BEARTRAP CANYON LOOP 
Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

The open valley above Willis Creek looking southwest. It's time to leave the official trail and head into the hills.

Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

Hiking up the steep saddle: slippery pine needles, then bushwhacking
the dreaded gamble oak shrubs. This part was NOT fun...

Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

500 feet up from the bottom of Willis Creek, we get a great view into the mysterious Chasm Lake.

Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

Looking south from the saddle down into Beartrap. Yeah, it's all downhill from here!

Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

Down in the beautiful dry streambed of Beartrap Canyon. Water
starts flowing about halfway down the canyon.

Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

Typical of the canyons in the Kolob section, upper Beartrap is quite overgrown with lush vegetation.

Beartrap Canyon Loop photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2004 Joe Braun Photography

The scenery is beautifully subtle, much like the upper sections of the North Fork of the Virgin River.