I've got a medical conference and visit to one of our sons in Phoenix the last week of October. Will be dovetailing vacation time most likely before the conference. Not sure yet if we'll fly into Phoenix or drive so we can take more of our camping gear. I'm looking at some time in Zion and Bryce Canyon and the north rim of the GC. Considering the sun angle that time of year I'm thinking the lighting on the canyon would be better from the north rim. Any opinions would be most appreciated. Also, I've never been in a slot canyon so would really like some specific advice regarding those. I'm not as fit as I used to be so long hikes won't work (more than 8 miles round trip). Any help you folks can give me will help a lot. Thanks in advance. >=))>
Posted by Peter Coskun on July 11, 2012 at 1:05 AM
Whether your driving or flying I would strongly suggest a stop in Oak creek canyon for fall colors. They are usually at peak towards the end of October and the west fork trail is one of if not the best hike to see fall colors here. From there you could stop in page to visit antelope canyon (upper and lower if you have time and money) and also catch a glimpse of horseshoe bend for a sunrise/sunset. Keep in mind that lower antelope canyon gets very busy and finding a good tour group will make it all the better. I suggest overland canyon tours and specifically Charly Moore if he is available to be a guide. Lower antelope is less crowded and from what I understand is more of going at your own pace for a few hours. Not sure if you will be able to get the light beams at that time of the year but make sure to go when the skies are clear. From there you can get to the north rim as well as Zion and Bryce. Also if you have the time while near phoenix, the superstition mountains are a great place for photo ops with plenty to offer. Hope that helps a little, I'm sure others will chime in and give more suggestions.
How much time do you have? If it's a week, and you're going to be based out of Phoenix, I'd recommend sticking to Oak Creek Canyon, the South Rim, and Page -- pretty much what Peter suggested. Who knows what's going to happen with Fall Color this year, given the mild dry winter and the hot summer (so far), but in a "normal" year, late October should be good for the maples in the Sedona/Oak Creek area. They're spectacular when full-on. I like shooting more and driving less, so if you're returning to Phoenix, I'd go to the South Rim and then Page. Antelope is unique among the slot canyons; there's nothing else quite like it. There are many other worthwhile slots in the area, but none quite so sculpted.
If you're flying and can make a flying into PHX and returning from Las Vegas, then it might be worth it to do Oak Creek -- Page -- North Rim -- Zion -- Las Vegas. The "normal" time for fall color in Zion is the end of October or the beginning of November. If the fall colors are late, you might catch some aspens at the North Rim, but they'll probably be down by then. If you try this route, bring warm clothes. The North Rim will feel cold at night!
Discussion
3 repliesIf you're flying and can make a flying into PHX and returning from Las Vegas, then it might be worth it to do Oak Creek -- Page -- North Rim -- Zion -- Las Vegas. The "normal" time for fall color in Zion is the end of October or the beginning of November. If the fall colors are late, you might catch some aspens at the North Rim, but they'll probably be down by then. If you try this route, bring warm clothes. The North Rim will feel cold at night!