How far do you go for your photographs?

As travel photographers, we never have enough time at a location. We have to face the weather and make the best of any situation. The last time I went to Canyonlands National Park, I had to compromise between False Kiva and Aztec Butte. I chose False Kiva and I have not regretted it. False Kiva is one of my all-time favorite photographs. Even NASA linked this picture from APOD.

When I found myself in Moab again, I decided to visit Aztec Butte. Making our way into Canyonlands took about twice as long as I had anticipated, since ice covered the road that lead into the park. I slid so badly, that I decided to use my chains. I finally got to the trail about one hour after I had planned.

The Ranger at the entrance station told me not to try the trek since ice covered the steep slick rock on the butte.

Going up

I did not come all this way just to turn back. Dani and I made our way through the deep snow to the butte. The first part of the climb was not as steep, but about two thirds into the climb, we came to several steep sections that were completely covered with ice. I made my way up on my knees using our tripods as anchors. I then inched along a ledge as wide as two fingers. I pulled Dani up and we finally found a way to the top of the butte, which was not the trail.

Climbing around the rock we found the Granary under a ledge and had to fight our way down through a snow bank as high as my chest.

Falling Down

Imagine our disappointment when we found the butte mutilated by careless visitors and partially reconstructed. However, coming up here after a recent snow blow, we found fresh snow in the alcove. No footprints would disturb an otherwise perfect photograph. It would have been even better were it not for the idiots who destroyed it partially.

Well, it really is true, climbing down is always harder than going up, since you do not see where you are going. I slipped once and barely caught my fall on a slope after about 6 feet. When Dani slipped I caught her, but we almost ended up falling down together. I had to apologize, but it was well worth the effort.