Walking Zion Canyon

Looking across the Virgin River, which appears benign but, according to geologists, is mainly responsible for creating Zion Canyon

Morning sunlight plays on the higher peaks

Looking back along the river

Nearly all the walk, if done in the morning, is in shade,  but there are short sunny stretches

The sky was a beautiful blue but there was a strong headwind, meaning many cyclists - I did not meet another walker until reaching the end of the free-shuttle route - were wrapped up

Sacred datura (Datura wrightii) is a poisonous member of the nightshade family that has been used by American Indians as a hallucinogen

A small landslide occurred as I was walking on the other side of the road

The sun has to be high in the sky before it reaches the lower parts of the canyon

Overhanging rock

Wild turkeys

It was not all blue sky

Trees and plants establish a roothold wherever they can

The canyon is formed of Navajo sandstone, varying from white to light pink, with discolouring caused by rain and snow-melt

Spectacular cleft

Prickly-pear cactus

Zion Canyon becomes greener as its walls close in

Eventually you can only progress with easily hired wading equipment or, like most of these people, if you do not mind getting your feet wet

Back to civilisation in Springdale, a town just outside the main entrance to Zion National Park

My father asked me to photograph a mustang - I fear this is the closest I will get