fredmiranda.com
Login

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Trip Location Advice & Meet-ups | Join Upload & Sell
1
       2       end
   

Archive 2019 · October Landscape Trip in the US
  
 
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #1 · October Landscape Trip in the US


Hi all,

I have over a month off in October before starting my new job, so I am looking to get out there and take some landscape photos. This is a lot more freedom in choosing destinations and itinerary than I am used to, so I am looking for some suggestions. I will be traveling alone, possibly joined by a friend for 1-2 weeks, and not very much into camping. After September 23 I will be flexible for travel, although realistically October 1 is much more suitable.

I am considering to Alaska, specifically for the aurora and the breathtaking landscapes. However, I understand that both wildlife and fall colors will be sparse by the time October rolls around, and both tours and lodging availability will be low. As such, I am considering leaving Alaska for another trip at a better time of year, but would love to hear the advice of photographers more familiar with Alaska about whether going in October is a good idea.

In addition/instead of Alaska, I am also looking at the Western US. I have only visited the Grand Canyon (just one day at the south rim) and Arches National Park, and would love to visit some National Parks that will have good fall foliage and scenery during that time. I've also always wanted to visit Antelope Canyon and Horse Bend in Arizona, so I would probably try to fit that in if I'm at all close to those places. Any recommendations on potential destinations would be highly appreciated.

Apologies for the broadness of the request, I have yet to visit any of the famous National Parks or gone on a trip where I can focus on photography as I please. Any guidance on where to start looking would be fantastic. Thanks!



Edited on Aug 20, 2019 at 11:40 PM · View previous versions
Aug 20, 2019 at 09:30 PM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #2 · October Landscape Trip in the US


I'm no Alaska expert, but I understand from others, including relatives who lived in the state, that fall starts very early there and that October will be too late for anything like that.

The Southwest is a great place to go in October. If you get there early enough — the 1st of the month or even the tail end of September — you can get aspen color up high. Later on in redrock country you'll get cottonwood and other kinds of color though the end of the month.
Aug 20, 2019 at 10:47 PM
GroovyGeek
Online
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #3 · October Landscape Trip in the US


Dan's advice is sound. October is early winter in what people typically think of when they say "Alaska" (aka Denali), but prime time for southern UT and northern AZ. One of the benefits of going to Alaska during that period is that you can avoid the man-eating mosquitos of the summer season - assuming that the roads, parks, and lodging are still open. If you are after the views you don't need a variety in lodging, just a place to sleep each night.

With a "no camping" requirement you are mostly limited in the Southwest to the (in)famous NPs, which will still be crowded but maybe not as crazy as they are in late August and early September. If you have no familiarity with the area you may want to buy the Southern UT/northern AZ volumes of the book "Photographing the Southwest". The book itself is not particularly useful for much more than a laundry list of locations to consider. The descriptions are wordy and the pics sparse to keep the cost down, but it will get you started. IMO the best way to use it is to pretty much skip the text and head straight to the table of contents and start Googling each of the named locations to get a sense of what they look like.

Only more specific advice I can give is to avoid the temptation to have a hitlist and a schedule.
Aug 21, 2019 at 01:12 AM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #4 · October Landscape Trip in the US


gdanmitchell wrote:
I'm no Alaska expert, but I understand from others, including relatives who lived in the state, that fall starts very early there and that October will be too late for anything like that.

The Southwest is a great place to go in October. If you get there early enough — the 1st of the month or even the tail end of September — you can get aspen color up high. Later on in redrock country you'll get cottonwood and other kinds of color though the end of the month.

Yep, that fits what I've found out about Alaska in October. Anywhere in particular in the Southwest that you would recommend? I can be on the road at the very beginning of October.


Aug 21, 2019 at 09:28 AM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #5 · October Landscape Trip in the US


Since you are "not much into camping," I'll assume that you want to stay in motels. You are also completely new to the area (aside from those visits to GC and Arches), so it makes sense to build your visit around the major iconic parks. Given that you would go during color season, the timing of fall color and the ability to be flexible also seem important.

Fall color can be a tricky thing — it doesn't always perform exactly on schedule. Sometimes you need to be flexible to respond to what you find when you find it. In a very general way I'd say that you might consider:

1. Aspen color (for example, Boulder Mountain and/or some of the higher country near places like Brian Head) at the very beginning of October. Even on October 1 you will have missed the start of the color, but there still should be some. (I have seen some aspen color on the road from Kanab to Grand Canyon much later than this, too.)

2. Cottonwood and other red rock country color more in the middle/latter part of the month. Among the national parks you may visit this could include Capitol Reef, some areas in Arches, and some places in Zion.

3. End-of-season color in Zion near the start of November. I have not done this myself, and my fall visits to Zion have been earlier (and still good) but I've seen that color developing and I've been told it arrives a bit later.

Since they aren't fall color dependent, you could simply squeeze in things like your Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon visits wherever there is time.

I've photographed in the area a fair amount, but others who actually live there can tell you more.

Again, in your case (unfamiliar with the area, staying in motels), I think I'd build the trip around the locations where you can find lodging. Fortunately, things do quiet down a bit by this time. Oh, it can also get rather cold, especially in some of the higher locations.


Aug 21, 2019 at 09:46 AM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #6 · October Landscape Trip in the US


GroovyGeek wrote:
Dan's advice is sound. October is early winter in what people typically think of when they say "Alaska" (aka Denali), but prime time for southern UT and northern AZ. One of the benefits of going to Alaska during that period is that you can avoid the man-eating mosquitos of the summer season - assuming that the roads, parks, and lodging are still open. If you are after the views you don't need a variety in lodging, just a place to sleep each night.

With a "no camping" requirement you are mostly limited in the Southwest to the (in)famous NPs, which will...Show more →

I am still digging into what might still be open in Alaska, but it doesn't look very promising. Indeed, any form of lodging would do, but I understand that boat and flightseeing tours are not to be missed and it seems most of them will be closed come October.

I have started looking up National Parks in AZ and UT and there are quite a lot! Out of curiosity, what options might camping unlock? I've never really camped, but the general idea just has never been appealing to me. Also, I can definitely appreciate the flexibility of not keeping a fixed schedule especially when it comes to landscape photography, but I was curious whether October would still be busy enough that I would have trouble finding lodging driving into a town each day?

Thanks, appreciate the suggestions!
Aug 21, 2019 at 09:51 AM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #7 · October Landscape Trip in the US


gdanmitchell wrote:
Since you are "not much into camping," I'll assume that you want to stay in motels. You are also completely new to the area (aside from those visits to GC and Arches), so it makes sense to build your visit around the major iconic parks. Given that you would go during color season, the timing of fall color and the ability to be flexible also seem important.

Fall color can be a tricky thing — it doesn't always perform exactly on schedule. Sometimes you need to be flexible to respond to what you find when you find it. In a...Show more →

Thank you for the specific suggestions! I think you are spot on about focusing on the iconic National Parks. I would definitely prefer to stay in motels, but I could be flexible on that. I just don't much fancy sleeping outside in a tent, but I am curious about RVs and such. I'll definitely do my research on lodging availability beforehand. When I visited Arches and Grand Canyon I was able to find motels each evening driving around a bit, and I presume room availability should be pretty good.

I plan on flying to the area and renting a car, so I can definitely be flexible especially if I don't need to secure lodging ahead of time. I would definitely want to catch the fall colors wherever possible, so it sounds like going from high to low elevation and generally from north to south would be a good general plan.

Are there any other NPs you would recommend? I've heard good things about Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley. Joshua Tree also seems to be within driving distance of UT and AZ. Also, I just stayed at the south rim of Grand Canyon last time, and I was wondering whether there is anything to be gained from visiting the north rim or taking a one-day hike down?

Thanks again for your suggestions!
Aug 21, 2019 at 11:42 AM
The Rat
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #8 · October Landscape Trip in the US


If you rent a large enough car, you can just set up a sleeping bag/pad setup in the back. That's what I do whenever I go on road trips. Huge boost in flexibility, as well as saving on motel fees! The Southwest is full of BLM land and other places you can park and not be bothered as well.

Capitol Reef is my big recommendation, especially if you don't mind putting in the miles when hiking. All the best stuff is on the longer, more remote hikes.
Aug 21, 2019 at 12:31 PM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #9 · October Landscape Trip in the US


Maxbot wrote:
Are there any other NPs you would recommend? I've heard good things about Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley. Joshua Tree also seems to be within driving distance of UT and AZ. Also, I just stayed at the south rim of Grand Canyon last time, and I was wondering whether there is anything to be gained from visiting the north rim or taking a one-day hike down?

All of the Utah parks have their charms. Arches, of course, has remarkable sandstone features, some of which almost defy belief.

Canyonlands is a big, sprawling place with quite diverse terrain — the high "island in the sky" upland terrain with its extensive views, and more intimate canyon country to the south.

Capitol Reef has some excellent sights, though a lot of that park is more remote and requires gravel road driving and hiking. (If you get there at the right time in October you can enjoy fresh fruit at Fruits, from the historic orchards.) There are accommodations in nearby Torrey.

At some point you'll likely drive across Boulder Mountain between destinations. If so and you want to splurge, there is a rather nice lodge in Boulder. (Boulder Mountain has a lot of aspens, but get there early if you want to catch the color.)

Bryce Canyon is a popular park with lots of services. Many people love it, but it doesn't move me that much. (Photographically it seems like a bit of a "one trick pony.")

Zion is well worth a visit, especially if you have not been there before. The canyon itself offers quite a bit, and you'll be there after the worst of the tourist crush —though it won't exactly be a place of solitude even in October. There's more than just Zion Canyon to explore in that park. That should be enough of a hint to get you started.

There are also a ton of areas worth seeing that are not in the national parks. You can't miss some — like Red Rock Canyon — while others require a bit more time and effort. The huge Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument sprawls across a big swath of Utah, for example.

I've explored some stuff out of Kanab, and this is a place worth stopping. There are some somewhat well-known photographic icons not far from there, and a ton of less-known but worthy things to find if you poke around a bit. (Some of them will call for a 4WD vehicle, so your rental car many not always be appropriate.)

My experience with the Arizona stuff is much less extensive. I've driven through and photographed the Monument Valley area, but just a bit. Believe it or not, I've only been to the Grand Canyon once... after sunset... on a whim that led me to drive there and back from Kanab.
Aug 21, 2019 at 01:53 PM
jdc562
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #10 · October Landscape Trip in the US


I did a non-rushed trip across southern Utah from Zion to Monument Valley. I did this in an early November, and the parts I liked the best were not the famous places. Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and the other well known places in Southern Utah are beautiful, but they are the Disneylands of photography, which can limit the feeling of intimacy with your surroundings.

You said you'd like "a trip where I can focus on photography as I please." If that means being away from tour busses and crowded parking lots, there are many peaceful vignette type places between the famous places. You can immerse yourself in your photography there. And light bouncing off the sandstone walls provides interesting light over broad parts of the day, not just early morning and late afternoon. In early November the many little, narrow, stream-cut canyons have red sandstone walls as background for gnarled cottonwoods in yellow fall foliage. Early light snows may increase the interest without blocking your travel.

Guy Tal is a master photographer of these and nearby areas, including broad landscapes. Check out his website to get the flavors of these places, which do not stop at the Utah state border.

Major crossroads along the way have reasonably-priced, decent, motels and local restaurants. Because it's the low season, lodging is easier to book and extend as needed.

And, by the way, if you want to see the lesser photographed parts of Monument Valley, I heartily recommend the Navajo guides. They know the area better than outsiders and have the tribal permissions and specially modified vehicles to get you to the out-of-the-way places. Many are used to working with photographers, so they can take you to spots that are unique and especially photogenic.


Aug 21, 2019 at 03:24 PM
Greg Campbell
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #11 · October Landscape Trip in the US


The Flagstaff region is superb in late September and into the first weeks of October. This also includes the North Rim Grand Canyon, where you can camp in the forest amidst a lovely aspen grove if you like. The N. Rim isn't wall-to-wall aspen, as you'll find in Flagstaff, but it does have more than 'enough' large groves to provide a nice show. Note that most North Rim services close on Oct 15.
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=north%20rim%20fall%20color%20grand%20canyon%20aspen

By mid October the Arizona Mogollon Rim, Oak Creek (Sedona), etc. are going well with ash, maple, etc. https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=42034606%40N05&view_all=1&text=fall%20color

Late October and the first half of Nov bring lovely color to the lower elevation canyons of S. Az.
http://wildinarizona.com/wordpress/?m=201311 As with most fall displays, the timing can vary by a week or two in either direction. I've seen amazing stuff in Ash Creek around Oct 20, and have been significantly early in the first week of Nov. Lately, the S. Az colors have been peaking in Nov. If your trip extends into November, look up Ramsey Canyon (Huachuca mountains), Turkey Creek (Chiricahua range), Ash Creek (Galliuros), etc. Most visits require a modest hike, and all will reward you with wonderful ash, maple, sumac, etc, mixed with desert agave, cactus, etc. The crowd density is generally very low.

The region around Page is a little too low for much tree action but you will be within a few hours of Utah. Mid-late Oct brings golden cottonwood color to much of the lower regions (~4500 to 6000 ft elevation) of S. Utah. Capitol Reef, big chunks of GSENM, etc. If you want to get away from people and the 'iconic' (shot-to-hell) photo destinations, get a good book on GSENM. With picturesque slot canyons, creeks, trees, forests, redrock everywherere, you could roam for weeks...

In general, so long as you are flexible in your travels (one benefit of pitching a tent as required!), you'll have no trouble finding something pretty to photograph along the Az/Utah strip. Just move 1~2 thousand feet up or down as required. If you're looking to escape the touron hordes, do some research into the assorted Utah State Parks. Most are quite lovely and well funded, making for a pleasant visit. Kodachrome Basin, Snow Canyon, and Goblin Valley are all wonderfully photogenic destinations.
Aug 21, 2019 at 04:56 PM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #12 · October Landscape Trip in the US


One other little thing. There are quite a few inexpensive motels in semi-rural Utah. Don't hesitate to use them. Some are a bit old and perhaps a bit long in the tooth, but they are mostly comfortable, often run by friendly people, and quite inexpensive.

Be aware that some of them are seasonal and they may start closing down later in the month — not so much at the most popular areas but in some of the quieter locations.

Edited on Aug 21, 2019 at 10:47 PM · View previous versions
Aug 21, 2019 at 08:03 PM
elkhornsun
Online
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #13 · October Landscape Trip in the US


I would be looking at Yellowstone or Yosemite in the western USA for the fall. Alaska is going to be gray and grayer and much shorter days in terms of real daylight. With Yosemite you can fly into San Jose or SFO or Sacramento airport.

There is also some nice country in north western Oregon south of Portland with waterfalls and fall colors and there may still be leaves on the grape vines in the Willamette valley. With Portland and Astoria you have the Oregon coast and beach scenes.


Aug 21, 2019 at 09:12 PM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #14 · October Landscape Trip in the US


The Rat wrote:
If you rent a large enough car, you can just set up a sleeping bag/pad setup in the back. That's what I do whenever I go on road trips. Huge boost in flexibility, as well as saving on motel fees! The Southwest is full of BLM land and other places you can park and not be bothered as well.

Capitol Reef is my big recommendation, especially if you don't mind putting in the miles when hiking. All the best stuff is on the longer, more remote hikes.

That's certainly an interesting way to do a road trip! I looked into BLM land, and it looks like it would be pretty straightforward to find a campsite or such and just park there for the night?

I'll definitely check out Capitol Reef! I'm very familiar with how the best scenery is always hidden and hard to access, and I'm definitely up for those hikes. Thank you for the suggestions!
Aug 21, 2019 at 10:21 PM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #15 · October Landscape Trip in the US


gdanmitchell wrote:
All of the Utah parks have their charms. Arches, of course, has remarkable sandstone features, some of which almost defy belief.

Canyonlands is a big, sprawling place with quite diverse terrain — the high "island in the sky" upland terrain with its extensive views, and more intimate canyon country to the south.

Capitol Reef has some excellent sights, though a lot of that park is more remote and requires gravel road driving and hiking. (If you get there at the right time in October you can enjoy fresh fruit at Fruits, from the historic orchards.) There are accommodations in nearby...Show more →

Thank you for the detailed suggestions! I will definitely be using your list as the basis for my trip planning. So many good suggestions for places to visit - I'm getting giddy just reading through your recommendations. If there are this many excellent destinations in Utah alone, a Utah-Arizona trip should provide enough sights for two or three weeks easily.


Aug 21, 2019 at 10:37 PM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #16 · October Landscape Trip in the US


elkhornsun wrote:
I would be looking at Yellowstone or Yosemite in the western USA for the fall. Alaska is going to be gray and grayer and much shorter days in terms of real daylight. With Yosemite you can fly into San Jose or SFO or Sacramento airport.

There is also some nice country in north western Oregon south of Portland with waterfalls and fall colors and there may still be leaves on the grape vines in the Willamette valley. With Portland and Astoria you have the Oregon coast and beach scenes.

Fall in Yosemite is more of a Halloween thing — very last day of October through the first week of November or so. That's when color comes to the Valley and the Sierra foothills.

The first few weeks of October constitute aspen color season in the Sierra Nevada, but Yosemite is far from a hot spot for that. There are some aspens in the park, but the far better displays are on the east side of the Sierra, roughly up and down US 395 and along routes into the range from there.

(I wrote a book about that... ;-)

I'm no expert on Yellowstone and that region, but my understanding is that fall color there comes earlier and is more of a September thing.

Dan

Edited on Aug 22, 2019 at 07:21 AM · View previous versions
Aug 21, 2019 at 10:51 PM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #17 · October Landscape Trip in the US


jdc562 wrote:
I did a non-rushed trip across southern Utah from Zion to Monument Valley. I did this in an early November, and the parts I liked the best were not the famous places. Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and the other well known places in Southern Utah are beautiful, but they are the Disneylands of photography, which can limit the feeling of intimacy with your surroundings.

You said you'd like "a trip where I can focus on photography as I please." If that means being away from tour busses and crowded parking lots, there are many peaceful vignette type places between the...Show more →

I am mainly looking forward to not having to be considerate of non-photographer travel companions. As I have never visited the area I would like to hit the greatest hits, but I would also love to get away from the buses and tourists and discover beautiful vistas on my own and just be immersed in photography and scenery. Your description of the vignettes and narrow canyons is intoxicating! I checked out Guy Tal's photos, and they are breathtaking! I am definitely planning on doing my own exploration and getting off the well-paved paths, but is there a way to have some idea of what or where to look ahead of time?

Appreciate the tips on lodging and Navajo guides for Monument Valley! Knowing that motels can be found each day instead of booked in advance will allow me much more flexibility, and I look forward to traveling with a Navajo guide. Would you happen to know if guides and photography tours need to be reserved far in advance? That would cut into the flexibility of the itinerary!
Aug 21, 2019 at 10:55 PM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #18 · October Landscape Trip in the US


Greg Campbell wrote:
The Flagstaff region is superb in late September and into the first weeks of October. This also includes the North Rim Grand Canyon, where you can camp in the forest amidst a lovely aspen grove if you like. The N. Rim isn't wall-to-wall aspen, as you'll find in Flagstaff, but it does have more than 'enough' large groves to provide a nice show. Note that most North Rim services close on Oct 15.
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=north%20rim%20fall%20color%20grand%20canyon%20aspen

By mid October the Arizona Mogollon Rim, Oak Creek (Sedona), etc. are going well with ash, maple, etc. https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=42034606%40N05&view_all=1&text=fall%20color

Late October and the first half of Nov...Show more →

Appreciate the recommendations! It seems that I should be basically chasing the fall colors as they move south/down through October, starting in Utah and moving south through Arizona towards late October/early November. I'll definitely do some research into the State Parks, although I hope that once summer ends the tourist crowds will die down a bit!
Aug 21, 2019 at 11:20 PM
GroovyGeek
Online
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #19 · October Landscape Trip in the US


If you are in the area you can try to get a walk-in spot for the Wave, I think that the lottery for October has come and gone. If you try mid week in late October you have a fighting chance, especially as a single. If you try Tue-Wed and then go to Paria, Wirepass Canyon, Cottonwood Road instead if you don't win you will not have missed much. But it does require a 12 mile roindtrip hike.


Aug 21, 2019 at 11:24 PM
Maxbot
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #20 · October Landscape Trip in the US


elkhornsun wrote:
I would be looking at Yellowstone or Yosemite in the western USA for the fall. Alaska is going to be gray and grayer and much shorter days in terms of real daylight. With Yosemite you can fly into San Jose or SFO or Sacramento airport.

There is also some nice country in north western Oregon south of Portland with waterfalls and fall colors and there may still be leaves on the grape vines in the Willamette valley. With Portland and Astoria you have the Oregon coast and beach scenes.

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll have to do some research on Yellowstone and Yosemite. I've heard that by October the colors in Yellowstone are mostly gone, but I'm not familiar with Yosemite at all.
---------------------------------------------

gdanmitchell wrote:
Fall in Yosemite is more of a November thing. That's when color comes to the Valley and the Sierra foothills.

The first few weeks of October constitute aspen color season in the Sierra Nevada, but Yosemite is far from a hot spot for that. There are some aspens in the park, but the far better displays are on the east side of the Sierra, roughly up and down US 395 and along routes into the range from there.

(I wrote a book about that... ;-)

I'm no expert on Yellowstone and that region, but my understanding is that fall color there comes earlier...Show more →

Thanks Dan! I don't know about Yosemite but I've asked about Yellowstone in another thread and was told that by October the colors should be gone.


Aug 21, 2019 at 11:25 PM
1
       2       end
FM Forums | Trip Location Advice & Meet-ups | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
    
 

Welcome back
Log in to your account
Reset passwordNo account? Register