The Maze

One of the most remote and wild places in North America, the Maze district of Canyonlands National Park defies description, in words or images. Merely being there feels like an adventure, exciting the senses and the imagination. Its sheer scale is sufficient to strike awe and humility in any mortal visitor. Add the difficult access, the pristine raw beauty of a land almost entirely unspoiled by industry, the remoteness and solitude, and the majestic overpowering silence, and you can start to understand the transforming power of the place.

Recently, I was fortunate to not only spend time in this incredible land, but to do so in the company of great friends – Michael Gordon, and Steve Cole – who, like me, share a reverence for the wild and a deep desire to explore and experience the sights and the spirit of the desert. We stayed in various parts of The Maze for about a week, and had only two brief encounters with other people. The rest of the time was spent hiking, admiring the breathtaking scenery, discovering evidence of ancient cultures, and oftentimes just lost in deep thought and engulfed in the magic all around us.

Shot Canyon

As mentioned, images will pale in comparison with the experience of actually being there. Moreover, this was not really a photography trip. We did not scout locations or wait for the light. The goal was to get ourselves out there, away from the humdrum, and just be in our element. With that in mind, the trip was an overwhelming success and the memories will undoubtedly remain vivid in our minds for the rest of our lives.

Michael posted some of his own notes on his blog (here and here). It never needed saying but somewhere inside we all know we will be back there again as soon as time and circumstances permit.