I set out on the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail in the spring, just after sunrise, on my first journey to these falls. It had been snowing the day before, and a light dusting still covered portions of the trail that did not get much sunlight.
The 3-mile hike to the falls was majestic, giving me plenty of time to absorb the beauty of the Grand Staircase environment. When I arrived at the waterfall, it became immediately evident to me that this was one of the most picturesque falls I had witnessed. The canyon surrounding the water gave off an orange glow in the morning light, and black streaks on the rocks provided an interesting contrast to the flowing white water.
I took time to survey the scene for the best composition, moving from one end to the other along the sand. I settled into one side of the falls where I could capture the canyon formation overhead, along with the cottonwood trees across the water, with a wide-angle lens.
I usually tend towards close-up shots when I visit waterfalls. Still, I was moved by the entire scene within the canyon this morning, given how the light illuminated so many elements. I slowed down my shutter just enough to showcase the silky white of the falls as the water leapt from the rocks at the top and trickled along them below.
The moment invigorated me, feeling the chilly spray of the falls among the grandeur of the surrounding canyon. It is a place that encapsulates the unique natural wonders found in Utah and certainly somewhere I will venture back to later.
