I'm pondering a trip to Utah (i.e. some combination of Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands, and possibly Valley of Fire as well) for the back end of April/first half of May. I've been to all of these places once (other than VOF), but it was quite some time ago, about the time I was getting serious about photography, so I don't have much nuanced experience to draw from.
I'm wondering if this is a viable time to visit the region. My one visit to the area pre-dated the Zion bus/shuttle system being implemented. I know that the system is in place from April through October and I wonder whether it's really possible to shoot the park given the limitations the system imposes (i.e. does the shuttle run early and late enough to accommodate the exigencies of beginning of the day/end of the day shooting?). I know that the other places I mentioned don't have that kind of restriction but, again, I'm wondering whether this is a good time of the year to shoot at these locations or if I should simply plan for a different time of year.
Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 27, 2012 at 3:35 PM
I'm not current on the Zion shuttle, but the times you mentioned are just about perfect for visiting the area, as the scores of other photographers standing right next to you will attest.
I prefer autumn myself, but I live nearby and can afford to be choosy. Spring winds can be a nuisance, but temps are quite pleasant.
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 27, 2012 at 4:05 PM
My question in regards to your itinerary is, how much time are you devoting to the trip? That's a lot of ground to cover, and if your trip is a week or less, I'd pare it down and get great coverage of a few places instead of thin coverage of a bunch of places. But the time of year is sweet. I wish it was that time of year NOW!
My question in regards to your itinerary is, how much time are you devoting to the trip? That's a lot of ground to cover, and if your trip is a week or less, I'd pare it down and get great coverage of a few places instead of thin coverage of a bunch of places.
That's a really good question; I don't yet know the answer, but your point is very well-made and I completely agree.
The last time I was out there--two full weeks--I flew in and out of Las Vegas and covered all five national parks (not VOF, not Deadhorse Point or anywhere else): If I recall correctly, I was at Zion for four days, Bryce for three, Capitol Reef for two, the Needles district of Canyonlands for one, and in Moab for Arches/Island in the Sky for four. That, however, was more of a hiking excursion than a photo trip.
The max for this trip--assuming I make it--would be two weeks, and even with that I'm not sure that I can really cram all of this in without giving everything short shrift (I'd appreciate any advice on this from someone with experience). Minimum would be one week, and in that case I figure it's either Zion/Bryce (and maybe CP) or Moab...seems like an either/or to me...with VOF crammed in, perhaps either way. I don't see any way to do anywhere near all of this in one week, so I wouldn't even try.
Suggestions/Recommendations/Advice are eagerly solicited.
Huge differences in elevation between the parks. At 9.000 feet Bryce can still get snow that time of the year. Normally, the other parks have great weather. If you can, closely monitor the wildflower reports and time your visit accordingly. It could potentially be in the mid 80's in Zion, VOF and Arches by that time.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on March 1, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Being a former Ohioan I can understand that you want to hit everything you can while out here as I have been in the same position. My suggeston would be to cut the locations down and try and spend some quality time in the few you do hit. Merely a suggestion and I won't be offended if you tell me to 'stick it'.
Discussion
5 repliesI'm wondering if this is a viable time to visit the region. My one visit to the area pre-dated the Zion bus/shuttle system being implemented. I know that the system is in place from April through October and I wonder whether it's really possible to shoot the park given the limitations the system imposes (i.e. does the shuttle run early and late enough to accommodate the exigencies of beginning of the day/end of the day shooting?). I know that the other places I mentioned don't have that kind of restriction but, again, I'm wondering whether this is a good time of the year to shoot at these locations or if I should simply plan for a different time of year.
Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much.
I prefer autumn myself, but I live nearby and can afford to be choosy. Spring winds can be a nuisance, but temps are quite pleasant.
That's a really good question; I don't yet know the answer, but your point is very well-made and I completely agree.
The last time I was out there--two full weeks--I flew in and out of Las Vegas and covered all five national parks (not VOF, not Deadhorse Point or anywhere else): If I recall correctly, I was at Zion for four days, Bryce for three, Capitol Reef for two, the Needles district of Canyonlands for one, and in Moab for Arches/Island in the Sky for four. That, however, was more of a hiking excursion than a photo trip.
The max for this trip--assuming I make it--would be two weeks, and even with that I'm not sure that I can really cram all of this in without giving everything short shrift (I'd appreciate any advice on this from someone with experience). Minimum would be one week, and in that case I figure it's either Zion/Bryce (and maybe CP) or Moab...seems like an either/or to me...with VOF crammed in, perhaps either way. I don't see any way to do anywhere near all of this in one week, so I wouldn't even try.
Suggestions/Recommendations/Advice are eagerly solicited.