Utah, so many photo ops so little time
Jun 11, 2014 10:13:51 #
big-guy wrote:
Hi hoggers, br br I have been researching this t... (show quote)
This book is indispensable for your trip. I have all 3 volumes.
http://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Southwest-1--Southern-Utah-2nd/dp/0916189120/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402495798&sr=1-3&keywords=laurent+martres
Jun 11, 2014 10:26:45 #
Living in northern Utah all the parks are about 5 hours away. So we go often. All the places you mentioned are fabulous! but I love Bryce. It's probably my favorite.
Jun 11, 2014 10:30:11 #
I love all the parks in Utah. But my favorite is Monument Valley.
Great for sunrise and sunset.
Get a private guide with enclosed vehicle (because of the dust)
Great for sunrise and sunset.
Get a private guide with enclosed vehicle (because of the dust)
Jun 11, 2014 10:34:32 #
Wow, such great tips. Thanks. Sedona and Grand Canyon we have done a couple of times already but still want to go back... when we do our year long stint Ya? Being from up north the cold is not much of a factor for me but my cameras on the other hand just love to crap out after a couple of hours. So I am making a sweater of sorts for the cameras with inside pockets for those hand warmers which will also keep the dew on the lens at bay. As for hiking well here's a cover photo from Peterborough's Spark photo festival with me at the top of Huaynu Picchu overlooking Machu Picchu. Now that was a hike!
The biggest problem so far is trying to figure out which viewpoint of all the many maps, articles, photos etc. I have researched are actually facing north for the star trail effect. I'm thinking day 1 will be an over all scouting expedition to see first hand which site(s) will work best for my shot list.
The biggest problem so far is trying to figure out which viewpoint of all the many maps, articles, photos etc. I have researched are actually facing north for the star trail effect. I'm thinking day 1 will be an over all scouting expedition to see first hand which site(s) will work best for my shot list.
Top of Huaynu Picchu overlooking Machu Picchu
Jun 11, 2014 10:37:29 #
Utah is absolutely a treasure and I've been to all of your listed parks at least twice. They are all great and I would hesitate to try to rank them. I'm sure we all have a favorite. The one suggestion I will make is take the hike and get to Delicate Arch at sunset. There will be plenty of other photographers there, but a highlight in my opinion. If the weather is right, the "light" is spectacular! By the way, I don't mean either of the easy "Delicate Arch viewing areas" I mean actually up to the Arch!
Jun 11, 2014 11:01:09 #
Forgive my ignorance, but I'm from Utah (born 30 mi from Zion), and I've never heard of a place called Kodachrome. Where is it located?
Jun 11, 2014 11:05:58 #
I've done them all. Your choices are great, but Bryce is a must. The most unique of them all. Put Great Sand Dunes in CO on your list.
Jun 11, 2014 11:06:34 #
Jun 11, 2014 11:18:27 #
don1047 wrote:
Kodachrome is a state park east of Bryce.
And a great visit worth the time!
Jun 11, 2014 11:41:01 #
Jun 11, 2014 11:46:32 #
big-guy
The three parks you have chosen are fabulous and you will surely have a great time. While at MV, be sure to hire a guide who will take you out into the hinterlands. The roads within that park are really crummy and are unmarked. You could easily get lost if you don't know where you are going, and some of the roads need high clearance and four-wheel drive. You can make arrangements with a guide to visit 'Yei Bi Chei' in the early morning, prior to any visitors and get animal footprints from the night before.
You can also hire the guide to take you to 'Teardrop Arch' which is outside of the park. You need to have a guide to get there as it is on private land and you can see into MV from across the highway. That is best at late afternoon, when the sun is going down and you can get beautiful reds of the rock with blue sky and green fields in the arch.
The 'Goosenecks State Park' has already been mentioned and this is truly a diamond in the rough and most people do not know of its existence. Go there with wide angles, you will not be sorry. Bring plenty of water however, it can be hot, even in September.
The 'Valley of the Gods' has already been mentioned as well. There is a small 'B & B' there which is off the grid, using only solar and wind power. The root cellar room is off by itself but is convenient. However, going from the upper floor to the lower floor requires the use of a tight turning staircase. (Think lighthouse) If you are corpulent, this is not for you. If you are of average size, no problem. The upper floor is where the bathroom is. There is also a door from the lower floor, where the bedroom is, but to go to the bathroom from the bedroom, you would have to go outside, get to the front door and then go back into the building. That could be a pain in the xxx. But if you are of average size, no problem with the staircase. But you could use a flashlight to negotiate the staircase in the pitch dark.
'Mesa Arch' is best photographed at sunrise. There will likely be 50 photographers there with tripods. However, it requires about a one mile hike through darkness to reach its destination. Therefore, become familiar with your route the day before, so you know where to turn and where to begin your hike. And, be sure to bring a good flashlight, the trail is not illuminated. Also, 'Mesa Arch' is in 'Canyonlands NP' it is NOT in 'Arches NP' despite its name.
Although there are a myriad of other good sights to be seen and enjoyed, you indicated that you have another trip in the offing which might allow you to see them. So stick with the three you mentioned, you will not be disappointed in the least. BTW, 'Delicate Arch' in 'Arches NP' is a two to three mile hike. Be prepared to bring water, 'Power Bars' and good footwear. If you have a camera case which goes over the shoulder with a long strap, you may wish to consider getting one which is a backpack, using both shoulders and hip harness to take the weight off of the shoulders. You will be doing considerable hiking in these parks and this would be more comfortable than carrying a bag in your hands or over one shoulder.
Enjoy,
Arca
The three parks you have chosen are fabulous and you will surely have a great time. While at MV, be sure to hire a guide who will take you out into the hinterlands. The roads within that park are really crummy and are unmarked. You could easily get lost if you don't know where you are going, and some of the roads need high clearance and four-wheel drive. You can make arrangements with a guide to visit 'Yei Bi Chei' in the early morning, prior to any visitors and get animal footprints from the night before.
You can also hire the guide to take you to 'Teardrop Arch' which is outside of the park. You need to have a guide to get there as it is on private land and you can see into MV from across the highway. That is best at late afternoon, when the sun is going down and you can get beautiful reds of the rock with blue sky and green fields in the arch.
The 'Goosenecks State Park' has already been mentioned and this is truly a diamond in the rough and most people do not know of its existence. Go there with wide angles, you will not be sorry. Bring plenty of water however, it can be hot, even in September.
The 'Valley of the Gods' has already been mentioned as well. There is a small 'B & B' there which is off the grid, using only solar and wind power. The root cellar room is off by itself but is convenient. However, going from the upper floor to the lower floor requires the use of a tight turning staircase. (Think lighthouse) If you are corpulent, this is not for you. If you are of average size, no problem. The upper floor is where the bathroom is. There is also a door from the lower floor, where the bedroom is, but to go to the bathroom from the bedroom, you would have to go outside, get to the front door and then go back into the building. That could be a pain in the xxx. But if you are of average size, no problem with the staircase. But you could use a flashlight to negotiate the staircase in the pitch dark.
'Mesa Arch' is best photographed at sunrise. There will likely be 50 photographers there with tripods. However, it requires about a one mile hike through darkness to reach its destination. Therefore, become familiar with your route the day before, so you know where to turn and where to begin your hike. And, be sure to bring a good flashlight, the trail is not illuminated. Also, 'Mesa Arch' is in 'Canyonlands NP' it is NOT in 'Arches NP' despite its name.
Although there are a myriad of other good sights to be seen and enjoyed, you indicated that you have another trip in the offing which might allow you to see them. So stick with the three you mentioned, you will not be disappointed in the least. BTW, 'Delicate Arch' in 'Arches NP' is a two to three mile hike. Be prepared to bring water, 'Power Bars' and good footwear. If you have a camera case which goes over the shoulder with a long strap, you may wish to consider getting one which is a backpack, using both shoulders and hip harness to take the weight off of the shoulders. You will be doing considerable hiking in these parks and this would be more comfortable than carrying a bag in your hands or over one shoulder.
Enjoy,
Arca
Jun 11, 2014 12:06:44 #
Hi Big-guy,
I just finish a trip down in Utah covering some of the Parks.Depending what direction you are coming from,consider staying at Green River. From there you can take in Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse, a slot canyon with hiking opportunity's.Green River is alot cheaper place to stay with old school motels abound than Moab.Archs and the other classic Parks are not so far. I also recommend the Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods drive as mention by Leland22,just a spectacular drive( everyone should do this once in there life)Beware that if you do the Antelope Canyon hike, this gets hammered by tours and if it is windy your camera is going to get hammered by sand. (my lens is in the shop now to be clean from the dust sand.)Another park which few people go is The Great Basin Nat Park. This is great for bird-life (think hummingbirds, owls, turkey vultures etc).
I am living in Saskatchewan so a plan could be to drive North to Yellowstone Nat Park as I did.This Park speaks for itself. (I stopped at MT shooter lovely camera shop outside Billing MT and had a top yarn with the man) There you could visit Grassland Nat Park and others on your way home to Ontario.
There is no right or wrong here, just go.
Redmark
I just finish a trip down in Utah covering some of the Parks.Depending what direction you are coming from,consider staying at Green River. From there you can take in Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse, a slot canyon with hiking opportunity's.Green River is alot cheaper place to stay with old school motels abound than Moab.Archs and the other classic Parks are not so far. I also recommend the Goosenecks State Park and Valley of the Gods drive as mention by Leland22,just a spectacular drive( everyone should do this once in there life)Beware that if you do the Antelope Canyon hike, this gets hammered by tours and if it is windy your camera is going to get hammered by sand. (my lens is in the shop now to be clean from the dust sand.)Another park which few people go is The Great Basin Nat Park. This is great for bird-life (think hummingbirds, owls, turkey vultures etc).
I am living in Saskatchewan so a plan could be to drive North to Yellowstone Nat Park as I did.This Park speaks for itself. (I stopped at MT shooter lovely camera shop outside Billing MT and had a top yarn with the man) There you could visit Grassland Nat Park and others on your way home to Ontario.
There is no right or wrong here, just go.
Redmark
Jun 11, 2014 13:30:40 #
Football_Dad
Loc: Brownstown, Mi
I was just in the Arches NP for two weeks in May. You will absolutly love it.
Jun 11, 2014 13:59:08 #
Thanks, just purchased Vol 1 and 3. Getting giddy now...
Willy wrote:
This book is indispensable for your trip. I have all 3 volumes.
http://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Southwest-1--Southern-Utah-2nd/dp/0916189120/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402495798&sr=1-3&keywords=laurent+martres
http://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Southwest-1--Southern-Utah-2nd/dp/0916189120/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402495798&sr=1-3&keywords=laurent+martres
Jun 11, 2014 14:22:29 #
You and several others mention to hire a guide. So approx how much? and for how long? Can this be done on arrival or better to have it pre booked?
Arca wrote:
big-guy
While at MV, be sure to hire a guide who will take you out into the hinterlands.
You can make arrangements with a guide to visit 'Yei Bi Chei' in the early morning, prior to any visitors and get animal footprints from the night before.
You can also hire the guide to take you to 'Teardrop Arch' which is outside of the park.
Arca
While at MV, be sure to hire a guide who will take you out into the hinterlands.
You can make arrangements with a guide to visit 'Yei Bi Chei' in the early morning, prior to any visitors and get animal footprints from the night before.
You can also hire the guide to take you to 'Teardrop Arch' which is outside of the park.
Arca
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