Photographing The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon
A waterfall cascades into the narrow confines of a slot canyon. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
When the Powell Expedition floated through this area in 1869, John Wesley Powell wrote in his journal, "The limestone of this canyon is often polished, and makes a beautiful marble. Sometimes the rocks are of many colors – whites, gray, pink, and purple, with saffron tints."
Powell mistakenly identified the rock as marble when, in fact, this section of the canyon is mostly limestone, dolomite, and sandstone. Thus, the name 'Marble Canyon' is a misnomer as the canyon has no marble.
The golden cliffs of the Grand Canyon reflect on the wet sand of Tequila Beach. Located a short distance downstream of the infamous Lava Falls Rapid, Tequila Beach is a place where many river runners have celebrated running the rapids of the mighty Colorado River by having a cold drink and reflecting upon the epic journey they have made. For those who raft the river on a regular basis, it is here at Tequila Beach that you are reminded that you're always above Lava.
Located a short distance from the Colorado River, or very long multi-day hike from the South Rim, is a side canyon containing numerous waterfalls and hanging gardens. Near this canyon's confluence with the river, Royal Arch Creek cascades into Elves Chasm.
Along the Colorado River near Tuckup Canyon, morning light reveals the texture and scale of the canyon walls as the river continues its steady course through the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. This stretch of river offers a powerful perspective on the depth, geology, and quiet beauty found deep below the rim.
Throughout the Grand Canyon, you can find hanging gardens along cliffs walls. They form in locations where water from a spring or seep flows, or sometimes drips, from the cliff face. Often, these hanging gardens have ferns and Monkey flowers, but this one was full of lush grasses that reminded me of waterfall.
A waterfall cascades into the narrow confines of a slot canyon. I had walked past this location several times on past river trips and had no idea that a waterfall was there. The canyon walls masked the sound of the water until you're almost right on top if it. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
A ribbon of light graces the upper reaches of Marble Canyon as the last light of the day fades away. As always, the Colorado River follows a meandering path on its journey through the canyon. From Nankoweap in Grand Canyon National Park.
The light of a new day finds a gap dark walls of the Inner Gorge and falls upon the cottonwood trees just upstream of Granite Rapid. From the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
Upcoming River Trip - Spots Open
There are a few spots left on my 2025 river trip through the Grand Canyon. The trip is open to photographers of all experience levels, from iPhone users to those using the latest camera gear. You can learn more about the 2025 trip by clicking on the link below.