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The Narrows — two hikers stand among boulders at the bend of a deep slot canyon in Zion National Park, sandstone walls rising around them

field notes from —

The Narrows

Zion National Park · Utah

Long before Randy and I had kids, we explored The Narrows when Zion National Park had half the visitors of today. All senses are impacted when stepping into this thrilling adventure. You feel dwarfed by the immense walls of red rock stained by eons of weather; intimidated, you look upward for the light and are comforted by the ribbon of blue sky; adrenaline rises as the cold river water rushes around your legs; the smell of moist earth fills the air as you plunge forward into the unknown. We knew then that this was a place to bring our kids someday, and now that we have, I am so happy that they want to share it too.

The artist with companions at a quiet bend of the Virgin River, hikers wading across the shallow current, canyon walls rising behind them
standing right here is where it starts
Hikers crossing the river beneath an immense overhanging sandstone wall in the Narrows
up the river, one slow step at a time
Reference photograph for The Light — a vertical view up the slot canyon, hikers tiny at the base, light pouring down from above
this is what made me come back to paint it

All senses are impacted when stepping into this adventure.

These days, you'll need to plan ahead. Avoid holidays. We made the mistake of showing up on Memorial Day weekend and it was so crowded that we kept going and came back during the week. You need to check the weather to make sure there isn't rain upstream. Flash floods have been deadly here. Beyond that, my best advice is to have walking sticks or hiking poles so you don't fall, face down in the river like I did… And I was almost at the end!

Springdale is the town right outside the southwest entrance. Here, you can go to an equipment outfitter, dine at one of the many restaurants, or find a place to stay. Now we boondock (free camp) nearby, but whether you plan to camp or stay in a resort, plan ahead. Below is a sample itinerary that should give you some ideas. Even though it is for three days, you could easily fill five days with activities.

View the sample itinerary →

Here's a map of the area.

The Narrows · Zion National Park, Utah

In most cases, you'll be required to take the tram. We did. It is an efficient way to get around the park. I have yet to hike Angels Landing. I know it's dangerous. I'll hang on tight when I can find someone to hike with me. LOL!

Anyway, Zion National Park and The Narrows will keep us coming back again and again. It will be my forever muse.

painting one —

The Light

Oil on wood panel, 48 × 60 × 2 inches, self-framed with stained wood edges

While we hiked back and forth through the North Fork of the Virgin River, clouds often cast cool shadows upon the canyon. Unfortunately, it was time to turn around, so we reversed course in time to see sunlight illuminate a lone pine tree. It felt glorious, like a gift from God. I vowed to capture that moment.

The Light — oil painting of a slot canyon at Zion with a shaft of light at the back, water reflecting orange and gold below. A small red dot in the lower right indicates this painting has sold.
Detail of The Light — close-up showing brushwork on the canyon walls and water
up close — where the marks become canyon wall
The Light hanging in a home above a piece of furniture
in a room, where light meets light

painting two —

Turning Back

Oil on wood panel, 32 × 30 inches, self-framed with stained wood edges

With reluctance, this is the point where most people turn back, because continuing forward means swimming or wading through chest-high water. The upside is that you get to see the canyon you just traversed from a different perspective, and new vistas await. Once, I stood where they are and looked up to see the magnificent scene that would become The Light.

Turning Back — oil painting of two small figures at the threshold of a narrowing slot canyon, water green and warm light from the slot above. A small red dot in the corner marks this painting as not currently available.
Detail of Turning Back — brushwork close-up showing the canyon's textured walls
Detail: hiking through the light
Turning Back installed in a home interior
Where would you hang it?

painting three —

Eons

Oil on canvas, 20 × 16 inches unframed, 22 × 18 inches framed

I first referred to this as "cupcake rock," but it seems much too frivolous a name for such a stunning scene. I don't often put people in my landscapes, but in this case, they establish for the viewer the scale of the massive boulders.

Eons — oil painting of a boulder-strewn canyon with small figures wading into the river
Detail of Eons — brushwork close-up showing the painted boulders and water
Detail: confident strokes of light and dark
Eons installed in a home interior
Fine art fills the soul

before you go —

Get a free coloring page from Zion Canyon.

A painted place deserves time spent with it. Drop your email and I'll send you a printable page to color.

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driving out —

Driving east through the park, make sure your rig fits through the tunnel. New rules! There's a great short hike just on the other side of the tunnel and lots more to see. We're going to boondock on the east side of the park. We shall return!

Driving into the Mt. Carmel tunnel, Zion National Park
into the tunnel
Driving out the other side of the Mt. Carmel tunnel
out the other side
The 'Leaving Zion National Park' sign at the park boundary
and the sign that always comes too soon

also from this trip —

someday —

I want to bring a small group back here with paintbrushes. If that sounds like something you'd want to be part of —