I`ve introduced myself under "All Topics" under the heading "New from AFRICA"
I`m planning a short visit to Arizona/Utah/Colorado next year (2010) some time. Due to my work schedule, 8 weeks on 2 weeks off, I can only spend a maximum of about 8 days on the ground so to speak. My wife will accompany me and my cousin from Texas will join us in Page if the planning can be coordinated.
From photo`s that I`ve seen I`m very interested in the Antelope Canyon and similar areas. The rock formations etc.
Given that one must not rush too much I`d like to know if there is somebody in that vicinity that can advise me on places to visit. Please try to avoid the "Tourist Places and Season", though I have found out that Antelope Canyon is most probably the most photographed of all the locations around there I`d want to do that one as well.
Which time of the year will be best? September is a bit difficult for me since I`m already going to the World Ducati Week in Italy.
What about around April?
My proposed touch down will be Salt Lake City then fly to Page to save time and by rented vehicle from there.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 11, 2009 at 6:06 PM
April is a great time to visit the Page area. Temperatures are not too hot yet, the tourists are not extremely plentiful and it's not monsoon season (rain and flash floods can be problematic if you are looking to spend time in slot canyons). Antelope Canyon is extremely photogenic and not something you should miss if you are in the area. Basically, there are two Antelope Canyons though: Upper and Lower. Upper is the busier one and requires the services of a Navajo guide tour, but there are some nice ones available that cater to photographers. The light beams are good there in April. Here's a guide service that I've used before with success: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/extended_tour.html
The Lower canyon is visited less often, has more self-guided opportunities and some interesting arches/formations to photograph. It requires a bit more hiking up/down ladders and squeezing through narrower passages. You can easily spend two days just doing both canyons. There are some other locations not too far from the area too including Glen Canyon's Horseshoe Bend. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is a doable drive from Page too. If you're into slot canyons, I recommend checking out this site for more of the area's options: http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/index.html
Posted by Scott Fricke on October 11, 2009 at 6:51 PM
Lots of places near Page including Wahweep Hoodoos, South Coyote Buttes, the Wave in North Coyote Buttes, Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and a few others. Joshua already mentioned Antelope Canyon and I would recommend just going to the Lower canyon, Upper is way too packed with people for my taste. I highly recommend a set of books by Laurent Martres titled "Photographing the Southwest", volumes 1-3. They give a lot of location information and photos to give you an idea of what the places look like.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 12, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Discussion
4 repliesI`ve introduced myself under "All Topics" under the heading "New from AFRICA"
I`m planning a short visit to Arizona/Utah/Colorado next year (2010) some time. Due to my work schedule, 8 weeks on 2 weeks off, I can only spend a maximum of about 8 days on the ground so to speak. My wife will accompany me and my cousin from Texas will join us in Page if the planning can be coordinated.
From photo`s that I`ve seen I`m very interested in the Antelope Canyon and similar areas. The rock formations etc.
Given that one must not rush too much I`d like to know if there is somebody in that vicinity that can advise me on places to visit. Please try to avoid the "Tourist Places and Season", though I have found out that Antelope Canyon is most probably the most photographed of all the locations around there I`d want to do that one as well.
Which time of the year will be best? September is a bit difficult for me since I`m already going to the World Ducati Week in Italy.
What about around April?
My proposed touch down will be Salt Lake City then fly to Page to save time and by rented vehicle from there.
Thanks in advance.
The Lower canyon is visited less often, has more self-guided opportunities and some interesting arches/formations to photograph. It requires a bit more hiking up/down ladders and squeezing through narrower passages. You can easily spend two days just doing both canyons. There are some other locations not too far from the area too including Glen Canyon's Horseshoe Bend. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is a doable drive from Page too. If you're into slot canyons, I recommend checking out this site for more of the area's options: http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/index.html
Good luck.
Thank you very much.
Your comprehensive reply is valuable.
As Scott noted, your best bet is to purchse Laurent Martre's books 'Photographing the Southwest-So. Utah' and
'Photographing the Southwest-Arizona'.
These books will help you pinpoint the areas you would like to visit.