Descending into the canyon
Leisa leading on the use trail


Past the dino prints, the canyon started to get narrower. Another mile upstream, we ran into the first cascade. These are gentle shelves of red rock with sheets of water washing over them. The whole canyon was picturesque. We walked up the cascades and learned to avoid the black algae growing on the rock. It was less slippery to stay on red rock, even if there was more water flowing over it. After a longer set of cascades, we came to a 10' waterfall. It was easiest to go up on the right side of the waterfall. A few more twists in the canyon and we arrived at The Subway. The curved walls start wide, then close in, maybe 20' apart. Water has carved pools out of the floor creating some interesting effects. We continued further until we ran into a pool that was too deep to get over without swimming. I wanted to continue up to the next waterfall, but didn't have extra dry clothes with me. An oversight. We turned around and started back, looking for a place to rest and refuel. We had no trouble finding the exit point, but it was a hot climb out. My GPS clocked just over 10 miles for the round trip. It was a great hike to one of Zions many attractions.
Alcove waterfall




Algae in the pools and on the walls creates eerie lighting effects, even with my low end photo gear

Swimmers only past here