Maple & Oak Trees, Echo Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah

This autumn color photograph was captured along Echo Canyon in Zion National Park. The elevation of the valley floor of Zion Canyon is 4,200 feet above sea level, making it one of the lowest elevations in Utah. Combined with the park’s location near the southern boundary of the state, this causes the trees in the park to shed their leaves in mid November; much later than other locations within Utah. The exact date depends on precipitation and temperature patterns during the preceding summer season. These maples and oak trees along Echo Canyon are located about 1,000 feet above the floor of Zion Canyon and usually reach their peak of color in early November.