I'm headed out to Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon for four days beginning June 21 prior to a meeting in Las Vegas. I won't have time for a lot of scouting, so I was hoping I could get some tips on great photo spots in these two locations and the associated best times of day. I have Robert Hitchman's Photograph America Newsletter for that area, & it's got some great tips. I'm already planning a trek up the "Narrows". What advice do the folks that frequent that area have as other "must do" spots.
Definitely trek up the Narrows...but visit a local outfitter to get all the equipment you need and the latest news on the flow rate of the river. Spring rains may make it impossible to hike it...but definitely try. One of my favorite spots in Zion is Emerald Pools...beautiful views all along the trail and it's an easy trek any time of day. Angels Landing is a long, steep, nerveracking trail...but an amazing view at the top...just make sure you've got excellent hiking shoes as several people have died (yes...died) from falling off this trail. Start VERY EARLY as this one is exposed much of the day and gets very hot. it will take you a half day or longer depending on how many times you stop to photograph....or catch your breath! Definitely make your way to the east side and visit the areas around the Mesa...late day or very early morning will give you nice side lighting on these beautiful and interesting rock formations.
For Bryce, all I did not spend as much time there...but I had the most fun in the area of Wallstreet...just practice your HDR capture before going there. Last time I was there I was shooting slide film and was frustrated with the light...but HDR will make this so much more enjoyable. I have a bunch of stuff on my web site in the Western Light gallery from Zion. www.katesilviaphotography.com I'd also advise picking up the "Photo Traveler's Guide to Southwest Utah" and it'll have all the "must do" spots...but keep in mind these are also the same spots that EVERYBODY likes to photograph...sunrise at the Virgin, Sunset at the Watchman etc... I found both of these spots to be much better to photograph in the fall and was disappointed with the light in the spring. But that's just my opinion. Have a wonderful time...two parks that you're sure to love!
I greatly prefer Zion and Capitol Reef over Bryce, but I've always been in the fall when its been cool in Zion and Freezing at Bryce.
In Zion the major attraction is the Narrows, but there are a number of other interesting features in the park including the Kolob Canyon area, Checkerboard Mesa and the various slot canyons in the park. If there were must shoot things, I'd say the Narrows, Sunrise on the Towers of the Virgin, Sunset on the Watchman from the Bridge and the Subway (Left Fork of North Creek) if you can get the permit during your stay.
For Bryce, there are the sunrise and sunset points on the canyon rim and the trails down into the canyon. Laurnet Martres' book covers these points well and the photograph America Newsletter probably does a great job as well.
Mel-
Posted by Skip Layman on June 15, 2010 at 10:18 AM
The trails below the rim at Bryce are a must. Hike early in the morning for better light and many fewer people. One great photo op after the other.
Discussion
3 repliesFor Bryce, all I did not spend as much time there...but I had the most fun in the area of Wallstreet...just practice your HDR capture before going there. Last time I was there I was shooting slide film and was frustrated with the light...but HDR will make this so much more enjoyable. I have a bunch of stuff on my web site in the Western Light gallery from Zion. www.katesilviaphotography.com I'd also advise picking up the "Photo Traveler's Guide to Southwest Utah" and it'll have all the "must do" spots...but keep in mind these are also the same spots that EVERYBODY likes to photograph...sunrise at the Virgin, Sunset at the Watchman etc... I found both of these spots to be much better to photograph in the fall and was disappointed with the light in the spring. But that's just my opinion. Have a wonderful time...two parks that you're sure to love!
In Zion the major attraction is the Narrows, but there are a number of other interesting features in the park including the Kolob Canyon area, Checkerboard Mesa and the various slot canyons in the park. If there were must shoot things, I'd say the Narrows, Sunrise on the Towers of the Virgin, Sunset on the Watchman from the Bridge and the Subway (Left Fork of North Creek) if you can get the permit during your stay.
For Bryce, there are the sunrise and sunset points on the canyon rim and the trails down into the canyon. Laurnet Martres' book covers these points well and the photograph America Newsletter probably does a great job as well.
Mel-