Vermillion Danger
Canyon X is the newest slot canyon tour in the Antelope Canyon region outside Page, Arizona. Located on Navajo Reservation lands, the tours are operated by tribal organizations, and they are closely managed.
The slot canyons are unique geologic formations which are far narrower than they are tall. Steep cuts in the sandstone, which catch an amazing amount of light in the mid-day to create fantastic visions of contour, color, and texture. Their depth and narrow passages can be deadly in inclement weather, where heavy rains anywhere in the region can cause flash flooding to quickly fill the slots, sending torrents of water at high velocity through the passages. In 1997, this canyon held a tragic end for 12 people who were touring on an otherwise acceptable day. No rain fell directly in this area, but the wash from rains at higher elevation quickly overtook their group, leaving only one survivor, badly bruised and battered.
Interestingly, the color vermillion, featured so prominently here, has in its history an element of danger, as it was originally derived from the mineral cinnabar, which contains toxic mercury. Here, it is the color of the light on the sandstone that causes this hue, and not the toxic mercury.
Recognition:
Semi-finalist - North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase 2023
Accepted for Display - APR 2023 Darkroomers Photographic Club, San Diego, CA
Vermillion Danger
Canyon X is the newest slot canyon tour in the Antelope Canyon region outside Page, Arizona. Located on Navajo Reservation lands, the tours are operated by tribal organizations, and they are closely managed.
The slot canyons are unique geologic formations which are far narrower than they are tall. Steep cuts in the sandstone, which catch an amazing amount of light in the mid-day to create fantastic visions of contour, color, and texture. Their depth and narrow passages can be deadly in inclement weather, where heavy rains anywhere in the region can cause flash flooding to quickly fill the slots, sending torrents of water at high velocity through the passages. In 1997, this canyon held a tragic end for 12 people who were touring on an otherwise acceptable day. No rain fell directly in this area, but the wash from rains at higher elevation quickly overtook their group, leaving only one survivor, badly bruised and battered.
Interestingly, the color vermillion, featured so prominently here, has in its history an element of danger, as it was originally derived from the mineral cinnabar, which contains toxic mercury. Here, it is the color of the light on the sandstone that causes this hue, and not the toxic mercury.
Recognition:
Semi-finalist - North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase 2023
Accepted for Display - APR 2023 Darkroomers Photographic Club, San Diego, CA