Northern Arizona Trip in Spring

I've been researching areas for a Spring trip in Northern Arizona in the 1st few weeks of April 2009. Found a lot of information in this forum that has truly sparked an interest in two specific areas that have been photographed to death, but something I'd like to have in my portfolio : Antelope Canyons and Coyote Buttes areas if I get permits. I'm thinking of trying to get 2 days at each location, but my itinerary is open. I will flying into Phoenix and driving up and be 7 days.

Primarily, I'm going to camp, so I'm looking for campgrounds, BLM land close to these areas to do so. I'll be renting a smaller fuel efficient car, so no rough roads.

Any recommendation on sites to camp, other sites to see / photograph would be welcome and if there might be any takers going with, having some company, I'm extending an offer as well.

Thank you for any information!

Can renting a more fuel-efficient car possibly be worth it? I guess it's compared to whatever you'd drive without renting one, but it seems you'd need to exchange a Suburban for a Prius to make it work in your favor.

Todd, thank you for the insight. Maybe I need to rephrase my question.......I'm looking for areas to camp not too far from these areas just off the major highways. It is my understanding these 2 areas ( Canyons & Coyote Butte )are pretty much " on the beaten path " and would not take 4 x 4's to get to. It is my 1st time to these areas and in all probability I will be solo, so, I don't want to get too crazy lost! Also trying to do this trip as cheap as possible, like most !

Can't help with specific campsites, though someone here surely can. In the meantime, here's a link to info about coyote buttes - discussed road conditions in general, and BLM land.

With gas prices back to reasonable levels, I'd opt for renting a Subaru or Rav4 or something similar. "on the beaten path" has different meaning in the west and southwest. Just means it's heavily visited, not necessarily that the roads are 2WD friendly. More importantly, even the ones that are can become very difficult in rain. And since you'll be hitting it in the spring, it's something to consider.

There are not many places to camp around Antelope Canyon. Most of the land around it is tribal land. There is a nice full service campground in Page not too far from Antelope Canyon, but if you're looking for somewhere just to pull off and set up a tent, you might be out of luck. As far as camping near Coyote Buttes, you can sleep in your car at the trailhead, or there is a small stateline campground just 2 miles south of the trailhead, but there is only 4 spots, so get there early in the day and you should be ok. If you will only be renting a Rav4 at best (as far as 4x4's go), you wont be able to get to Coyote Buttes south. You really need to have a high clearance 4x4. It is just as photogenic as the North Unit, except it has no icon like the Wave, and it's much easier to get permits for. Contact me personally for a few more tips on this area.

Adam Kavalunas
www.plateauvisions.com

Mitch, Subaru over the Rav4 any day. Love your Kids gallery btw!

Mitch, April is not the right time to shoot Upper and Lower Antelope. The angle of the sun to the openings in the canyons is not right. During April, you won't get the yellows/golds/oranges. You'll get mostly blues/purples/greys. I know, I shot the canyons April, 2008. My understanding is (and if I'm wrong, someone pls update) is that the canyons only get the correct sun angle(s) during winter (Nov-Feb).

You have to go to a ranger station for permits to North Coyote Buttes, about a mile or two down that (smooth) dirt road there is a campground. You may also find a campground at Lake Powell, check with the Park Service.

You mentioned 2 days at Antelope Canyons. Upper Antelope Canyon is typically a one hour tour, you have to be driven in. You can pay 10 dollars extra as a photographer and you get to stay 2 hours. This canyon is only about 330 feet long and can get very crowded. The first time I was there, we were the first group of 12 people in, but by the time I left 2 hours later there were 12 groups of 12 people=144 people in that canyon. Lower Antelope is usually done in tour groups led by a Navaho guide and is far less crowded. Again you can pay a little extra and go by yourself, and since this canyon is accessed by walking in, you can stay for as long as you like, it is about a 1/2 mile long.

If you can not get a permit to North Coyote Buttes, get one for South Coyote Buttes, they are easily obtained and there are a lot of great areas there to photograph.

I live near Northern Arizona.
There's an area about 6 miles west of Page where you can camp on BLM land.
In fact, I did so last night. Do you have a handheld GPS receiver? I can provide coordinates if you do.

December 1 is the first day when permits for Coyote Buttes South are let for March through June.
They will sell out fast, so if you know your dates, better get ready at this BLM permit page. You can camp at Stateline BLM campground just a few miles south of the Wave parking area.

South Coyote Buttes is out of the question unless you have a 4x4 or are willing to walk for miles along sandy roads.

April is not the right time to shoot Upper and Lower Antelope. The angle of the sun to the openings in the canyons is not right. During April, you won't get the yellows/golds/oranges. You'll get mostly blues/purples/greys.

Nonsense.
April is a great time to shoot in Antelope Canyon! You'll get fine colors depending on the time of day. I've been visiting that place for a long, long time now (before the booths were set up) at all times of year.This image was taken on April 11. I have several others taken on that day with plenty of warm colors.
I recommend the Lower Canyon because you can fly solo there...no need for a guide whatsoever and you won't be part of a herd. Optimum times are 10:30 AM to 1:30 AM. When you reach the end of the canyon, walk back upstream rather than exiting via the ladder. The light will have changed completely on your return.

I would also recommend a RAV 4, Subaru or some such over a regular car. Why not?
The extra security will ease your mind greatly (especially in inclement weather) and will allow you a bit more breathing room for access.

I agree with John. My first shoot in Antelope Canyon was in February and the light was great. You won't get the shafts of light due to the low angles but the reflected light is wonderful.

I agree with John as well. I was at Upper Antelope on April 5th last year and the light was gorgeous. The sun beams begin reappearing there in the latter half of March. Try to schedule your visits to those slots (especially upper Antelope) midweek. Upper Antelope is just a zoo on weekends...trust me!! Lower Antelope is a much more relaxing (and productive) location. Just make sure you tell them you want the photographer tour (as opposed to the standard tour). With that, they just let you wander at your own leisure. You may also want to inquire the day before at the booth when the sun angle is best. I was there around noon last year and found there was too much direct light hitting the canyon walls and floor.

Not much to add on your visit to the wave except to say that a hike into Buckskin Gulch is a good alternative if you can't score a permit to the wave. The hike begins at the same trailhead (but doesn't require a permit).

One other idea (but only if you opt for a high clearance rental) is to drive out to Alstrom Point overlooking Lake Powell and set up camp for the night. Its an absolutely gorgeous place to pitch a tent. Try to save it for an evening with interesting clouds, if possible. You'll want to make sure you get good directions though.

I agree with John and Guy. April is a very good time to shoot Antelope Canyon. Lots of reflected light and a couple of sunbeams that go to the floor for a short period of time. I've been there in April, May and June and think early May is the best but only because the cactus start blooming in the area. I would not even bother to go in the winter, the slot opening is so narrow that only the top 10-20% of the walls would get any reflected light. The lowers walls will be in shadow . Also, cloud cover can be a serious problem, so try to go on a clear sky day.
Re: Coyote Buttes- House Rock Road (the access road to the trailhead) is something to stay away from when wet regardless of what kind of vehicle you have. Even a 4wd drive with dedicated mud tires will have a very bad day if the road is wet. If it does rain though, just be patient, the air is dry and the sun (if it comes out after the rain) is hot, so the road can be dry in a matter of an hour or two. There are at least 4 spots between the highway turn-off and the trailhead that you can camp at, plus, like the others have said, the trailhead is a great place to camp in order to get a head start on your hike.