Shuttle Information

To get there, hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle from the Zion Visitor Center. The shuttle runs from early morning, so you can catch the first light without breaking a sweat. Get off at Stop #4 (Court of the Patriarchs) and walk along the service road until you reach the Virgin River!

Or, if you ‘re staying at the Zion Lodge and stuffed yourself at the breakfast buffet like I did, it’s a short walk to the Court of the Patriarchs, so you may want to burn off some calories with a morning stroll!

Long Exposure Photography with the Virgin River

For those silky-smooth water effects, long exposure photography is your best friend. Set your camera on a tripod, use a slow shutter speed, and watch as the Virgin River turns into a dreamy, flowing ribbon of light.

Water Accessories

To get those perfect shots, you'll need a few water accessories:

• Waterproof Camera Bag: Keep your gear safe from splashes and accidental dips.

• Waterproof Shoes or Sandals: Because who wants soggy socks?

• Polarizing Filter: This will help reduce glare and enhance the colors of the sky and water.

• Cloth: Your lens will likely get water droplets on it from the river, so keep a cloth handy to wipe it dry.

Sunrise at the Court of the Patriarchs

Imagine this: you're perched at the Court of the Patriarchs just as the first rays of sunlight kiss the iconic sandstone peaks named after biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The sky transforms into a canvas of warm hues, contrasting beautifully with the cool shadows of the valley below. No Instagram filter necessary!