I am going to be in southern Utah starting the first week in May. We are planning on spending at least 4 days each in Arches, Brice Canyon and Zion. Any advice on any or all of the areas for photo opportunities that are other then the oft photographed sights such as Delicate Arch. I will shot some of the icons, but I also want to get away form the crowds to try and get some good images. Thanks for any help and advise you can give.
Your very best bet is to purchase Laurent Martres' book titled 'Photographing the Southwest-So. Utah'. You'll find all you need to know about those places there, including some off the beaten trail locations.
This website publishes best times to photograph certain features in Arches Park.
Hope you have a safe and productive trip!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on March 10, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Bret Edge has the iFotoGuide for Arches.
Laurent Martres guidebook"Photographing the Southwest" Vol 1 Southern Utah is a good source.
I do not think you would need 4 days for Bryce, as I would include Canyonlands also.
I agree that 4 days at Bryce is more than enough. Spend a day at Capitol Reef Nat'l. Park or Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ or Monument Valley (depending on which way you travel) instead. 4 days is also more than enough for Arches. Spend a day or so at canyonlands right near by instead.
Richard, if I were going on such a trip to a new place, I would also budget enough time to make sure I'm not rushed. That said, I do agree with the others that 4 days at Bryce may be too much. In fact, most people will spend just one day there before heading to Zion which is much more diverse.
Also, as I'm sure you already know, Arches and Canyonlands are on one side of the state, Zion is on the other, and there's a LOT to see in between as well. Rather than taking the interstates, my suggestion is to head south from Moab all the way down to Blanding, then take Highway 95 all the way to Hanksville (this will take you through Cedar Mesa, Natural Bridges, over Lake Powell, through North Wash etc.), then Highway 24 to Torrey (through the Caineville badlands and Capitol Reef National Park), followed by Highway 12 (one of the 10 most scenic roads in the US will take you over Boulder Mountain, and down into the Escalante country) down to Bryce. This will easily give you a full day if not two of very scenic driving with a lifetime's worth of photo opportunities where you won't be fighting for space with other photographers.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I appreciate you taking the time to post.
Posted by Donald Case on March 11, 2011 at 6:19 PM
As Guy mentioned, you could spend a lifetime exploring all the places just between Zion and Arches. Some areas you may want to visit without National Park crowds are Goblin Valley and close to that is Little Wildhorse slot canyon. Fisher Towers, Negro Bill Canyon and the waterfall on Mill creek by Moab. The Alpine Loop road over the La Sal mountains by Moab would be nice too. Try the Kolob section of Zion, awesome.
Good advice so far. In addition to the iconic places, I'd look into surrounding areas in each location since you've allowed yourself 4 days each.
For example, I can't visit Arches/Canyonlands without making a trip down Shafer Trail and the Potash road. It's no place for a low-clearance sedan, but you really don't need 4wd either, especially starting on Shafer Trail in Canyonlands and exiting on the Potash Road, rather than the reverse. I could easily spend all 4 days in that area without seeing either Arches or Canyonlands, as an indicator of both the image potential and expanse.
Much the same for Zion with surrounding areas like Kanab, Red Cliffs and others you've never heard of or seen in photo guides. It's just a matter of exploring the area, which your 4 day itineraries allow to a degree.
BTW- Your timing is perfect for wildflowers in both the Moab area and Zion, so bring both a macro lens and a wide angle.
Several sections of the White Rim trail, including the switch backs descending into Shafer Canyon, were closed in mid-December 2010. I believe the same is true even now. Please consult with the Canyonlands National Park authorities before attempting to head into those parts.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 14, 2011 at 6:38 PM
Anil, I never heard that the Shafer Trail switchbacks were closed. You may be confusing that with the Mineral Bottom trail, which should be opening soon. In either case, I agree, it is always good to check on road conditions before heading out.
I am quite sure it was the Shafer Switchbacks (i.e. the portion of the White Rim Trail that initally heads off to the left from Hwy 313 and down toward the split where you can either turn on Shafer Trail toward Moab or continune on the White Rim Trail). There is a gate about a 1/8 mile from Hwy 313 and it was locked shut on that mid-December day when I was visiting Canyonlands NP. When I asked about this at the Visitor's Center, they told me that the Shafer Switchback section was closed and that if I did want to do the White Rim trail, I would have to come up Potash Road / Shafer Trail from Moab.
Also, it's true that the Mineral Bottom side was washed out so there was no way to do a full loop of the White Rim Trail at the time. I did the full route in early 2009 and it was a real blast.
Discussion
10 repliesThis website publishes best times to photograph certain features in Arches Park.
Hope you have a safe and productive trip!
Laurent Martres guidebook"Photographing the Southwest" Vol 1 Southern Utah is a good source.
I do not think you would need 4 days for Bryce, as I would include Canyonlands also.
Also, as I'm sure you already know, Arches and Canyonlands are on one side of the state, Zion is on the other, and there's a LOT to see in between as well. Rather than taking the interstates, my suggestion is to head south from Moab all the way down to Blanding, then take Highway 95 all the way to Hanksville (this will take you through Cedar Mesa, Natural Bridges, over Lake Powell, through North Wash etc.), then Highway 24 to Torrey (through the Caineville badlands and Capitol Reef National Park), followed by Highway 12 (one of the 10 most scenic roads in the US will take you over Boulder Mountain, and down into the Escalante country) down to Bryce. This will easily give you a full day if not two of very scenic driving with a lifetime's worth of photo opportunities where you won't be fighting for space with other photographers.
Guy
For example, I can't visit Arches/Canyonlands without making a trip down Shafer Trail and the Potash road. It's no place for a low-clearance sedan, but you really don't need 4wd either, especially starting on Shafer Trail in Canyonlands and exiting on the Potash Road, rather than the reverse. I could easily spend all 4 days in that area without seeing either Arches or Canyonlands, as an indicator of both the image potential and expanse.
Much the same for Zion with surrounding areas like Kanab, Red Cliffs and others you've never heard of or seen in photo guides. It's just a matter of exploring the area, which your 4 day itineraries allow to a degree.
BTW- Your timing is perfect for wildflowers in both the Moab area and Zion, so bring both a macro lens and a wide angle.
I am quite sure it was the Shafer Switchbacks (i.e. the portion of the White Rim Trail that initally heads off to the left from Hwy 313 and down toward the split where you can either turn on Shafer Trail toward Moab or continune on the White Rim Trail). There is a gate about a 1/8 mile from Hwy 313 and it was locked shut on that mid-December day when I was visiting Canyonlands NP. When I asked about this at the Visitor's Center, they told me that the Shafer Switchback section was closed and that if I did want to do the White Rim trail, I would have to come up Potash Road / Shafer Trail from Moab.
Also, it's true that the Mineral Bottom side was washed out so there was no way to do a full loop of the White Rim Trail at the time. I did the full route in early 2009 and it was a real blast.