Posted by Rich Long on August 10, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I've had only rare opportunities for photography in the past year or so, and I have one coming up in two weeks.
I'll be taking my youngest to Flagstaff to move into the dorm at NAU in about 10 days. I should have enough room in the Ranger to include my 4x5 and some camping gear to use on return trip. I'll leave Flagstaff Friday AM and plan to be back home in the Springs Sunday evening. There's a lot of territory in between and I'm wide open to the possibilities.
I'm tempted to just head for the San Juans, since I know that area somewhat and the high temps will be bearable there. But I'm sure there are other areas that are worth a visit and would be new to me. A few months ago, I made a quick stop at the Monument Valley visitors center with the family. Other than that, I have zero experience/knowledge of the photographic opportunities in the general 4-corners area.
Suggestions?
Posted by Bret Edge on August 10, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Rich: I would recommend sunset at Wupatki and/or Sunset Crater right outside of Flagstaff. You might consider stopping in Page, too. There are lots of opportunities there outside of Antelope Canyon. I'm sure others will chime in w/ some good suggestions. Enjoy the trip!
You might consider driving back through Kayenta, Monument Valley and Mexican Hat. The world's your oyster around there, with the San Juan Goosenecks, Cedar Mesa, Valley of the Gods, Comb Ridge, Natural Bridges, more Anasazi stuff than you can shake a stick at. If it's blazing hot you can take the good dirt roads north of Nat. Bridges to the Dark Canyon area and the Abajo Mountains. That area's high enough to be a bit cooler, and you don't see many images shot up there. Innumerable options: the biggest challenge in the Four Corners is usually narrowing your focus enough to be productive. Have fun!
Posted by John Mumaw on August 10, 2008 at 6:31 PM
Another recommendation to visit Wupatki Nat'l. Mon. for sunset while you're so close (Thursday PM?).
The Page area is also chock full of photo ops, and the monsoon season is in full swing, making for some dramatic sunrises/sunsets.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on August 11, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Horseshoe Bend, south of Page?
Ken
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 11, 2008 at 11:15 AM
You'll also be near Wire Pass and Coyote Buttes. Apparently people don't like to hike Coyote Buttes when its 115F, so there is a chance you can get a walk up permit.
Of course, I would not enter Wire Pass or Buckskin if there is any chance of rain right now.
Discussion
6 repliesI'll be taking my youngest to Flagstaff to move into the dorm at NAU in about 10 days. I should have enough room in the Ranger to include my 4x5 and some camping gear to use on return trip. I'll leave Flagstaff Friday AM and plan to be back home in the Springs Sunday evening. There's a lot of territory in between and I'm wide open to the possibilities.
I'm tempted to just head for the San Juans, since I know that area somewhat and the high temps will be bearable there. But I'm sure there are other areas that are worth a visit and would be new to me. A few months ago, I made a quick stop at the Monument Valley visitors center with the family. Other than that, I have zero experience/knowledge of the photographic opportunities in the general 4-corners area.
Suggestions?
The Page area is also chock full of photo ops, and the monsoon season is in full swing, making for some dramatic sunrises/sunsets.
Ken
Of course, I would not enter Wire Pass or Buckskin if there is any chance of rain right now.
Mel-