I am planning a trip to Zion National Park, White Mountains (CA), and Sequoia National Park. Being from the east coast, I have no clue where to go in terms of good shooting locations. I'm particularly interested in doing some night photography while in the White Mountains. Can anyone give me some exact locations for good shooting spots in any of these areas?
Natalie, what are the dates of your planned trip? This will help with thoughts of accessibility. For example; the White Mountains can be hard to get any access to in the winter beyond hiking in deep snow. Additionally, Zion on the other hand has a shuttle system during peak spring, summer, and autumn months that makes the main canyon access a bit difficult for photogs hauling equipment for any distance.
Anyway, I just thought it a good idea to give dates for those type of responses back....
Good time for most locations you've listed. Obviously weather conditions can sometimes change the best of plans.
However, the shuttle at Zion is not used after 10/28, so, access to driving directly into the main canyon up to The Narrows should be open to all vehicle traffic unless that has changed over the past few years. To be honest, there are so many photo ops in Zion it's hard to list them all. Including areas outside the main canyon areas such as Checkerboard Mesa and Kolob Canyon too.
As we've seen our first rainfall and snowfall at the higher elevations already this year here in California the White Mountains might be out of the plan by the time of your trip. Road access is somewhat limited to that area year around and impossible during heavy winter snows.
As an alternative in the same general area you could go to the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, Ca. or even Death Valley NP. Both of those areas have numerous photo ops and are accessible year around.
Hopefully others will come along and give more specifics on location shots, but generally the sites you've listed all have wonderful sites to see and photograph, especially in Zion N.P.
Have a safe trip and good luck with the keepers.
Posted by Brad Strong on October 12, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Natalie, I've been to Sequoia NP a few times. In November, snow is a distinct possibility. The park was all but deserted when we were there several years ago for our anniversary. We stayed on the park that night and woke up to a foot of snow in the morning. The wildlife are emboldened with fewer people around. We saw the biggest black bear I've ever seen, even on TV, in the middle of the cave road. There was a part of the hiking trails closed due to a cougar with babies.
You may want a 17mm tilt shift lens and a full frame camera, if you want to take good pictures of the trees. At that time, I had a crop sensor DSLR and a 17mm lens. I was not able to get great shots in some locations due to needing a wider angle lens/camera setup.
Not sure how far south you want to go but a couple of years ago I spent a week camping at Joshua Tree National Park and over at Blythe digging in the geode beds. I was ideal for night time photography. Both have crisp, humidity free desert shies, far away from city lights. The Joshua Trees and rock formations made for some good foregrounds with sunsets/sunrises and Milky Way shots in the back ground.
Thank you all for your responses. Just finalized my travel plans, and will be going to death valley, white mountains (bristle cone forest), and mono lake. Any suggestions specific to these areas would be greatly appreciated!
This sounds like a nice trip, Natalie. Be sure you have tire chains. Hwy 395 tops out at just over 8,000 ft. north of Mammoth Lakes on the way to Lee Vining/ Mono Basin. If it is snows, you will need them.
Depending upon snow conditions in the White Mountains, you may not be able access the Bristle Cone Pine Forest. Hwy 168 East is quite steep and narrow, and the road to the Schulman Grove is more so. If the road is open, be very careful, and watch the weather very closely.
If it's closed, you can find good photography opportunities almost anywhere in the Owens Valley and accessible spots in the Sierra East Side canyons. The Alabama Hills west of Lone Pine are wonderful, and, with the Sierra crest in the background, you've got a great setup!
Most of the country you will be visiting is high desert, except for Death Valley, and nights will be very cold due to radiational cooling. You'll need warm clothing, for sure. Also, don't underestimate your needs for water. Even in the colder months, you can dehydrate rather quickly if you're hiking around.
If the weather holds for you, you'll be golden. They key is to be flexible.
Have a great time!
--P
Posted by Greg Vaughn on October 13, 2012 at 8:11 PM
Tops on everyone's list of places to shoot in Death Valley are the Mesquite Flat sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells, and Zabriskie Point. Should be easy to find on any map of the area.
At Mono Lake you'll want to head for the South Tufa area at sunrise. Off Hwy 395 south of the town of Lee Vining. There are tufa formations in other locations around the lake, but not near as photogenic as at this spot.
As others have suggested, Alabama Hills is a great photo spot and will be on your route between Death Valley and Mono Lake. Do a google search on Mobius Arch Alabama Hills for just one idea of what you'll find there.
As you approach Hwy 395 coming from Death Valley, keep an eye out for the Inter-Agency Visitor Center. They have many maps, guidebooks, and some nice displays regarding histrory, geology, and flora and fauna. They will also have up to date weather forcasts and road conditions. It's worth a stop.
Just North of Lee Vining, and just off of 395 on your right, is the Mono Basin Visitor Center Phone: (760) 647-3044. It's a great place for info about the region. There is a great view of the lake and surrounding area, too. There is also the Mono Lake Committee store/ office in downtown Lee Vining.
I do not know the late season hours for these locations, but a Google search will probably find them.
EDIT: I looked them up. Both visitor centers are open 8:00-5:00, daily.
The turn-off the South Tufa area is about 7 miles south of Lee Vining. It will be marked CA 120 East.
The East Side of the Sierra is one of the all-time greats! You're going to be awe-struck.
Discussion
14 repliesI am planning a trip to Zion National Park, White Mountains (CA), and Sequoia National Park. Being from the east coast, I have no clue where to go in terms of good shooting locations. I'm particularly interested in doing some night photography while in the White Mountains. Can anyone give me some exact locations for good shooting spots in any of these areas?
Much appreciated!!
-Natalie
Anyway, I just thought it a good idea to give dates for those type of responses back....
However, the shuttle at Zion is not used after 10/28, so, access to driving directly into the main canyon up to The Narrows should be open to all vehicle traffic unless that has changed over the past few years. To be honest, there are so many photo ops in Zion it's hard to list them all. Including areas outside the main canyon areas such as Checkerboard Mesa and Kolob Canyon too.
As we've seen our first rainfall and snowfall at the higher elevations already this year here in California the White Mountains might be out of the plan by the time of your trip. Road access is somewhat limited to that area year around and impossible during heavy winter snows.
As an alternative in the same general area you could go to the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, Ca. or even Death Valley NP. Both of those areas have numerous photo ops and are accessible year around.
Hopefully others will come along and give more specifics on location shots, but generally the sites you've listed all have wonderful sites to see and photograph, especially in Zion N.P.
Have a safe trip and good luck with the keepers.
http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Guide-Canyon-Country-Perfect/dp/088150663X
http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/photography.cfm
http://www.zionnational-park.com/snow.htm
Lots more online.
Have a great trip!
Sandy
You may want a 17mm tilt shift lens and a full frame camera, if you want to take good pictures of the trees. At that time, I had a crop sensor DSLR and a 17mm lens. I was not able to get great shots in some locations due to needing a wider angle lens/camera setup.
Nat
Depending upon snow conditions in the White Mountains, you may not be able access the Bristle Cone Pine Forest. Hwy 168 East is quite steep and narrow, and the road to the Schulman Grove is more so. If the road is open, be very careful, and watch the weather very closely.
If it's closed, you can find good photography opportunities almost anywhere in the Owens Valley and accessible spots in the Sierra East Side canyons. The Alabama Hills west of Lone Pine are wonderful, and, with the Sierra crest in the background, you've got a great setup!
Most of the country you will be visiting is high desert, except for Death Valley, and nights will be very cold due to radiational cooling. You'll need warm clothing, for sure. Also, don't underestimate your needs for water. Even in the colder months, you can dehydrate rather quickly if you're hiking around.
If the weather holds for you, you'll be golden. They key is to be flexible.
Have a great time!
--P
At Mono Lake you'll want to head for the South Tufa area at sunrise. Off Hwy 395 south of the town of Lee Vining. There are tufa formations in other locations around the lake, but not near as photogenic as at this spot.
As others have suggested, Alabama Hills is a great photo spot and will be on your route between Death Valley and Mono Lake. Do a google search on Mobius Arch Alabama Hills for just one idea of what you'll find there.
As you approach Hwy 395 coming from Death Valley, keep an eye out for the Inter-Agency Visitor Center. They have many maps, guidebooks, and some nice displays regarding histrory, geology, and flora and fauna. They will also have up to date weather forcasts and road conditions. It's worth a stop.
Just North of Lee Vining, and just off of 395 on your right, is the Mono Basin Visitor Center Phone: (760) 647-3044. It's a great place for info about the region. There is a great view of the lake and surrounding area, too. There is also the Mono Lake Committee store/ office in downtown Lee Vining.
I do not know the late season hours for these locations, but a Google search will probably find them.
EDIT: I looked them up. Both visitor centers are open 8:00-5:00, daily.
The turn-off the South Tufa area is about 7 miles south of Lee Vining. It will be marked CA 120 East.
The East Side of the Sierra is one of the all-time greats! You're going to be awe-struck.
--P