“There’s a rattlesnake up ahead,” the man said, eying the camera I’d slung around my neck before I set off on my hike. “Just thought you’d want to know.”
“Really?” Wow. That hadn’t taken long. I’d been in Tucson about four hours, and already people were warning me about snakes. I adjusted the brim of my baseball cap so it blocked the afternoon sun, then tugged one of the straps of my backpack, sliding it off my shoulder. “I’d better change lenses, then. Where is it?”
The man’s wife grinned in understanding, her eyes mirroring the enthusiasm that must have been in my own, while the guy half-turned away from me and gestured up the narrow gravel path. “Up there about a hundred feet. On the left.”
I thanked them and nodded goodbye as they passed, then dug my telephoto out of my day pack, which was now hanging from the crook of my arm. I pushed my discarded lens into a thick sock to protect it, then gently rolled it into the bag.
Camera clutched in my hands tourist-style, I crept along the trail, alert for any movement, heart hammering in a rhythm that was half nervousness, half excitement. I passed several statuesque saguaro, then a cactus flower blooming a cheerful hot pink in the April sunshine, and made a mental note of both. I’d come back after I found the snake.
Only, there was no snake. I went my hundred feet, more, and…nothing. Disappointed at missing such an opportunity, I changed to my macro lens (for closeups) and strode back to the flower I’d seen. At least it had stayed put for me, posing prettily all the while.
Once on the trail again, I paused often for pictures. One such stop required a few illicit steps off the path, but the flowers were worth it. And just ten to fifteen feet further were more, clusters of huge lavender thistles and delicate cactus blossoms.
Already planning how best to photograph the flowers, I picked my way through the shrubs and rocks, then stopped short — three steps from a Western diamondback. It was coiled behind a paddle cactus, its tail hidden and silenced, its slitted eyes watching me warily.
Adrenaline washed through my paralyzed body in a cold tide. A cacophony of unprintable words screamed in my mind. Slowly, steadily, keeping one eye on the snake, I backed up, foot by careful foot.
Around a bend and out of sight I slid my pack off my shoulders, pulled it open with trembling fingers, and located my telephoto lens.
Pit viper or not, that snake was mine.
Excitement, fear, adrenaline — something had my hands quaking so violently I knew I’d never get a clear shot without help, so I yanked my tripod out next, opened it at top speed, and fastened my camera into place. I lowered the pack to the ground and swiveled back toward the bushes where the snake hid, then slunk forward, hoping that the rattler hadn’t fled, that I was not too late.
It hadn’t, and I wasn’t.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Click here or on picture for larger image.
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About Me
I am the stay-at-home mother to a toddler nicknamed Sunshine. During nap times I write books, blog, and play around with the photos I've taken. I live in the southwestern U.S. with my husband, daughter, and two cats. My books are represented by Erzsi Deàk of Hen & Ink Literary Studio.
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Wow! A great story for a great picture – love it!
Wow! That’s completely crazy! I’m glad you’re safe… and got good pictures, too!
That takes a different type of courage altogether…but what a TERRIFIC shot! Awesome Caryn.
GREAT picture!!!! Wow!!!
@Emily – Thanks! I wrote it up in my notebook when I got to camp since I was dying to share it, and finally had a chance to transcribe and post it this evening.
@Katie – The funny thing is, I was so nervous but that snake didn’t even rattle at me or give any indication that it considered me a threat. Which was just fine with me! I didn’t need a picture of the snake rattling or striking, believe me!
@Soleil – I’ve been wanting a photo of a rattlesnake forever, so I wasn’t about to back down. Thank goodness for my telephoto and tripod!
@Heather – Thanks!
When I rode the White Rim Trail 2 years ago, I snapped a photo of a midget faded rattlesnake (I believe this is the only kind in our area). I adore the photo, because I was right there – 3 feet from the snake, and lived to tell the tale. I must tell you, however, that your photo is MUCH better. I am really glad you went for this hike in dangerous rattlesnake country!!
Dear lord. I am a chicken. My hands were shaking just reading the story. Can’t imagine getting the picture. I most likely would have dropped my camera, squealed like a little girl and ran back to the hotel and never walked back out of it without multiple guards walking in front of and around me. What an amazing picture.
You are brave woman. What would you have done if the snake attacked? Thrown you camera at him? Great narrative.
That’s exciting! What a cool picture. This is something you’ll always remember.
Caryn, I salute your guts. I’m not a huge snake fan, but that’s a great picture.
You brave, brave woman. What a fabulous picture!
@Katie – Well, diamondbacks may be big, but midget fadeds are the most poisonous rattlesnake in the U.S., so you were doing pretty well to get a photo of one!
@Mizzz_K – Believe me, I was tempted! But then, there was no hotel for us since we were camping in the same area, so there wasn’t much escape.
@Jessie – I have no idea. Seriously. I didn’t have a backup plan. I was just hoping it would rattle if it planned to attack so I’d have enough warning to be able to run.
@Edie – So true! I will definitely remember it. I’ve done other dangerous things and haven’t had the picture evidence, so this is good.
@Kath – Thanks!
@Joanne – Don’t know about the bravery bit; I was shaking and nervous the whole time!
OMG! That picture is awesome! You’re not only an extremely talented photographer, but a brave one too! I’m so glad you got the shot! And your other pictures were beautiful! I especially liked the cactus blossom.
Wow-fantastic!!
You’re a very brave woman!!
Fantastic shot! You are WAY braver than I am!
Okay, first–you’re INSANE (and I say that in the nicest, most admiring tone imaginable) and, second, that is one freakin’ awesome shot! Good for you, Crazy Girl. :)
Nice shot.
I regret not having run for my camera when my kids discovered the garter snakes.
great shot. What sort of lens would you have needed to get a shot of me running screaming like a little girl down the path?
You are amazing!!! I’m deathly afraid of snakes. Yikes!!!
Ew! LOL No snakes for moi. Cool pic though.
I was looking at my very oldest posts, when I first started, and there was your name in my comments section. My only comment, actually. So I thought I’d stop by, almost a year later, to see what’s up.
Great new website! Congrats.
OMG! I can’t believe you took that picture. You go girl! You’ve got gall.
Even better, you account is amazing. I would’ve backed up, packed up, and gotten my behind back to civilization.
Oh Crikey, hell.. lol…
I’ve faced brown snakes, but not one of those jingle jangle things… they give me the creeps. lol
The best advice, use a knife…. lol… cut the damn thing in two…. sinking my lips here…
Okay so glad you got the shot, and glad your safe… They give me the creeps.
Please take care next time….
LOL… Do you realize you’re totally Twittering on your own website, @Caryn Caldwell?
So, not only would you never find me hiking, but if I saw a rattle snake, you’d probably find a Kyle-shaped hole in the nearest tree. Awesome picture, though!
I applaud your courage, Caryn. Great photo!
Great story! Great photo! Lovely thistle shot too.
Gah! I can barely look at that picture without getting the shivers!!!
Heebie jeebies!!!
Wow! Talk about courage for your craft! Great pic! Scary. We have diamondbacks where I walk the dog. The rules are, “stay on paths,” which usually the snakes stay off of. Not always. ..dogs are supposed to be leashed (mine is) but I see people all the time with the dogs roaming. Dumb.
how you came within 100 feet of that thing and didn’t pee your pants is beyond me!
Wow, what an incredible shot! Those things can really leap, I’ve seen them do it so I can understand why your hands were trembling. Awesome story!
Beautiful–all of it!
I was born right outside of Tucson and vacationed there every year up until the last few. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a rattlesnake there (thankfully).
The saquaros are just amazing–and the cactus flowers too–I miss it! (Can you tell??)
ACCCCK!!!
I am such a coward, I was only barely able to read your story. Had to read it with my hands over my face, peeking through my fingers. That is one mean-looking snake…and I’m so glad it waited while you set up the tripod and didn’t come after you and eat you. I’m nominating you for Bravest Woman in the World. Your award is in the mail.
Wow! That’s an awesome shot and you tell the story of how you got it so well! Not that you would tell it any other way – your writing is fantastic and you know that.
We almost stepped on one during a family hike last summer. Such a scary sound. Nice picture- your guy looks so angry!
WOW! What a fab picture and narrative. I so would have been shitting myself to be that close up to a snake (of any kind or pedigree) – it’s a good thing it was you and not me with the camera in hand (lol)
WOW! Great pic. I would have been waaaay to scared to take it. I applaud your courage!
I love how the snake looks completely bored. Awesome picture!