One of the highlights of my trip to S Utah was to hike to Neon Canyon and see the Golden Cathedral, which I did. Desert flowers were in full bloom, and with temps in the 60s, the hike was quite pleasant. Very much enjoyed the hike, and was rewarded with perfect light at the Golden Cathedral, with sunlight hitting the canyon wall just outside of the frame and provided brillant golden colors. This image has only minimal enhancements to the raw file. Arriving at Neon Canyon just 1 hour later would have been too late, as the sun began encroaching on this image with 10 more minutes after this was shot.
Very much want to explore other areas in the Escalante area, but feel this 11 mile, 7 hour hike (did not go cross country but followed the Fence Canyon trail) was truely worth the effort. Began the hike around 830-9am and arrived at Neon Canyon around 1215, with last shots around 1245 --- anytime after about 1pm sunlight would encroach on this shot), arrived back at car at 4pm.
Even though this shot obviously has been done many times before, still enjoyed experiencing this feature in person, just amazing. This was my 1st trip to the Grand Staircase - Escalante area and I was truely overwhelmed with the land and features, and the potential for photography.
One cautionary note, at this time do not attempt to traverse the upper Neon Canyon route, the route used by the rappellers to drop through the potholes. A dangerous and very potentially deadly "keeper" pothole has developed with lower water. This is well posted but bears mentioning, if you are into that and plan to hike the route, investigate the warnings posted on numerous mountaineering forums.
Wonderful image Timothy! And like the others, this is high on my list of spots to get to someday! Glad you liked the Grand Staircase-Escalante area. I've come to fall in love with it the past couple years myself. So much to see! Looking forward to seeing more images from your trip!
Neat shot, Timothy. Reminds me of my hike in there. I went on Labor Day weekend about 5 years when I was still shooting 6x7. It was about 98 degrees in the shade.
Some words of caution to future hikers: make mental notes, or real notes about the trail on the way in. I found the wrong trail on the way out twice before I finally located the right trail. GPS doesn't always work in narrow canyons so it is not something to rely on solely. Having said that, I suppose the trail may have seen more use by now and might be easier to see, although maybe not. Maybe it was the heat
Posted by Kalin Wilson on May 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Great shot, Timothy. I was in Escalante last weekend but opted to skip Neon canyon due to the distance after two prior days of hiking into slots. I kinda wish I'd done it, it's neat to see your shot and hear your tale. Congrats!
Discussion
14 repliesVery much want to explore other areas in the Escalante area, but feel this 11 mile, 7 hour hike (did not go cross country but followed the Fence Canyon trail) was truely worth the effort. Began the hike around 830-9am and arrived at Neon Canyon around 1215, with last shots around 1245 --- anytime after about 1pm sunlight would encroach on this shot), arrived back at car at 4pm.
Hopefully you enjoy the image!
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be getting that far; looks like Capitol Reef is my destination this time around.
Even though this shot obviously has been done many times before, still enjoyed experiencing this feature in person, just amazing. This was my 1st trip to the Grand Staircase - Escalante area and I was truely overwhelmed with the land and features, and the potential for photography.
One cautionary note, at this time do not attempt to traverse the upper Neon Canyon route, the route used by the rappellers to drop through the potholes. A dangerous and very potentially deadly "keeper" pothole has developed with lower water. This is well posted but bears mentioning, if you are into that and plan to hike the route, investigate the warnings posted on numerous mountaineering forums.
Some words of caution to future hikers: make mental notes, or real notes about the trail on the way in. I found the wrong trail on the way out twice before I finally located the right trail. GPS doesn't always work in narrow canyons so it is not something to rely on solely. Having said that, I suppose the trail may have seen more use by now and might be easier to see, although maybe not. Maybe it was the heat
This is definitely on my list to do sometime, though with gas prices climbing as they are it may be a while.