Reversal of Fortune

I haven’t yet seen another image of this particular u-shaped bend of the Colorado River. But based on the beauty of the place, someone else must surely have been compelled to capture it. Right?! Across the canyon lies the Navajo Nation, where Points Hansbrough and Tatahatso are frequently visited and spectacularly photographed. I recently set out to try just that. I acquired a Navajo backcountry permit at the office in Cameron for two days at Point Hansbrough. I plotted the course on my gps and headed down a long bumpy dirt road toward the edge of Marble Canyon. A few miles from the canyon edge, the narrow road was blocked by two large vehicles. The occupants, locals, told me they wouldn’t allow access without booking and paying for a guided tour with their company. I argued and waved my permit. One gentleman made sure that I saw his rifle. So…after being escorted all the way back down the long bumpy dirt road, I needed a plan b. Google Earth to the rescue. I saw many other twists and turns of Marble Canyon, and access on the west side is across National Forest land. No permit or payment or booking or other hassle required. And so a new course was plotted and new ground was found. I hiked out onto a promontory overlooking this bend. There was a quiet, contemplative quality to the place. It was lonesome. If this viewpoint isn’t already named, it could aptly be called Lonesome Lookout.

 

If you’ve photographed this area, or have been to this spot or recognize it, let me know! Thanks so much.

 

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