To the Canyons in mid-April

Zapped · Mar 23, 2004

In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others have been there before me and already captured such stunning images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap. It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park, but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire, afternoon/sunset @ zion

day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled threats, they're are all welcome!

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

Michael Soo119924 · Mar 23, 2004

I ALWAYS want to do something like that. OMG. Your trip planning is SO COOL. Just be sure to bring lots of water.

I REALLY REALLY wish I can go with you.

--

MS

[email protected]
http://www.soocool.com - Explore life beyond the norms

Jim-williams · Mar 23, 2004

Have you thought about snow in some of the higher elevations, It can get deep in March-into April in some places

Michael Soo said:
I ALWAYS want to do something like that. OMG. Your trip planning
is SO COOL. Just be sure to bring lots of water.

I REALLY REALLY wish I can go with you.

--

MS

[email protected]
http://www.soocool.com - Explore life beyond the norms

Zapped · Mar 23, 2004

Jim-williams said:
Have you thought about snow in some of the higher elevations, It
can get deep in March-into April in some places

Yeah, I appreciate the warning that it can get dicey. Maybe I'm bipolar, but I can plan this thing down to the last nanosecond but then enjoy the inevitable snafus that occur along the way. I can imagine myself broken down on the side of the road, getting my favorite shots of the trips shooting macros of some random wildflowers next to the smoldering Hertz rental.

Regarding snow, the only trip I've taken thru this area was just 3 months ago, in December. When we landed in Phoenix to hop a flight for skiing in Salt Lake City, SLC was closed due to a 10-year-record snowstorm. So we grabbed a rental 4x4, drove north to Flagstaff, up Rt 89, up IH-15, 600 miles from 3pm - 2am in a snowstorm. My motto is Where There's A Credit Card, There's a Way

Anyway, snow in Bryce would be a dream come true for me. The greatest Bryce gallery I've ever seen was shot just recently with a Canon G2, the amphitheater completely filled with gorgeous snow:
http://www.pbase.com/brianowski/winter_in_bryce_canyon

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

Leon Wittwer · Mar 23, 2004

I've done a lot of shooting in the areas you mention. See my site. Some comments below. After going through your schedule, I would say that it is too ambitious. You will get some shots but will be very tired, probably too tired to enjoy yourself. I'm not sure you comprehend how big that country is.

Zapped said:
In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,
afternoon/sunset @ zion

Afternoons and sunset are not the best times at Zion. Mornings are.

Zapped said:
day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

Mid to late morning is the best for Zion Canyon. You have to wait for the sun to come up a bit to illuminate the canyon which goes north and south. The drive from Zion to Bryce is not that long if you go out the east entrance to Zion. I think it is about 90 miles.

Zapped said:
day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,

It is a long way from Bryce to Antelope Canyon. I doubt if you can do a morning shoot at Bryce and get to Antelope Canyon for an early afternoon shoot.

Zapped said:
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

I like sunset at Mather Point better than at the trailhead. I would not recommend the trailhead.

Zapped said:
day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

Sunrise at the Grand Canyon is good at Mather Point. A bit after sunrise, Yavapai Point is very good. Walk a bit west on the trail from Yavapai Point.

Zapped said:
day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

--
Leon
http://pws.prserv.net/lees_pics/landscapes.htm

Mr. Jalapeno · Mar 23, 2004

Leon Wittwer said:
Leon Wittwer said:

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

Click to expand...

The Wave will take a little over an hour to hike to one way. You'll want to spend at least an hour or two there, then a little over an hour back.

A BLM permit is required now to visit the Wave. I disagree with the permit system and disregard it, myself. Just wanted to let you know!

Wm. Bates · Mar 23, 2004

you might want to change your schedule a little. More often than not in the canyons of Utah and Arizona mid morning to mid afternoon is when you want to do your shooting...see below

Zapped said:
In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,
afternoon/sunset @ zion

This looks like a good plan

Zapped said:
day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

not much to photograph in Zion at sunrise...except behind the Zion Museum. It is only about an hour and half to two hour drive from Zion to Bryce so you might want to spend more time in Zion. You want to have the light from the reflection of the canyon walls for photography here. When you get to Bryce head to Sunset point for about the only decent sunset shot. Bryce faces east and is best in the morning. Sunrise here is good but if you want fantastic Bryce photos hike down into the canyon on all most any trail the best light in Bryce is an hour or two after sunrise. The reflected light down in the hoodoos makes them look like they glow from within.

Zapped said:
day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

this looks like a good plan your about 3 and half hours drive from Bryce to Page. Best light for Upper Antelope is around noon and lower maybe just a little later. Your going to have fun here.

Zapped said:
day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

this is more than your going to fit in a day I think. You will want to photograph Horseshoe Bend either before sunrise or around noon. There are just to many shadows here once the sun gets over the horizon to get a decent photo. So it is either before sun rise before you get shadows or mid day when the sun is straight up. The wave is a pretty good hike and really something that can take the better part of a day. Also it requires a permit. Only 10 are issued per day and it is a seven month wait for permits. Sometimes you can get a permit walk up so stop by the Kanab BLM office and give it a shot. From here it is a 3 to 4 hour plus drive to the South Rim

Zapped said:
day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Both good plans

Zapped said:
Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

Well it sounds like you are going to have a major fun trip. Bring sun screen and plenty of water and drink the water often. Dehydration can ruin a trip. When you get back share the photos with us.
--
Bill

http://www.pbase.com/slowpokebill
'The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.' Unknown
'Every man dies; but, not every man lives' Braveheart
'Sometime the magic works. Sometimes it doesn't' Little Big Man

Wm. Bates · Mar 23, 2004

Mr. Jalapeno said:
A BLM permit is required now to visit the Wave. I disagree with the
permit system and disregard it, myself. Just wanted to let you know!

getting caught in the wilderness area without the permit will result in a nasty expensive ticket that could ruin an otherwise fun trip.
--
Bill

http://www.pbase.com/slowpokebill
'The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.' Unknown
'Every man dies; but, not every man lives' Braveheart
'Sometime the magic works. Sometimes it doesn't' Little Big Man

Zapped · Mar 23, 2004

Wm. Bates said:
Wm. Bates said:

A BLM permit is required now to visit the Wave. I disagree with the
permit system and disregard it, myself. Just wanted to let you know!

Click to expand...

getting caught in the wilderness area without the permit will
result in a nasty expensive ticket that could ruin an otherwise fun
trip.

I agree about the ticket, otherwise I'd be a scofflaw myself. I've been told from 3 independent sources that the minimum fine is $300 these days (more if you're belligerent), and that since it's a good revenue stream they've stepped up patrols.

So, I'll be at the Paria contact station the morning before for the 9am lottery for the 10 walk-in permits. Plan B is to skirt around the Coyote Buttes north permit area (wherein resides The Wave) and visit The Teepees instead - legal by paying a fee @ the trailhead.

Here's a USGS topo sectional illustrating the route from the Wire Pass Trailhead to "The Wave" in purple ("The Teepees" are the waypoint in the lower-right)

Satellite imagery if you're into that:

For Topographic planning & analysis I use USAPhotoMaps (previous images), Delorme TopoUSA 4.0 DVD, and Garmin MapSource Topo. I'm fully armed with all the GPS coords & hiking routes downloaded to my Garmin Legend GPS.

And yeppers, I carry & can use a compass too

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

Zapped · Mar 23, 2004

Wm. Bates said:
Wm. Bates said:

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

Click to expand...

this is more than your going to fit in a day I think. You will want
to photograph Horseshoe Bend either before sunrise or around noon.
There are just to many shadows here once the sun gets over the
horizon to get a decent photo. So it is either before sun rise
before you get shadows or mid day when the sun is straight up.

Yep, this day is bit of a stretch. I wanted to spare everyone the gory details, but let me give you my detailed itinerary for this day. Drive distances & times from Microsoft MapPoint 2002, whose times I almost always beat barring accidents or engine failure...

5:30am wake in page, az
drive 7mi
6:00am wahweap vista (lake powell)
photo shoot 1h
drive 10mi
7:00am horshoe bend
photo shoot 1h
8:00am leave horseshoe bend
drive 50mi
9:15am arrive wire pass trailhead
hike, shoot 4h at The Wave
1:15pm depart wire pass trailhead
drive 80mi
2:50pm arrive navajo bridge overlook
shoot 0.5h
drive 105mi
5:10pm arrive desert view watchtower, g.c. south
shoot 1h
6:40pm arrive grand canyon south rim
hike & shoot rest of daylight
8:30pm sleep, bright angel lodge

Doubtful I'll get a sit-down meal this day, but it seems doable on paper at least

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

DannyV · Mar 23, 2004

I did a similar trip last fall, but skipped the southern loop of your trip...I was still pressed for time

I am planning a trip to the east side of Utah the first week of May.
I only have a couple of suggestions below.

Zapped said:
In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,

I would skip the valley of fire, you are going to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, this short extra stop will just subtract from the time you spend in these other places. When you arrive in Springdale, check out some of the photo galleries. I was particularly impressed with Fatali's gallery, truely stunning large format landscape photography. If nothing else this will be great inspiration for the rest of your trip.

Zapped said:
afternoon/sunset @ zion.

day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

You might want to try the hike up angels landing in zion. It is an exhilerating hike, about 2 miles one way I think, right to the top of zion canyon. It is strenous, but you should be fine as long as you dont have any medical conditions. The views from this vantage point, 2000ft above the canyon floor, are absolutely fantastic.

Zapped said:
day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

And most important, take some time, put down the camera every once in a while, and just take it all in. Enjoy yourself!!! I am look forward to your posts when you return.

Zapped said:
--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

--
Daniel
http://www.pbase.com/dvogel11

Zapped · Mar 23, 2004

DannyV said:
I would skip the valley of fire, you are going to some of the most
spectacular landscapes in the world, this short extra stop will
just subtract from the time you spend in these other places.

Hmmm that's a good point. I've seen some nice images of VoF, tho, so it's very tempting, even with Zion just down the road.

DannyV said:
You might want to try the hike up angels landing in zion. It is an
exhilerating hike, about 2 miles one way I think, right to the top
of zion canyon. It is strenous, but you should be fine as long as
you dont have any medical conditions. The views from this vantage
point, 2000ft above the canyon floor, are absolutely fantastic.

I sure would, if I was allotting more time @ Zion. My fitness is pretty good since I swim a mile 3x/wk, run once or twice a week, and bike a bit, but time is at a premium on this getaway. Maybe next Spring I'll drag the whole family along for a 10-day excursion so we can do some hiking.

DannyV said:
And most important, take some time, put down the camera every once
in a while, and just take it all in. Enjoy yourself!!! I am look
forward to your posts when you return.
Daniel
http://www.pbase.com/dvogel11

I will definitely be drinking in as much of the scenery as I can. You've got some nice shots in your gallery, Dan. I like the hikers in this one for perspective:
http://www.pbase.com/image/22037481/large.jpg

You've got a classic Bryce pano also ...
http://www.pbase.com/image/22037476/large.jpg

And your "The Watchman" is sublime -
http://www.pbase.com/image/22921627/large.jpg

Thanks for sharing those & welcome to my "Favorite Artists" pBase list

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

Wm. Bates · Mar 23, 2004

Zapped said:
5:30am wake in page, az
drive 7mi
6:00am wahweap vista (lake powell)
photo shoot 1h
drive 10mi
7:00am horshoe bend
photo shoot 1h
8:00am leave horseshoe bend
drive 50mi

You're going to want to get up a bit earlier. Switch order, Horseshoe Bend first then Wahweap(which makes a better sunset photo). Also, you have an easy 3/4 mile hike to cliffs over looking Horseshoe Bend. Your going to want to be there 45 to 30 minutes before dawn. When over looking the bend you are facing due west. If the sun is up at all the river and cliffs will be in very dark shadows. Can we say super high contrast. For this photo you want to be there well before dawn. That way you have very little shadow and the alpineglow will light that little bit of sky you will want in the photo. If you have good solid overcast then you could leave the order as you're planning. Clouds make for a good defused light which is what you need for Horseshoe Bend.

It sounds like a killer trip but those are often the most fun.

Here is a site that will help you plan...every nature photgrapher needs a good sunrise/sunset moon phase link.
http://www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/
--
Bill

http://www.pbase.com/slowpokebill
'The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.' Unknown
'Every man dies; but, not every man lives' Braveheart
'Sometime the magic works. Sometimes it doesn't' Little Big Man

Davo55 · Mar 23, 2004

Sounds like an awesome trip. I was at the wave last april and it was great, but you should know:

1. It is a more open canyon, of course I got nicely composed shots at mid day, I've since seen others that were more spectacular when the sun was lower in the sky creating interesting shadows.

2. You have to have a permit to get there and they are awarded by lottery the day BEFORE you actually get to go in. So plan to be at the ranger station @ 6:30 am or so to enter the lottery and wait to see if you get a permit.

3. Plan on pretty much a full day's hike as there are lots of other photo ops on the way in. We hiked in from coyote buttes trailhead which was awesome.

4. If you don't get the permit, you can still hike at wire pass trailhead which takes you into buckskin wash which is a nice slot canyon.
5. Post your pix so I can be jealous even more.
Dave

Zapped said:
In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,
afternoon/sunset @ zion

day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

PsyberFil · Mar 23, 2004

Zapped said:
In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,
afternoon/sunset @ zion

day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

--
Philip
http://www.pbase.com/advancepc

Ian Wood-Thompson · Mar 24, 2004

Just a couple of thoughts to add. If you live at sea level like me you will probably find the altitude affects your hiking times, and you dont seem to have left any time for eating, day 4 seems like a lot to me and you'll need some fuel. Also the road to the canyon was undergoing work when I was there in october so you may find similar things elsewhere. On my trip a few times I tried to cram in too much and regretted it.

Thanks Leon for Info and advice before my trip, it's a fabulous part of the world that one could spend years exploring.
I wish you luck Zapped and long to go back myself.
Ian
Some pics in my pbase gallery.

PsyberFil said:
Zapped said:

In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,
afternoon/sunset @ zion

day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

Click to expand...

--

--
http://www.pbase.com/glisglis

Zapped · Apr 9, 2004

One more week & I'm off to the Canyons - this Rebel owner could not be more psyched! I may not capture images as inspiring as some of those I've encountered over the months I've been planning this trip, but I'm sure looking forward to the journey. Let me share a few of the pBase folders that I find truly inspiring -

Perhaps the best Bryce images I've ever seen:
http://www.pbase.com/brianowski/winter_in_bryce_canyon

Look here for several great UT/AZ/GrandCanyon galleries:
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl

http://www.pbase.com/rickdecker/landscape_images
http://www.pbase.com/dvogel11/bryce_canyon_np
http://www.pbase.com/dvogel11/zion_np
http://www.pbase.com/dvogel11/capital_reef_np
http://www.pbase.com/esantos2003/zion_national_park
http://www.pbase.com/esantos2003/bryce_canyon_in_winter

And finally a non-pBase link to some jaw-dropping images -
http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np.zion.html
http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np.bryce-canyon.html
[heck, anything under terragalleria is worth checking out]

I'm still looking for last-minute tips & special viewpoints to check out, hopefully ones that fit in to the whirlwind itinerary described back in my starting post in this thread.

--
Zapped (Austin, TX)
http://www.pbase.com/zapped/favorites

brianowski · Apr 10, 2004

Sounds like an awesome trip! I live in the area, and have travelled all of these
roads...if you have any questions please ask. I have a few
comments/suggestions on the agenda you've set...see my comments
embedded below.

Zapped said:
In mid-April, my DRebel and I are embarking on a six-day "scouting
trip" to some of the canyons & parks in Southern Utah & Northern
Arizona. I'm travelling solo with the intent of being at photogenic
spots for sunrise & sunset everyday, with most of the driving done
in the mid-day when the light is not so great. The wife & kiddos
would not be up for that kind of grueling trip, but to me it
spells pure photographic bliss.

What possesses me to make such a journey, when countless others
have been there before me and already captured such stunning
images? Why, to see it for myself, of course. To admire God's hand
at work in nature, to escape the daily grind, to spin the dials on
the camera and hear the satisfying click of another lens swap.
It's that simple.

I've done a great deal of pre-planning to make the trip go as
smoothly as possible, although of course all plans are subject to
change. I say this is a scouting trip because I'm really not
leaving enough time to do more than drive-by shooting at each park,
but I'm hoping my pre-planning will make the time I have well-spent
and prepare me for a future, longer trek. Every day is full of
hiking or driving, with breakfast/lunch strictly out of the
daypack, and supper where I find it. I will be staying in a hotel
each night - setting/breaking camp would just slow me down

Without going into the gory details, here's the plan:

day 1: las vegas --> zion
arrive vegas early, morning shoot @ valley of fire,
afternoon/sunset @ zion

Keep in mind you'll probably have to use the shuttle bus system when
in Zion Canyon - that will slow you down a bit if you're shooting there.
The elevated terrrain on the road in the east part of Zion is more
subtle - but amazingly beautiful as well. Great in the late afternoon,
early evening.

Zapped said:
day 2: zion --> bryce
sunrise/morning shoot @ zion, (long drive), sunset shoot @ bryce

Sunrise in Zion is very special - you'll love it!
Actually, Zion and Bryce are quite close, and can be reached in
about 1.5 to 2.0 hours. Evening is perhaps better than sunset at Bryce,
being as the Canyon faces the east. I'd definately plan on getting to Bryce
early enough to spend an hour on one of the trails - Wall Street is awesome,
but all are amazing and open up a more intimate view of Bryce than standing
on the rim...

Zapped said:
day 3: bryce --> antelope canyon --> lake powell
sunrise/morning shoot @ bryce, shoot lower antelope canyon early
afternoon,
shoot lake powell from wahweap marina area @ sunset

Nothing is better than sunrise in Bryce. The light is incredible!! I find that
I'm normally shooting until mid-morning until I look at my watch, the light
is soooo rich. The timing should be perfect to shoot morning in Bryce,
then reaching antelope canyon by mid day - early afternoon.
I might recommend going to horseshoe bend for evening/sset on
day 3, and simplifying day 4. The lake is way, way down, and I'm not
sure how shots from the Wahweap marina would be right now. Perhaps
someone else can comment on this.

Zapped said:
day 4: horseshoe bend --> the wave --> navajo bridge --> grand
canyon south
early morning shoot @ horseshoe bend, mid-day hike & shoot @
"the wave", stop @ navajo bridge on way to g.c. south, late
afternoon shoot @ desert view watchtower, sunset @ bright angel
trailhead (south rim)

As I read it, this day is very, very, ambitious. I'd definately start
hiking the Wave as early as possible as your first shoot, and go
to horseshoe bend on the previous day. The hike to the Wave is almost
3 miles, and you're best light will be sunrise/early morning for the
scenery along the hike. On the hike to the Wave is an incredible amount
of beautiful country - perhaps more spectacular than the Wave itself. Don't
underestimate how much time you'll end up spending in this amazing
area once you've entered - it's absolutely addicting! Be sure to explore
a bit off the trail - the best stuff isn't visible from the route to the Wave.

Zapped said:
day 5: grand canyon --> hoover dam --> las vegas
sunrise @ g.c. south rim, dayhike & shoot south rim all morning,
(long drive afternoon), hoover dam in late afternoon, shoot
around "the strip" in evening

If you have the time, be sure to hike a bit down the South Kaibab
trail or the trail off of Grandview Point. These trails offer some very
unique vistas with little effort - you'll find them well worth your time!

Zapped said:
day 6: red rock canyon --> mt.charleston
sunrise at red rock canyon, late morning hike & shoot @ mt.charleston,
daylight shots on "the strip" before late afternoon return flight

Tuckered out just reading that? Imagine how I'll feel at the end of
Day 6

Anyway, comments, encouragements, suggestions, atta-boy's, veiled
threats, they're are all welcome!

Enjoy your trip!!! You're going to fill up more memory cards than you can
imagine, and create so many wonderful memories...

Brian

http://www.pbase.com/brianowski

Kevin · Apr 10, 2004

Sounds like a great trip. I'm also planning to be in the area this summer as part of a month long adventure. I'll be in Moab on about May 6, and the South Rim on the 17th. I'm hoping to hit everything in between, but not worry too much about the places I miss, just have fun.

Sunrise to sunset for a month... oh to be unemployed.

StealthRubi · Apr 10, 2004

You've set yourself an ambitious schedule. You'll be spending more time driving than photographing.

My first few trips to these areas, I did the same thing - I tried to get to as many different spots as possible.

But I eventually learned. and my trips now concentrate on spending a lot of time in just one area, and just a little bit of exploring to find new interesting areas.

On my most recent trip, I spent almost 3 weeks in the Escalante (just east of Bryce) - absolutely awesome - and I only scratched the surface - and I only drove about 100 miles during that whole time.

Some of the scenery:

To the Canyons in mid-April

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Forum Enthusiast

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Forum Enthusiast

Well-known member

Well-known member

Veteran Member

Forum Enthusiast

Active member

New member

Keyboard shortcuts