The Weeping Wall

The Virgin River is seen here flowing through the red sandstone of Zion National Park in southern Utah USA. From slow draining water the dark patina baked onto the red stone creates a weeping effect which is quite beautiful.

The Virgin River is 165.5 miles long and is a part of the Colorado River Tributary System and in 2009 was designated by by Congress to be part of the National Wild And Scenic Rivers System. Taking over 13 million years the Virgin River has slowly carved its way down through the red sandstone of what is now called Zion National Park. In the process nature and the forces of erosion have created some of the most breathtaking and memorable scenery in the United States. Also the section of the river called "The Narrows" is touted as one of the most premier hiking adventures in the USA and possibly the world.

The Virgin River Ecosystem supports many species of wildlife and rare plant communities. Desert Bighorn Sheep and the Mexican Spotted Owl are common as well as Ringtail Cats, Bobcats, Foxes, Squirrel, Rabbits and more. The Cottonwood and Willow trees require a lot of water so they do well growing along the banks of the river.

Because this river is wild and unobstructed with man made dams its truly free flowing and so there is the seasonal flooding that goes on year to year which is affected by climate. The natural river processes include meander migration with vegetative recruitment and successive plant propagation. The floods are able to change and reform the river banks which can open the door to new growth patterns and other benefits its what I would call rejuvenation.

This photo was taken in "The Narrows" it was crowded at the time so I had to wait a while to get people less pictures. All in all it was a wonderful experience!