Hi, all...
Now that I've finally retired, and the trail building project I've been supervising is coming to an end (who knew a trail could cost so much and be that much work?), it's time for me to take some time off, starting in either late June or after July 4th. My goal is to do a tour of Utah, starting at Arches, then Bryce Canyon, the Zion, than maybe the north rim of the Grand Canyon on the return. This will be a combination of a photography and hiking trip, so I can build up my photo stock and also provide some content for my blog at the Colorado Springs Independent. I plan to camp, so lodging availability isn't a big issue, and I can take up to 2 weeks, so spending a few days at each place is doable.
I've been to Arches/Canyonlands and Grand Canyon several times, but not Bryce or Zion.
Anyone care to share any itinerary, "must see/shoot", campsite/lodging suggestions? Anything you care to share would be great!
Thanks!
I had never been to any of those until this year. Just returned on Memorial Day from Zion (main canyon and Kolob), Bryce, Escalante, Capitol Reef, Cedar Breaks and some state Parks including Valley of Fire (one hour north of Las Vegas-very beautiful), Red Rock (about 40 minutes from Las Vegas), Kodachrome (nearby Willis Canyon is small but different) and some places without names. We flew into Las Vegas and rented a car. Spent two weeks (did not camp-should have-much less expensive) and loved every second of it. Lots of rain, fog, wind, snow, hail, thunder and lightening and, of course, sun. We did not go to arches/Canyonlands but will do so next year. Be sure to check with campgrounds at the NPs-they fill early. We took a lot of "backroads"-some are impassable in rain; info is available online and at visitor centers. We stayed at Zion Lodge and although expensive, it was a good idea. The shuttle bus did not begin running until 7:30, and I like to be up earlier. I was already in the canyon and could get to the trails ahead of others. It may run earlier in the summer months. WATER is a necessity. Take lots. Good hiking boots and if you plan to walk into the narrows at Zion take shoes that can get wet. It involves walking in the river.
The road thorugh Bryce is 14 miles to Rainbow Point. It helps to drive it early in AM and get the lay of the land. Expect to see lots of pronghorns and deer and an occasional fox. Before you get to the gate there is a road to the left to Fairyland-quite beautiful. If it is wet at Bryce the mud is slippery and sticks to shoes like cement. There is a Lodge but it seems to be the center of all activity. The large numbers of people don't seem to get going until 9 or 10AM. Another reason to get going early.
Bob, consider Escalante-Grand Staircase. Lots of slots off of the Hole-In-The-Wall Road and Hell's Backbone is quite pretty though it will be hot when you're going. Here is a good resource. Lots of dispersed camping in the area. Some nice loop hikes, as well as ones best w/shuttles. Waterfalls, e.g. Calf Creek (though you may want to do some long exposures with a 10-stop filter if you do't want shots of the people swimming & playing at the base) And there's great food at Hell's Backbone Grill! Muley Twists, (Lower to Hamburger Rocks for photography, Upper has a loop hike touted as the best day hike in Utah; supposed to end at a waterfall, but it was bone dry when I was there at the end of April).
Posted by Doug Koepsel on June 2, 2015 at 12:40 PM
Bob, I really liked the hike to lower Calf Creek Falls. At CCF, I found in the afternoon when the direct sun has left the waterfalls and rock sides to be better. Maybe also consider driving the Burr Trail to Waterpocket Fold, and Capital Reef.
Posted by Darren Huski on June 2, 2015 at 12:59 PM
Bob I would say that Zion is a fantastic park with lots of possibilities. Conversely, I think Bryce is a one or two days tops park that is really just a sunrise shot.
In Zion I would say you have to put hiking the Narrows and Angels Landing on your list. I would call them two of the best hikes in the entire NPS.
Generally speaking Angels Landing is a hike you take pictures on in midday. The Narrows is a photo all day kind of place. I would plan a full day for each.
When you wade the Narrows some folks rent shoes and dry pants in town. I wore shorts, Keen sandals, and used a cheap pair of Wally world hiking sticks. Took second bus in and had the whole place to myself. See a write up on my blog.
There are many other potential hikes and locations in the park. You probably should try the Watchman shot off the bridge like everyone else one sunset. There is a small dam on the river near court of the patriarch that is worth checking out at sunrise.
Remember you will be on the shuttle in the canyon which is actually pretty good at getting you around. It starts early enough for sunrise shots and runs past dark.
Discussion
7 repliesHi, all...
Now that I've finally retired, and the trail building project I've been supervising is coming to an end (who knew a trail could cost so much and be that much work?), it's time for me to take some time off, starting in either late June or after July 4th. My goal is to do a tour of Utah, starting at Arches, then Bryce Canyon, the Zion, than maybe the north rim of the Grand Canyon on the return. This will be a combination of a photography and hiking trip, so I can build up my photo stock and also provide some content for my blog at the Colorado Springs Independent. I plan to camp, so lodging availability isn't a big issue, and I can take up to 2 weeks, so spending a few days at each place is doable.
I've been to Arches/Canyonlands and Grand Canyon several times, but not Bryce or Zion.
Anyone care to share any itinerary, "must see/shoot", campsite/lodging suggestions? Anything you care to share would be great!
Thanks!
I had never been to any of those until this year. Just returned on Memorial Day from Zion (main canyon and Kolob), Bryce, Escalante, Capitol Reef, Cedar Breaks and some state Parks including Valley of Fire (one hour north of Las Vegas-very beautiful), Red Rock (about 40 minutes from Las Vegas), Kodachrome (nearby Willis Canyon is small but different) and some places without names. We flew into Las Vegas and rented a car. Spent two weeks (did not camp-should have-much less expensive) and loved every second of it. Lots of rain, fog, wind, snow, hail, thunder and lightening and, of course, sun. We did not go to arches/Canyonlands but will do so next year. Be sure to check with campgrounds at the NPs-they fill early. We took a lot of "backroads"-some are impassable in rain; info is available online and at visitor centers. We stayed at Zion Lodge and although expensive, it was a good idea. The shuttle bus did not begin running until 7:30, and I like to be up earlier. I was already in the canyon and could get to the trails ahead of others. It may run earlier in the summer months. WATER is a necessity. Take lots. Good hiking boots and if you plan to walk into the narrows at Zion take shoes that can get wet. It involves walking in the river.
The road thorugh Bryce is 14 miles to Rainbow Point. It helps to drive it early in AM and get the lay of the land. Expect to see lots of pronghorns and deer and an occasional fox. Before you get to the gate there is a road to the left to Fairyland-quite beautiful. If it is wet at Bryce the mud is slippery and sticks to shoes like cement. There is a Lodge but it seems to be the center of all activity. The large numbers of people don't seem to get going until 9 or 10AM. Another reason to get going early.
Bob, consider Escalante-Grand Staircase. Lots of slots off of the Hole-In-The-Wall Road and Hell's Backbone is quite pretty though it will be hot when you're going. Here is a good resource. Lots of dispersed camping in the area. Some nice loop hikes, as well as ones best w/shuttles. Waterfalls, e.g. Calf Creek (though you may want to do some long exposures with a 10-stop filter if you do't want shots of the people swimming & playing at the base) And there's great food at Hell's Backbone Grill! Muley Twists, (Lower to Hamburger Rocks for photography, Upper has a loop hike touted as the best day hike in Utah; supposed to end at a waterfall, but it was bone dry when I was there at the end of April).
Lower part of lower calf creek falls.
Thanks Jim and Monika!
Bob, I really liked the hike to lower Calf Creek Falls. At CCF, I found in the afternoon when the direct sun has left the waterfalls and rock sides to be better. Maybe also consider driving the Burr Trail to Waterpocket Fold, and Capital Reef.
Bob I would say that Zion is a fantastic park with lots of possibilities. Conversely, I think Bryce is a one or two days tops park that is really just a sunrise shot.
In Zion I would say you have to put hiking the Narrows and Angels Landing on your list. I would call them two of the best hikes in the entire NPS.
Generally speaking Angels Landing is a hike you take pictures on in midday. The Narrows is a photo all day kind of place. I would plan a full day for each.
When you wade the Narrows some folks rent shoes and dry pants in town. I wore shorts, Keen sandals, and used a cheap pair of Wally world hiking sticks. Took second bus in and had the whole place to myself. See a write up on my blog.
There are many other potential hikes and locations in the park. You probably should try the Watchman shot off the bridge like everyone else one sunset. There is a small dam on the river near court of the patriarch that is worth checking out at sunrise.
Remember you will be on the shuttle in the canyon which is actually pretty good at getting you around. It starts early enough for sunrise shots and runs past dark.
For food, Oscar's in Springdale is outstanding.
Have fun!
Thanks Darren!