Trip advice

I will be taking some vacation time off work (hopefully if they decide to give it this time). I'm trying to plan out a trip that works and maximizes my time taking photos. I've planned it around the solar eclipse (though it is not something I "must" photograph), but this does allow me to view some dark skies. This is what I had in mind for the trip. Spend the first 2-3 days along hole in the rock road in the Escalante. Spend a sunset or sunrise (perhaps both) at Bryce canyon. Spend 2-3 days on the North rim of the grand canyon if it is opened. Then on the way back down to phoenix stop at Wupatki/sunset crater or another spot nearby. I figured it would make sense to backtrack from Escalante back to phoenix. I had some questions regarding hole in the rock road however. I know it is a dirt road and I have read it is passable in a high clearance vehicle which isn't a problem for me. I have read that if you want to camp along the road you need a permit. Is this something that is valid for multiple days and also are there designated areas to camp? (for those who have been here before). Also, would it be worth it to spend a night or two at toroweap? This could change, but that is what I am aiming for during this trip. If you have any other suggestions please feel free to let me know. I'd like to explore some new areas.

Sounds like a rather full itinerary, but I highly recommend fitting in a night or two at Toroweap.

It's going to be a pretty flexible itinerary Bill. Wondering if it just makes sense to travel in state (ie northern AZ extensively). Will help cut down on driving time.

Thumbs up for Toroweap. As for camping along Hole in the Rock road, I'm not sure of the camping restrictions if any buy I'll bet the Escalante NM gov website may address that. Have a great trip!

All I've ever done when camping in the Escalante region is to find a side road along the HITR road, drive on it for a little ways and then camp.
You'll almost always see numerous pullout spots with fire rings along the way.
Never been bothered and I'll continue to do so. I guarantee that you won't be the first nor the last.
And another thumbs up for Toroweap if you can swing it. Note that the last few miles of the road into Toroweap is awfully rough.

Thanks for the heads up guys. I kept finding on the BLM site that there aren't any designated campsites but there is definitely no camping at devils garden. From what I have found so far you just need to be at least 50 feet from the road. As for Toroweap would I need 4WD to get to the campground? or would it be wise to pick up a permit and try to find a spot before reaching that area. I don't mind hiking to the overlook, just don't want to hike too much.

Peter, How many days long will your trip be? One consideration may be to wait until the monsoon season to hit the GC's north rim; this would free up a few days more for southern Utah. Possibly a day hike to Calf Creek Falls?

It's the last three miles of the road to Toroweap that are along very bumpy slickrock. I suspect that a good and stout high clearance vehicle will make it. Doug makes a good point about the North Rim.

I don't feel the last 3 miles at Toroweap require 4WD, just some high clearance. However, go for the first sites right when you enter the campground. It will be easier on your vehicle. The road through the campground is worse than the drive in.

While you are at Toroweap, check out the Lava Falls trailhead. It's a nasty hike to the river and back, but the trailhead and a short hike down gives a different perspective on the area.

Also if you are into rock art, check out the Nampaweap site on your way out. You'll find hundreds of petroglyphs carved on a lava flow. Don't do this side trip if it will make you miss shooting at a great evening location.

Doug I plan on being out shooting for 8 days possibly 9. I will likely be able to return to the north rim later in the summer during the monsoons and get some storm images then. I thought about doing the hike to calf creek falls as it doesn't seem too far from hole in the rock road. So that may be something I will do along the trip. I have a high clearance vehicle just not 4WD and Bill I will likely choose one of the first sites I see if I visit Toroweap. I don't think I'll be doing the lava falls trail. Too steep for me and would kill my aging knees. I am however interested in the rock art and have done a bit of research on the types of displays in the area.

I can second what BIll says about the road to Toroweap, as long as there hasn't been a recent washout, the road really only requires high clearance, not 4wd, but there's a really steep spot in the campground that would probably require it if the upper site or two are taken. The North Rim opens May 15.

Thanks Brian, that seems to be the general consensus there. My trip won't be starting until the 18th so hopefully there is no delay for the rim to open. Also if anyone would like to meet up there (north rim or toroweap) let me know. My buddy is on the fence if he is going or not.

I might be interested. I'm currently planning a trip to the southwest and have considered going to Toroweap.

Maybe a detour to Moab May 19&20 for the Spring Fling?

Perhaps Doug, though I know if I head to Moab I would spend all my time there! Would really like to get up there again. Could very well be a possibility. Are you shooting the eclipse up there?