) Would anyone recommend certain spots, canyons, or trails as photo destinations for the first week of Nov. to get autumn foliage images?

I plan on hiking the Virgin Narrows and Subway, and wanted to get nice intimate leaf strewn images along rock and red maples(?) trees in particular. Any tips or gotchas about that hike from experienced members would definitely be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

AE

You're pretty much right on with your timing. The Subway colors are usually best the last week of October, trickling into November, and the main canyon is right behind it. There arent a whole lot of trees in the Narrows. Just a few scattered here and there on sand bars, most of which aren't maples. The Narrows will be quite cold in November, you'll need warm weather gear if you want to hike it. There are lots of reds and oranges in the main canyon. I'd suggest just driving along until you find patches of color that look interesting and then just set out on foot. Weeping rock and Big Bend tend to be better than others along the canyon drive. I realize you're looking for Red Maples along the river, but there just aren't many. Most maples tend to be up higher near the canyon walls, the cottonwoods tend to huddle around the water sources.

The hike into the Subway from the lower trailhead is about 3 hours one way. Be sure to use shoes for use in water as you will be crossing the stream or walking in it. I used a pair of neoprene socks inside a pair of NRS Attack shoes (also neoprene with a tough rubber sole). I wore regular hiking boots for the hike between the trailhead and streambed, and tied them onto my pack after changing into the wet shoe solution. I got to the Subway about 11AM before the sun could add light beyond the contrast range of digital or film, which happens at about 12;30-1pm. There are a few good color comps along the stream but I saved those for the hike out when the sun was in a better position to light the whole canyon.

Start the hike well before sunrise so you're at the cascades just before the subway at around 9:00am. You'll have about an hour or two of good light reflecting off the back wall before it becomes to harsh. Then, get up to the subway around 11:00am-1:00pm for the relflected light in the tunnel part of it.

On the hike up, be sure to look for the dinosaur tracks in the large piece of petrified mud on the north side of the stream. It's a little more than half way along the trail. Also, DO NOT do this hike without a permit. They do check and will attempt to track you down even after you come out. Good luck!

Tony,

Rene & I are heading out there late Oct. Do we need to get teh permits for the subway now or can we do it when we get there? Do we need permits for Kolob?

RV

Rich,

You can get the permits at the main visitors center. They allow 50 people a day (I think) and I have never had a problem getting one that time of year. Be certain you get the permit the day before since you need to start hiking well before they're open. Not sure about Kolob but I don't believe you need one. I won't make it to Zion this year. I'll be out in Nevada and CA for 9 days. Have a great time out there!