Starting out in Bryce Canyon and then to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument's and Zion before heading to Grand Canyon and Paige Arizona. We are heading out of Colorado on or around 13 Dec 07 and absolute must see and Ionics at each place would be greatly appreciated. And if anyone has suggestions about southern Cali would be great too. I love wildlife, intimate landscapes, Pano's, and large landscapes in that order.
P.S. I intend to make post from each state and Canada when I am there. I will be in Alaska for around 4 1/2 months. Thanks in advance for any help.
Posted by Nat Coalson on December 7, 2007 at 8:39 PM
Zebra Canyon in Escalante is definitely worth doing.
Posted by Les Barstow on December 7, 2007 at 11:32 PM
That's a grand tour! Have great fun and success...
Bryce: For intimate landscape, get some time in the canyon - Fairyland, Navajo, or Queen's Garden - doesn't matter, they're all good. Pano and grand landscapes I prefer from Inspiration Point (and "Upper Inspiration Point"), though the other viewpoints are also good.
GSENM: Zebra was a great hike, I agree. There's so much to the monument, it's hard to point out a single location. You might try Kodachrome Basin State Park, just outside the Monument and not far from Bryce - it has a good selection of features for more intimate landscapes.
Zion: wildlife should present itself inside the canyon. For intimate landscapes try the East side of the park; a bit of water will also increase opportunities inside the canyon.
I can't speak to the rest, sorry.
Posted by Grant Collier on December 8, 2007 at 12:02 AM
There's almost too many places to recommend. I'd suggest the Photographing the Southwest books on Utah and AZ.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 8, 2007 at 1:03 AM
I agree with Grant. You need to get the two books he mentioned. They are very useful in planning your time.
Posted by Jack Garrett on December 8, 2007 at 9:18 AM
Cedar Breaks is a smaller version of Bryce..the same types of formation in a biiiig semi circle. We got some nice pix from there last year. It's a National monument rather than N.P.. Also, Kolab Canyon, south of Cedar City is a smaller park...about 6 miles in and out. Nice formations there resembling Zion.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on December 8, 2007 at 4:21 PM
Page: spend an afternoon in Lower Antelope Canyon! Upper Antelope is only open to tours so you'll always be sharing it with 10-50 of your closest friends besides the extra expense. Chances are at that time of year you'll have Lower all to yourself. There are othe slot canyons in the Page area but they are not as accessible. However, each canyon is different. Lower is a 'V', narrow at the bottom. Upper is a '^' wide at the bottom. The light will be more diffuse in the winter and you won't get the light shafts but its still magical.
Toadstool Hoodoo is also a great spot and easy hike in the Page area.
Discussion
6 repliesP.S. I intend to make post from each state and Canada when I am there. I will be in Alaska for around 4 1/2 months. Thanks in advance for any help.
Bryce: For intimate landscape, get some time in the canyon - Fairyland, Navajo, or Queen's Garden - doesn't matter, they're all good. Pano and grand landscapes I prefer from Inspiration Point (and "Upper Inspiration Point"), though the other viewpoints are also good.
GSENM: Zebra was a great hike, I agree. There's so much to the monument, it's hard to point out a single location. You might try Kodachrome Basin State Park, just outside the Monument and not far from Bryce - it has a good selection of features for more intimate landscapes.
Zion: wildlife should present itself inside the canyon. For intimate landscapes try the East side of the park; a bit of water will also increase opportunities inside the canyon.
I can't speak to the rest, sorry.
Toadstool Hoodoo is also a great spot and easy hike in the Page area.
Sounds like a great trip, have fun!