Posted by Hali Sowle on February 15, 2010 at 9:01 PM
I'm thinking of taking a trip the last week of March, first week of April time to Bryce Canyon, from what I read 3 days in Bryce is probably a good amount of time to spend there, or is that wrong? What else would be recommended to see for a week long trip? I've been to Zion NP but no other areas in that part of the southwest. I plan on flying into Las Vegas.
Thank you in advance.
Hali
Posted by Dave Flaig on February 16, 2010 at 2:05 AM
Hali,
There are so many beautiful places to see out there that you could spend a lifetime discovering them... My favorite place was the area around Page Az. You have Big Bend, Antelope Canyon and several other slot canyons, Grand Canyon NP, Arches, Canyonland NP, Monument Valley and sooo many other wonderful places.
I suggest posting your thread on RMNP where you'll get many favorite spots direct from the local Photogs.
I have many photos from a similar trip on my website. Have a look!
Dave
"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Dave Flaig
Flaig Photography
Green Bay, Wisconsin
www.flaigphoto.com
For my tastes 3 days "in" Bryce may be a little much. I'm happiest there morning and evening, but unless the skies are beautiful, midday hours can be a little flat. I tend to use the surrounding area during the day, rather than staying in the park (it's very small). There's lots of interesting terrain back to the west of Bryce, though the names of the highlights escape me at the moment. Without directing you to any specific locations, I would definitely plan on exploring the surroundings in addition to the park itself. It's a bit of a drive back toward Zion, then south at Mt. Carmel Junction, but Coral Pink Sand Dunes is definitely worth a visit if you haven't been there before.
Posted by Hali Sowle on February 17, 2010 at 8:24 AM
Thanks Dave and Hank. As with all good plans this one has gone by the wayside due to unforseen circumstances and I'm going to have to put the trip off until next winter. Dave your pictures were wonderful and inspiring and give me a good direction for my planning and I understand what you mean Hank now that I started doing a bit more research I think 2 days in Bryce would be just fine. Food for thought for summer planning. Thank you again!
Posted by Rodney Ninow on February 19, 2010 at 10:32 PM
3 days in Bryce is probably more than you really need. If you aren't going to Zion, then how about Monument Valley or Moab? Drive straight to Moab from Vegas, if you get into Vegas early am, you can get to Arches for sunset, then check into your motel after sunset. Then spend the next morning either back in Arches or at Mesa Arch. Then some shooting time around Canyonlands, Arches, Deadhorse, etc.
Spend at least 3 days in Moab, then drive the 5 hours to Bryce for sunset. Then you have the next morning and afternoon if you want, then return to Vegas to either go home, or spend one night shooting the lights. If you have time in Vegas, head west out to Red Rocks. Spring Mountain is best at Sunrise, and Red Rocks are best at sunset. If you have a full day, then drive one hour out to Valley of Fire State Park.
Posted by Hali Sowle on February 19, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Thank you for your reply Rodney. I actually spent a week in Moab 2 years ago, which was a bit longer than was probably necessary, and I've a bunch of time in Red Rocks rock climbing but never doing any photography so it would be worth a trip back out there for that. I'll look into Valley of Fire, I hadn't thought of going that way. More food for thought for next year!
Posted by Rodney Ninow on February 20, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Ok, so Moab is out. Well, there is always Monument Valley. Spend a couple days there. I have never hired a Native American guide, but to get to some of the locations they are necessary. But even without one, you can still get to the iconic locations in your own car.
If zion is considered a bit out of way from Bryce, Monument is really far off. The actual distance may not be very far (Especially if you consider as the crow flies!) but driving will easily cost you well over 7hrs (maybe more in winter).
Zion is very beautiful and do-able, but if you are not up for that, then consider Page AZ and spend time in antelope canyon (slot canyon guided tours are available, and they are really worth it!) and check out the horse-shoe bend! If you have enough time, you could also make it to Lake Powell. Beautiful vistas in the lake!
Discussion
8 repliesThank you in advance.
Hali
There are so many beautiful places to see out there that you could spend a lifetime discovering them... My favorite place was the area around Page Az. You have Big Bend, Antelope Canyon and several other slot canyons, Grand Canyon NP, Arches, Canyonland NP, Monument Valley and sooo many other wonderful places.
I suggest posting your thread on RMNP where you'll get many favorite spots direct from the local Photogs.
I have many photos from a similar trip on my website. Have a look!
Dave
"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Dave Flaig
Flaig Photography
Green Bay, Wisconsin
www.flaigphoto.com
Spend at least 3 days in Moab, then drive the 5 hours to Bryce for sunset. Then you have the next morning and afternoon if you want, then return to Vegas to either go home, or spend one night shooting the lights. If you have time in Vegas, head west out to Red Rocks. Spring Mountain is best at Sunrise, and Red Rocks are best at sunset. If you have a full day, then drive one hour out to Valley of Fire State Park.
Zion is very beautiful and do-able, but if you are not up for that, then consider Page AZ and spend time in antelope canyon (slot canyon guided tours are available, and they are really worth it!) and check out the horse-shoe bend! If you have enough time, you could also make it to Lake Powell. Beautiful vistas in the lake!