Arches & Canyonlands Natl. Parks, & Monument Valley in Nov

Dear All, We're planning a 10-day vacation, and as it turns out the second to the third week of November is what is most doable for us. Have you had any experience in photography in this part of Utah in November? Or in this kind of climate in the general Southwest? I know that the temperature will have highs in the 50-60's, and lows in the 30's range. I would appreciate hearing about any experiences, tips and suggestions that you may have to help me optimize my photographing possibilities.

(I have a nikon d300s, & my lenses cover 11-16, 35, 50, and 70-300 mm ranges.)

That can be an excellent time to visit the area. I live nearby and early winter is one of my favorite times!
90% of tourists have left and motels in the Moab area cost less money. Sun rises at about 7:00 AM and sets around 5 PM, allowing you to sleep in a bit, and is lower in the sky for nicer light.
There are chances for snow during this time, but it rarely amounts to much. The mountains east of Moab should have a nice mantle of snow on them. Actually, a little snow in the desert might be desired for something a bit different in your photos.
Consider picking up a copy of Laurent Martres' 'Photographing the Southwest-Southern Utah' for some ideas.
There's quite a bit of ancient Indian rock art around Moab, which can be a good place to spend some time photographing during midday. You can find some locations and access routes in this BLM guide.
Finally, here are some Arches photo tips to help you out there. If you have an iPhone, then this handy little Arches iFoto Guide may also be helpful.

Best of luck and light on your trip!

Dear John,

Thank you for your awesome suggestions. I really appreciate it. I will certainly download all the info and order the book as well. THANKS! Ay Ling

Great resource suggestions. I spend November and December each year photographing in that vicinity, simply because the conditions are so good yet the people are gone. It's virtually deserted, so especially rewarding. Probably the only "glitch" to plan into the approximate time period of your visit is Thanksgiving day. Virtually every restaurant in the area is closed for lunch and dinner.

Thanks, Hank! It is actually possible that we will be there during Thanksgiving. Maybe a good time to stock up on beef jerkeys! ( 8 - }

Be warned, the thanksgiving long weekend is a zoo in Moab. Reservations are definitely a good idea. (or just get an hour or two away from Moab where there is just as much beautiful desert.)

Thanks, Brian. We will make sure to make reservations at restaurants as soon as we figure out our itinirary.

Another bit of "strategy" is worth passing along.

Many of the classic destinations are a fair drive away. That means early starts and late returns. Add in meals at the extreme ends of your days, and it makes for very short nights.

We always plan lunch as the big meal of the day, whether from a cooler in the truck or in a restaurant as we pass through town. If you keep your vehicle stocked with suitable foods you can have your evening meals in the field or on location, rather than obligating yourself to make it back to town before restaurants close, or conversely, starting your day earlier in order to shoehorn in a breakfast.

Yeah, days are shorter then, but that really means walking to and from destinations in the dark (add headlamps to your list) more than an opportunity to sleep in a bit. If you've got one, a handheld GPS will be invaluable for navigating in the dark when visiting areas outside the parks without improved trails.

Hi Hank,

We have been out of town, so just got your strategic advise, both in terms of food and other equipments. My brother just got me a good deal of a handheld gps, so, I will definitely use it, in addition to the headlamp. Thanks much. Ay Ling