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Archive 2014 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

ether1
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Seeing so many awesome pictures I decided to make a trip this year.
The idea is to fly to LV and then rent a car and cruise around for 5-7 days.
My trip would look something like:
Land in LV, go to Zion Ntl Park then Bryce Canyon Ntl Park then take Utah Scenic Byway known as Rt12...stop at Arches Ntl Park and then move to Canyonlands Park, next stop would be Navajo Tribal Park and finally Grand Canyon and back to LV

The few questions that I have:

- how is mid to end May for such a trip? (from photo ops POV))
- are hotels relatively empty along the way so that I don't have to pre-book anything since I don't know how much time I would spend in any given area...I want to have some flexibility.... if I love the area...stay for 2 night, otherwise move on.
- Any other tips for such adventure ?

Thanks!

PS: if somebody wants to meet up - let me know.... would be nice to meet fellow FM'ers

Jan 12, 2014 at 11:46 AM

chili555
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

If, by Navajo Tribal Park, you mean the magnificent Monument Valley, then no, hotels are not empty. In fact, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the two best places, Gouldings Lodge and The View Hotel aren't already pretty well booked! You could try the motels in Kayenta, but then you have a 40 minute drive to the Valley. You will also not step out to the balcony of your room to see this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chili5558/8059666574/in/set-72157631545925367/lightbox/

As for Grand Canyon, I'm quite sure the same is true. The lodges at the rim or even in Grand Canyon Village are undoubtedly booked. Down the road a bit may possibly be available

These are two of the arguably most photogenic places in the USA. I'd reserve now. I said NOW! Get off the computer and on the phone!!

Jan 12, 2014 at 12:39 PM

John Zeman
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

All that in 5-7 days? Don't bother to shut the car engine off because you won't have time to let it cool down.

I took a similar trip 9 years ago and I spent 9 days in those same areas. End result? I got a lot of photos but I missed so much for lack of time that I've been going back ever since then and only taking in 2 National Park areas at a time.

Jan 12, 2014 at 12:57 PM

chez
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Way too ambitious for 7 days. I'd spend at least 2 days at each place to really get a feel for the place. Sunrise and sunset at each with nice hiking during the day. Personally, I would limit it to Zion, Bryce and Monument Valkey with a quick stop at Antelope Canyon on the way back to Vegas.

At Monument Valley, I'd recommend hiring a guide for the day to get back off the public access areas to get some really fantastic opportunities.

Jan 12, 2014 at 01:29 PM

JimFox
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

I disagree that it is too ambitious. It's this persons first trip out there. That is plenty of time to spend a day in each location and see it for the first time. I have always been a firm believer in first trips to locations being fun, scouting trips with some photography at sunset and sunrise. Then the 2nd trip you can devote more time and choose where it is you want to spend several days at.

To Ether, there are plenty of motels around all the locations. If you go in May before school is out, generally speaking you will find motels to stay at pretty close to all those locations that you can book the day before or even the same day.

Jim

Jan 12, 2014 at 01:36 PM

Dustin Gent
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Are you going to be hiking any, or do you just want to visit the park? What i mean is this a photo trip first and then sightsee, or other way around?

If a photo trip, I would cut out Bryce, unless you are going to be passing by anyways. It will probably be the busiest out of all of them, as Bryce is pretty much a resort anyways.

You might as well hit up Antelope if you are going to be at Zion, as you will get the beam and you will be close (2 hours?). Arches and Canyonlands are good, but Mesa Arch WILL BE a nightmare, unless shooting with 78 other people in a 30 yard long area is your type of fun. False Kiva is WAAAY better in my opinion, and you will not find anyone else there (most likely).

Zion is good - are you going to hit up the Subway?

Jan 12, 2014 at 02:17 PM

Genes Home
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Hi,

I agree with ALL of the above. Here's a translation:

1. Weather will generally be ideal the entire month. Crowds will only be unbelievable the first two weeks. The second half of the month they will be ATROCIOUS, resembling the world cup soccer crowds you see on TV. Go on your trip the first half of the month. You will enjoy it then.

2. My recommendation is that you treat this trip as a scouting expedition...you have a lot of miles to cover and if you decide to spend even one extra night at a place then the last place on your trip HAS to drop off because you will never get there. So don't plan on flexxing the schedule. In fact, I would personally drop a couple places off the schedule so that I was only visiting one place each day. Really, I mean that. One place a day for a first time scouting trip.

3. MOTELS.....Note that JimFox did NOT say you could find a place to stay AT or IN any of the places you want to visit, just that you could find a place to stay NEAR them. Which is what chili555 said. From a price and availability standpoint ...... MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW. Don't wait. You simply cannot believe how many people will be out trying to visit these small islands of beauty....the tourist buses will astound you. All through the west and southwest the retired folks hit the road the first week of May (which is why the prices go up then). Many of the tent-campgrounds are now taking reservations in advance, which should tell you something about the overall scenario.

4. If you go to Monument Valley, REALLY try to stay at The View Hotel. REALLY, REALLY ! As chili55 points out, the ONLY way you will get sunset and sunrise shots of the icons is from the hotel room balcony (unless you spend a fortune for a guide and speciall access).

5. As to Antelope Valley and Page w/Horseshoe Bend........Leave it off this trip and add it later. If you do go, skip Upper Antelope and spend your available time photographing in Lower Antelope. There are several threads on this forum discussing same.

Best of luck

Gene

Jan 12, 2014 at 02:35 PM

gdanmitchell
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Sounds exciting - I love Utah! The only concern that I might have is the possibility that you might find that you hit a bunch of places... but don't have as much time as you want to photograph in any of them. I know it is hard to choose between more time in a few spots and hitting more spots... but that is sort of the photographer's choice, isn't it?

(Two years ago I spent 35 days shooting in Utah alone - plus one in Arizona - and I still missed a lot of stuff that I'll go back for.)

Good luck.

Dan

ether1 wrote:
Seeing so many awesome pictures I decided to make a trip this year.
The idea is to fly to LV and then rent a car and cruise around for 5-7 days.
My trip would look something like:
Land in LV, go to Zion Ntl Park then Bryce Canyon Ntl Park then take Utah Scenic Byway known as Rt12...stop at Arches Ntl Park and then move to Canyonlands Park, next stop would be Navajo Tribal Park and finally Grand Canyon and back to LV

The few questions that I have:

- how is mid to end May for such a trip? (from photo ops POV))
-...Show more →

Edited on Jan 12, 2014 at 05:18 PM · View previous versions

Jan 12, 2014 at 03:58 PM

Buckeye1
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

I have been thinking about a trip like this as well, but include the Pacific North West. Send me a PM, may be I can work out something.

ether1 wrote:
Seeing so many awesome pictures I decided to make a trip this year.
The idea is to fly to LV and then rent a car and cruise around for 5-7 days.
My trip would look something like:
Land in LV, go to Zion Ntl Park then Bryce Canyon Ntl Park then take Utah Scenic Byway known as Rt12...stop at Arches Ntl Park and then move to Canyonlands Park, next stop would be Navajo Tribal Park and finally Grand Canyon and back to LV

The few questions that I have:

- how is mid to end May for such a trip? (from photo ops POV))
-...Show more →

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:12 PM

lukeb
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

The View and Gouldings DO book up very early fo the season and I have found they stay that way (booked) through Thanksgiving.

Its not the View or Gouldings, but The San Juan Inn is only 20 miles away and catches a lot of the overflow. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g57061-d115343-Reviews-San_Juan_Inn-Mexican_Hat_Utah.html

As far as a guide, that is a MOST EXCELLENT idea. The #1 rated on trip advisor is
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g57072-d1830092-r173687215-Navajo_Spirit_Tours-Monument_Valley_Utah.html

There are 2 (I think) B&B's near MV. One is by Valley of the Gods. Both get good ratings.

I also agree you need two weeksat least for your plans!

Edited on Jan 12, 2014 at 04:24 PM · View previous versions

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:16 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

You have the most exciting circle to travel for photography, whether it being just scouting or serious picture taking. I also do have the same places to travel you mentioned here but the other way around.. and my case I stay 2-3-4 days at each place except Zion and Bryce where I have certain places to shoot in mind. 5-7 days are too short, though. I am taking 14-15 days but still I feel I do need a few more days!!

As for the lodging.. I have made ALL my lodgings for the entire circle travel. I would make all the reservation if I were you. Trying to find a next place to stay.. you would not be that comfortable while you are shooting.. thinking about and worrying about where to stay.

As to meeting with another FMer... it won't be easy. I had some FMer here who promised to come but at the last minutes didn't want to come because "the sky was going to be just blue" !! I paid for his lodging with no refund policy.. but I managed to get the credit and I am staying there in my March travel.

Good luck with you!

Edited on Jan 12, 2014 at 04:35 PM · View previous versions

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:17 PM

Buckeye1
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Are you saying that the entire month is bad, but the first two weeks are "unbelievable" but better than the 2nd half of that month??

Genes Home wrote:
Hi,

I agree with ALL of the above. Here's a translation:

1. Weather will generally be ideal the entire month. Crowds will only be unbelievable the first two weeks. The second half of the month they will be ATROCIOUS, resembling the world cup soccer crowds you see on TV. Go on your trip the first half of the month. You will enjoy it then.

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:21 PM

Kee Woo Rhee
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Dustin Gent wrote:
Are you going to be hiking any, or do you just want to visit the park? What i mean is this a photo trip first and then sightsee, or other way around?

If a photo trip, I would cut out Bryce, unless you are going to be passing by anyways. It will probably be the busiest out of all of them, as Bryce is pretty much a resort anyways.

You might as well hit up Antelope if you are going to be at Zion, as you will get the beam and you will be close (2 hours?). Arches and...Show more →

Hello Dustin,

Did you mention "FALSE KIVA"? Well, well, well. I was going to ask people around about this so-called secret place but have been hesitating.

I have done research, I have requested a few people here in this Forum, and I received one very sincere and generous answer out of three people I PM'ed. Anyway, I have some results from my research and inquiry BUT, yes big "but".. I am kind of not 100% sure if it would be a good idea of taking this "challenge" all alone, as a female and not an avid hiker..

However, if you give me some information which will supplement what I already have.. it will be great.

** I am also willing to hire a local guide to take me there. But calling visitor's center over there and asking recommendation for any guide for False Kiva -- would not result anything for me.

Do you know any lead in this regards?

Please PM me on this Dustin.

Thanks for your advice.

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:29 PM

lukeb
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Kee Woo Rhee wrote:
Hello Dustin,

Did you mention "FALSE KIVA"? Well, well, well. I was going to ask people around about this so-called secret place but have been hesitating.

I have done research, I have requested a few people here in this Forum, and I received one very sincere and generous answer out of three people I PM'ed. Anyway, I have some results from my research and inquiry BUT, yes big "but".. I am kind of not 100% sure if it would be a good idea of taking this "challenge" all alone, as a female and not an avid hiker..

However, if...Show more →

False Kiva: http://alexfilatovphoto.com/blog/false-kiva-canyonlands-national-park-utah/

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:39 PM

Greg Campbell
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

End-of-May temps in the lower elevations will be HOT. Zion, the lowest park, has an average high of around 90, and 100 is not out of the question. Bryce may still be freezing at night, and should be a sunny ~70 by mid afternoon. Arches and the other places will fall in between. See www.wrcc.dri.edu/Climsum.html

Late May does tend to be blue and clear. If you could go a few weeks earlier you'd have better chances of a late season trough bringing wispy or puffy clouds to your photos. IMO, early-mid April is possibly the best compromise time frame to visit the area.

How rushed your trip will be depends on how often you want/plan to get out of the car. If you're happy with just a few hours of good light at each location, hammer down! If you want to be more deliberate and lose yourself in the landscape, you'll want at least 2 days at most destinations. (If it were my trip, I'd take at least a month to complete your proposed loop.

) In either event, driving all the way to Arches and back will burn an entire day sitting in the car, and you'll only be driving past all manner of cool things along the way. Read up on GSENM; there are dozens of gorgeous destinations to visit. Or ask here - a number of peeps are quite knowledgeable.

Edited on Jan 12, 2014 at 10:52 PM · View previous versions

Jan 12, 2014 at 04:47 PM

OntheRez
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

As others have noted, this is ambitious itinerary. So you be buzzing by. Having spent a lot of time in they area I'd say first get there as early as possible. Go early May not late. The big name places Grand Canyon (south rim) and Monument Valley. Bluntly I passed thru Monument Valley last - after not having seen it in 30 years and was utterly disgusted with the crowds and the commercialization. As for the Canyon I'd go to the north Rim rather than the south. Far fewer people and still incredible. I have on a couple of occasions been able to show up and just rent a cabin. A reservation would be recommended. This is just me, but I don't go to Zion anymore - sort of like DisneyLand.

You're talking about driving the scenic road. There are hundreds of incredible views from most the road in S. Utah. My favorite is to cutover to Hanksville and follow 95. If you're coming up 15 the jog over to Cedar Breaks is well worth your time. All 95 you get Natural Bridges which is often over looked.

In truth anywhere you want to wander around S Utah, N. Arizona will yield many opportunities. I chose to stay away from the big famous ones and look for the little ones often over look. Also don't forget to check out the Utah state parks. They have some beautiful ones. If you don't want hike, don't feel pressured to do so. Make can be seen and appreciated from the highways. Also, in May the weather can flop from cold to hot and back in a couple of days. Have clothing to cover both extremes.

Last advice, don't try to see everything. I've wonder around in the area for 30 years and there is so much I haven't seen

Good luck and have a blast.

Robert

Jan 12, 2014 at 05:02 PM

gdanmitchell
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Kee Woo Rhee wrote:
... at the last minutes didn't want to come because "the sky was going to be just blue" !!...

"Just blue" is absolutely perfect for shooting in narrow and deep canyons. Unlike many other places where we lust after early and late golden hour light, you can shoot canyons in the middle of the day and the reflected light is beautiful.

Also, and especially when you photograph in a place that is not your local territory, be more than a bit cautious about sharing too much information about places that are a bit off the beaten track and which could easily be ruined by too much publicity and too many visitors. One of the beauties of Utah and similar areas is that there are places where you can find both solitude and beauty... and those who are persistent and careful and respectful and take time rathe than demanding instant gratification will eventually discover such places.

Ah, no, it is not about protecting them for me - it is about protecting them for humanity, now and in the future, and even about protecting them for their own sake. I'm willing to accept that people who love certain places will not tell me about them. There is enough beauty in the world - with a good portion found in Utah! - that I'll be able to find plenty of other things to photograph. :-)

Dan

Jan 12, 2014 at 05:19 PM

lukeb
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Forgot to mention - when I hit MV and Canyonlands/Arches, I usually go after school goes back in session after September. Also, to avoid horrible crowds and tour busses, October, November and December are excellent months.

Also, when in Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge is a SUPER GREAT motel!
http://redcliffslodge.com/ and the photography all around Moab is to die for!

Jan 12, 2014 at 05:47 PM

John Zeman
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

Kee Woo Rhee wrote:
Did you mention "FALSE KIVA"? Well, well, well. I was going to ask people around about this so-called secret place but have been hesitating.

Kee, I'm not Dustin but I just sent you a PM since I hiked to the false kiva last November.

Jan 12, 2014 at 06:01 PM

ckcarr
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Questions about travelling in Arizona, Nevada, Utah

I totally 100% agree with Dan Mitchell.

This, will be found in the ammo box located at False Kiva. Perhaps it's the code of the west among other photographers here, or those that strive to protect ruins, artifacts, pottery shards, or anything. Or perhaps it's watching the gradual destruction or vandalism that occurs here constantly. Whatever, I follow the advice given in the left side paragraphs in this pamphlet to the letter. So do my friends, the photographers, the climbers, most anyone associated with Wild Utah. I'll be like Tom Till, I ask him where something is... he just smiles. I suggest that you also think about this advice.

Now I know for a fact that there are photographers who have left this site because when they used to post images from remote, "secret" locations, they were immediately bombarded with pm's asking the what and where of a location. When they wouldn't respond, sometimes the pms would turn nasty. After a while, they just got tired of it. So they stopped posting, and went away.

Some people live for the joy of discovery. Others just want to make a list and tick off conquests, never enjoying the journey, instead for them it's all about the destination... It's sad.

Now, there's nothing stopping anyone from visiting the ranger stations, asking directions to this class II archeological site (or others), and I'm sure they will be more than happy to size you up, assess your abilities, and especially reinforce the care and protection of these sites that you visit before they send you on your way with a nice discussion. They will prep you better than some guy off an internet photo site, at least as far as care for the ruin. But bear in mind, they have their hands full with this stuff. And it gets worse every year, not better.

http://ckcarr.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Canyonlands-National-Park/i-xJCF6w4/0/X2/_DSC7932-X2.jpg

Edited on Jan 12, 2014 at 07:25 PM · View previous versions

Jan 12, 2014 at 06:56 PM

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