Posted by David Mayhew on March 1, 2010 at 11:41 PM
Greetings all! I am new on the list, moved to Denver in November and met a few of you at the Denver gathering. Not being terribly familiar with the area I am open to suggestions for my trip to Palm Springs, CA for an art fair - the scenic route with a few days to spare either way.
I am thinking of a couple of days in Arches NP. Cathedral Valley looks good, but a 57 mile dirt road drive in a Cargo Van with all of my work in it seems less appealing. A quick look at the Grand Canyon might be required. Also thinking of Zion, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.
Any insights into favorite routes and spots would be welcomed! Thanks
With all the rain Southern CA has gotten, there must be a lot of wildflowers in Death Valley and Anza Borrego State Park, which is not too far from Palm Springs. I would suggest you check them out. I was there in 05 and it was a site to behold.
I would pass on the Cathedral Valley and the Grand Canyon areas.
They are both worthy of their own trips, IMO.
Why not spend some time around Page, AZ instead? It's right on your way and there is lots to photograph there, all within reasonable range of a paved road.
Pick up a copy of Laurent Martres' book titled 'Photographing the Southwest-Arizona' (and its companion book, 'Photographing the Southwest--So. Utah') to get an idea of what's available to shoot in the region. Best of luck with your trip and the Fair!
I would certainly avoid Cathedral Valley with a loaded van!
There are just too many other close options on paved roads along the way.
Given your Palm Springs destination, I'd put Joshua Tree at the top of the list.
Lot's of great photographic options for one or more days.
If you are traveling during the spring wildflower bloom, Anza Borrego would certainly be a great stop.
Death Valley is a big area, lots of driving, so I'd want to spend more than just a day or two there.
As John mentioned, the Matres' books are a great resource. He has a third volume on Colorado and New Mexico. I highly recommend all three for anyone new to the southwest.
Posted by David Mayhew on March 2, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Man I wish my trip was longer! If I don't have to rush back to prepare orders then I might stay longer. Hadn't thought of the flowers. Page does look promising with Antelope V Canyon and the Horseshoes bends. I think I'll be exhausted by the time I get to the show!! Thanks for the insights - keep them coming!
I agree with Joshua Tree and that the Grand Canyon is its own trip. You could try Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff to Sedona if you decide to go by way of New Mexico instead of Vegas. It is quite scenic and comes out to high desert. It could very well be blooming. If it is, you may not make it to Palm Springs. Too beautiful!
Posted by David Mayhew on March 3, 2010 at 11:33 PM
I know the road to Sedona, it is very windy and you get stuck behind one car and you'll take forever! Sedona is indeed scenic, but I expect I'll be heading down there for some lightning storms in August so I'll hold off on that. I do have a free bed in Flagstaff though.
Thanks for the input, I'll see what I can manage - hoping to try some HDR work. I'll keep you all posted!
Posted by Rod Chandler on March 5, 2010 at 3:41 PM
David, I just returned from a month in the Palm Springs area. In addition to other suggestions, I would take a look at Joshua Tree National Park. There are places there, just off a PAVED road, where you can create some stunning images. Don't miss the Cholla Garden in the park. Also, I would suggest a two hour drive from Palm Springs south to Borrego Springs, CA and Anza Borrego State Park. Flowers are average this year but there is so much to explore and shoot there.
Discussion
7 repliesI am thinking of a couple of days in Arches NP. Cathedral Valley looks good, but a 57 mile dirt road drive in a Cargo Van with all of my work in it seems less appealing. A quick look at the Grand Canyon might be required. Also thinking of Zion, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.
Any insights into favorite routes and spots would be welcomed! Thanks
They are both worthy of their own trips, IMO.
Why not spend some time around Page, AZ instead? It's right on your way and there is lots to photograph there, all within reasonable range of a paved road.
Pick up a copy of Laurent Martres' book titled 'Photographing the Southwest-Arizona' (and its companion book, 'Photographing the Southwest--So. Utah') to get an idea of what's available to shoot in the region. Best of luck with your trip and the Fair!
There are just too many other close options on paved roads along the way.
Given your Palm Springs destination, I'd put Joshua Tree at the top of the list.
Lot's of great photographic options for one or more days.
If you are traveling during the spring wildflower bloom, Anza Borrego would certainly be a great stop.
Death Valley is a big area, lots of driving, so I'd want to spend more than just a day or two there.
As John mentioned, the Matres' books are a great resource. He has a third volume on Colorado and New Mexico. I highly recommend all three for anyone new to the southwest.
Thanks for the input, I'll see what I can manage - hoping to try some HDR work. I'll keep you all posted!