Posted by Tony Graber on January 16, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Hello All!
I am planning a couple of trips later this spring/early summer to Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. I want to hit the major national parks, plus any other areas that I can find or hear from others. The main parks that I want to hit are Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce, and north side of GC. I am open to other suggestions, though. My trip, as of right now, includes only me and I will be camping most of the time. Am looking primarily for someone (or more than one) who don't want to be held to a schedule and can be away for a week or two at a time. Maybe more or less.
I have no specific dates in mind and am very open in that regard. I am also not beholden to any schedules or work. Further, I have an '05 Jeep Liberty and have no problem driving. Don't have a lot of camping experience, so would love to find someone who does. Am not adverse to camping in the summer and, yes, I do know how hot it gets.
Suggestions about other picturesque locations would also be very welcomed. I have already hit the southern side of the GC, Canyon De Chelly, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, Window Rock, Sedona, Pinetop, Arches, and Deadhorse Point State Park (UT), but will gladly go back to any of these areas as I could use some better photos.
I guess that I have rambled on enough, so I will shut up now.
Thanks,
Tony Graber
Tucson, AZ
Posted by Don Grall on January 16, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Arches isn't exactly southern UT, more like central Utah. For the border area, think Antelope slot canyon by Page,AZ and the Vermilion Peaks Wilderness, as well as Zion, and Toroweap overlook of the Grand Canyon. Also the Powell Reservoir overlook north of Bigwater, UT. There are also hoodoo formations north of the hwy and west of Page. Don't try driving any of the dirt roads in the area though if there was a recent rain, the mud is slippier than snot on a doorknob (sorry for the visual, but it is not an exaggeration). You can check back with me as your time gets closer, I do get off every other week, and might be able to join up with you for 3-4 days depending on my schedule at the time.
Posted by Les Barstow on January 19, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Depending on your driving schedule, I'd recommend a few days in Capitol Reef, where I'm currently spending my MLK holiday. Cathedral Valley, in a remote section of the park, is worth an overnight camp or two all on its own.
I second Don's advice: Bentonite clays are impossible to drive when wet - if you're in an area with clay (that's most of them, I think) and it gets wet, just pull over and wait for the road to dry. It's not worth your life or your vehicle to try and power through the stuff. Hence, rule #2: always carry extra food and water when leaving the pavement, just in case.
I'd love to join you, but I'm in vacation time recovery mode right now; the most I could do is a long weekend.
Posted by Bob Falcone on January 20, 2009 at 2:10 AM
Tony,
I have some tentative plans to be in Moab over the weekend of April 17-20, if that's any help. I'm probably going to have at least one other photographer with me...
I'll also be in Tucson during the last week in February...mostly to catch some spring training, but hopefully to do some photography, too.
Posted by Les Barstow on January 21, 2009 at 1:58 AM
I forgot to add, you should also consider exploring Grand Staircase - Escalante Nat. Monument and the Paria Wilderness if you have the opportunity.
(And I don't mean to stack you up with too much to do; you sound like you'll have some time, so I'm providing options. When I respond to similar posts over at photo.net, I almost invariably have to put in a recommendation to simplify trip itineraries. You can spend significant periods of time at most of the area's parks; trying to do one per day isn't realistic, IMHO.)
Posted by Tony Graber on February 20, 2009 at 5:59 AM
Thanks for the information people! I really appreciate it!
Les - You don't have to worry about me having to simplify my trip itinerary as I am lucky enough to be able to play it by ear. My only constraint is how long my tired body can last in tent sleeping on the ground. :) All of the spots you mentioned have already been considered and I agree that one (1) park per day is not the way to do it.
Don - Thanks for the info about Powell Reservoir overlook and the hoodoo formations north of the hwy and west of Page. I did not know about those places. I know that Moab isn't exactly Southern UT, but it is for my ease of thinking about where I am going.
Discussion
5 repliesI am planning a couple of trips later this spring/early summer to Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. I want to hit the major national parks, plus any other areas that I can find or hear from others. The main parks that I want to hit are Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce, and north side of GC. I am open to other suggestions, though. My trip, as of right now, includes only me and I will be camping most of the time. Am looking primarily for someone (or more than one) who don't want to be held to a schedule and can be away for a week or two at a time. Maybe more or less.
I have no specific dates in mind and am very open in that regard. I am also not beholden to any schedules or work. Further, I have an '05 Jeep Liberty and have no problem driving. Don't have a lot of camping experience, so would love to find someone who does. Am not adverse to camping in the summer and, yes, I do know how hot it gets.
Suggestions about other picturesque locations would also be very welcomed. I have already hit the southern side of the GC, Canyon De Chelly, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, Window Rock, Sedona, Pinetop, Arches, and Deadhorse Point State Park (UT), but will gladly go back to any of these areas as I could use some better photos.
I guess that I have rambled on enough, so I will shut up now.
Thanks,
Tony Graber
Tucson, AZ
I second Don's advice: Bentonite clays are impossible to drive when wet - if you're in an area with clay (that's most of them, I think) and it gets wet, just pull over and wait for the road to dry. It's not worth your life or your vehicle to try and power through the stuff. Hence, rule #2: always carry extra food and water when leaving the pavement, just in case.
I'd love to join you, but I'm in vacation time recovery mode right now; the most I could do is a long weekend.
I have some tentative plans to be in Moab over the weekend of April 17-20, if that's any help. I'm probably going to have at least one other photographer with me...
I'll also be in Tucson during the last week in February...mostly to catch some spring training, but hopefully to do some photography, too.
(And I don't mean to stack you up with too much to do; you sound like you'll have some time, so I'm providing options. When I respond to similar posts over at photo.net, I almost invariably have to put in a recommendation to simplify trip itineraries. You can spend significant periods of time at most of the area's parks; trying to do one per day isn't realistic, IMHO.)
Les - You don't have to worry about me having to simplify my trip itinerary as I am lucky enough to be able to play it by ear. My only constraint is how long my tired body can last in tent sleeping on the ground. :) All of the spots you mentioned have already been considered and I agree that one (1) park per day is not the way to do it.
Don - Thanks for the info about Powell Reservoir overlook and the hoodoo formations north of the hwy and west of Page. I did not know about those places. I know that Moab isn't exactly Southern UT, but it is for my ease of thinking about where I am going.
Thanks again for the information!
Tony Graber