Description
I navigate the winding path of Little Wild Horse Canyon, with a year-old Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix, Cruise, who bounds ahead of me. The morning light filters through the narrow opening above, casting a warm glow on the orangey-red rock walls that tower around us.
My camera hangs ready at my side, itching to capture the breathtaking beauty of this slot canyon nestled near Goblin Valley, Utah. The March air is cool and crisp as we squeeze through the first narrow passage, I feel a sense of adventure coursing through my veins as it was my first time exploring a slot canyon.
Cruise's mismatched eyes gleam with excitement as he navigates the twisting terrain with ease. I pause to frame a shot, marveling at how the sunlight plays off the sculpted walls. The canyon's curves and crevices create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.
My fingers fiddle with camera settings, adjusting for the challenging lighting conditions. Each click of the shutter feels like I'm preserving a moment of nature's historic artistry .
As we delve deeper into the canyon, the walls close in, their surfaces smooth and undulating from centuries of water erosion. We encounter a series of dry falls, requiring some scrambling to continue our journey.
Cruise bounds up with ease, while this 56 year old has to navigate much more slowly and carefully. Each new section of the canyon reveals fresh wonders—pockets of unexpected contours, striated patterns in the rock, and the occasional sunbeam piercing through to illuminate the passage ahead. Hours seem to slip by unnoticed as we explore.
As we finally emerge from the narrows into a wider wash, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for this experience—for the solitude, the connection with nature, and the companionship of Cruise. Little Wild Horse Canyon has etched itself into my photographer's soul, a place where light, rock, and spirit intertwine in perfect harmony.
I hope it touches you and that a copy hangs on your wall some day!
Additional Information
Artists: |
Chris Earley |
Subject: |
Canyon |
Subject: |
Nature |
Orientation : |
Vertical |
Type : |
Photography |
Rights: |
Print |
