ZION ONE

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Zion was originally named Mukuntuweap, a Paiute name meaning "straight canyon",  by the explorer John Wesley Powell, who explored much of southern Utah.. The name was later changed to Zion, derived from Hebrew,  meaning sanctuary or refuge. This change better reflected the parks stunning , beautiful landscapes,  and safe haven  for wildlife.

I made the move from near Yosemite in California in 2022 to be closer to Zion and southern Utah's red rock landscape. I had grown tired and uninspired by the Sierras, Yosemite,  and its crowds, and the greens and grays that predominate the landscape. Southern Utah was raw, the earths beginnings exposed, with open skies to the heavens. The  much warmer color palette of  reds, yellows, oranges, siennas, and umbers had been calling to me for years.  Currently  I have a 25 minute drive to the park, so I've been able to really get down to work there. I feel  I've only scratched the surface of what this  beautiful, sacred  place has to offer the  landscape photographer.  A place to walk, reflect, and photograph its magnificent beauty. A peaceful sanctuary