In my last post, I talked about the subtle beauty along the Paria River in southern Utah. It doesn’t take one long to realize just how big this place is too. You begin hiking in the river bed, but at this point the canyon is broad, maybe half a mile across. However, as you hike downstream, the walls narrow and swell upward, leaving you in a canyon of literally inescapable beauty.
Near the confluence of the Paria River and Buckskin Gulch, you reach Sliderock Arch.
Sliderock Arch I, March 2011
Sliderock is hardly an arch in the way we normally think about an arch. Rather than being eroded by wind and water, Sliderock Arch was formed when a large piece of sandstone fell from the wall above, hit the river bed, and leaned up against the wall. Let me give you a sense of scale. The opening of the arch, on the left, is about 20′ × 20′. The righthand “arm” of the arch is about 40′ wide. This is one big piece of rock.
Although the Paria Narrows may not be as narrow as other canyons in the southwest, they rival any canyon in immensity.
Greg – This is a great image and even though I have not seen this place for myself, it seems to tell its story well. The lighting in the background really helps the midground arch stand out, adding depth and interest to the image. Nice work!
Another great image from your Paria trip, Greg! I need to add this hike to my list next time I’m in the area. I’m really looking forward to more images (and writeups) from your trip.
Beautiful image Greg. The arch seems to convey the immensity of the wall it supports. Another good expample of less is more.
As with the Sequoias, it’s hard to distill the sense of smallness one feels in these places, but you’ve done it well.
Thanks for the post; it brings back lots of memories. I remember camping on the rim of the canyon once, it was so peaceful. I hope to go back someday.
Thanks for all the comments, guys! I appreciate hearing your thoughts an impressions.
Russ, you’re really correct: capturing the immensity of some places can be a real challenge. I think a fundamental mistake is to try fitting *everything* in the frame. Some things say, “boy, that’s big” when they’re only partially revealed…
Robert, I can imagine that it would be peaceful on the rim of the canyon…I wouldn’t imagine a lot of people go up there, considering everyone wants to be in the bottom. I bet there are some great photo opportunities too!
Lovely image Greg and a nice tale.. The shot works well as it is, but perhaps a good case for a scale reference. like a human. Nice to wake up at 4:30am and have some Utah to look at!
Thank you, Greg for bringing these stories of canyon haunts back home for others to see for the first time or to be reminded of their beauty and solace. Excellent photographs and narrative.
Hi Greg.
Aside from both parts of the series containing lovely images, your words help broaden our understanding of the place and the thoughts expressed certainly are appropriate to one place or many. For those of us who don’t get to experience these places, it is important to have an articulate and knowledgeable guide. Nice job.
Looking forward to part three.
Thanks for the comments, David, Alister, and Steve!
Alister, you’re right, a human in there would have made for an interesting image, as well as something useful as a sense of scale. Its something I thought about, but as I’ll imply in part 3, it proved a little difficult, in a comical sense.
How’s that for a teaser? 😀
Very beautiful shot, Greg. Dirck’s daughter is hiking through Utah right now. It is such a wondrous place.
Sharon
Just to make you feel better Greg, I did bite on your teaser and read part 3 before commenting… 🙂
I do have to agree with other comments that a person in the above photo would have sold the immenseness of the place. Timer and a tromp across the muddy river would have done it! It’s easy to forget when we’re out hiking by ourselves that there is always one model available for including in the photo…us.
Wonderful images regardless. Yet another addition to the bucket visit list…