blurry - it was almost dark when I started out at 6:20 am
from the front side, looking over the river after ascending numerous switchbacks
curving around to the back through the slot canyons
every corner brought some new breathtaking view
sunrise - at 6:55 am the light hits the mountaintops
the trail then ascended along the back, away from the river
then back to the front for a last breathtaking ascent
on the plateau approaching Observation Point; this is looking off to the west I believe
Observation Point - incredible!!!
Angel's Landing (the formation at middle left); a difficult hike over the ridge through the center of the photo
top of Angel's Landing - steep dropoffs on either side on the last 0.5 mile of that hike
chipmunk at Observation Point - no fear of the edge!
Tammy at Observation Point
two women who arrived at the top after me; their camera had no memory left so I shot this photo for them
flowers seen on the way back down
on the way down
vivid rock colors
interesting erosion patterns in the sandstone
numerous slot canyons dot the landscape
slot canyon
Echo Canyon
exiting Echo Canyon
looking down to the bottom of Echo Canyon at the exit
back on the front side where the river is
another slot canyon as I descend to the river
switchbacks that I will descend shortly
sheer rock face above the switchbacks - incredible!
back down at the bottom
hike to Weeping Rock - Datura flower (hallucinogenic, apparently)
Weeping Rock
water dripping from Weeping Rock
Virgin River at the Grotto
Kayenta trail to Lower Emerald Pool
waterfall at Lower Emerald Pools
Lower Emerald Pool
large dead beetle on the trail (it was about an inch long)
Court of the Patriarchs
Canyon relief map (observation point is marked)
