Many canyon walks have little nooks providing interesting areas of light and shadow. I rarely search for vista shots as often the view is blocked by bush. In any case it doesn’t contain the detail I’m searching for in an image. But there are four main elements to this image that draw me in. Firstly the light and shadow - especially reflecting off the ferns in the middle. Secondly the textural variations which includes the roots, rock wall, horizontal (vanishing) steps and among the foliage. Thirdly, the framing of image provided by the sloping rock wall and the collapsing tree and roots on the right and the leaves above. Fourthly the leading nature of the steps adding a sense of direction and a little mystery.