fjrwillie Loc: MA

In the preliminary planning stages of planning a trip to the southwest. We will cover somewhere around 2400 miles in 15 to 17 days. We used to do this stuff on a motorcycle, but will fly to Vegas and rent a car.

On the hit parade Vegas>Grand Canyon (south and north rim) > Zion >Bryce > Capitol Reef >Arches >Canyonlands >Mesa Verdi > Santa Fe (maybe)>Pertrified Forest > Phoenix (relatives) > Flagstaff and back to Vegas.

This will be a scenic drive and not specifically a photo trip. It will be a treasure hunt for sure on historic sites, the parks and obscure places to visit. I got a rough mileage at 2200 miles.

Whats the best time April or May or June??

Also would you bother renting a convertible (so we can sort of pretend we are on the bike). Or will it just get too hot ??


Willie

Sheila Loc: Arizona or New York

It depends on what you think hot is. The weather has been warmer than normal this winter in much of the west. Access to north rim of Grand Canyon changes during the year. Check the park web site to make sure the routes you want to take will be open.

Phoenix will probably be in the 70s by 7am or so in the morning at the end of May and because there are fewer clouds you have to be careful about sun exposure.

This is a fairly ambitious travel schedule. There are times such as Memorial Day when the traffic into a park area will be heavy. The Zion National Park and the south rim require riding a shuttle around the park so you have to allow time for this as well as the consideration of leaving your vehicle with your property in it.

fjrwillie Loc: MA

Hot to us is over 90 with the east coast humidity.

Thanks for the info on the North Rim.

Great point on Memorial Day. If we do this it will be May 9th and coming home May 23 (Saturday to Saturday)

Agree it is ambitious, but unlike the bike, we can travel at night :roll:

Willie

A Forest Rat Event (Deer for Car Folks)

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

That is a very ambitious itinerary if you expect to stop and admire any of your destinations at other than 60mph. Anyhow, as we frequently travel along these routes, I would recommend late April or early May for better temps and to hopefully miss crowds.

wattsimages

As a photographer living in Las Vegas I can give you my perspective on most of these locations, I go to them several times a year.
The problem is, until you've been there you won't know if you agree with my opinions or not. So take all the advice that you get with a grain of salt.

The Grand Canyon, does not compare to some of the other locations on your trip, and can be a big waste of time. Having arranged trips for multiple photographers, I can tell you that everyone of them has agreed with the statement. Many of my photography friends have told me that they wished they dedicated less time to the Grand Canyon and more time to Southern Utah.

The Grand Canyon content to be crowded, and touristy.

If you're going to Flagstaff, you need to stop in Page. There is horseshoe Bend, and tons of canyons to visit on the Indian reservation. I recommend hooking up with my friend Lionel, He can take you to antelope Canyon at night!!!

http://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com/tours.html

The amount of things to see in southern Utah, and the Navajo nation, Is overwhelming. And somethings can't be rushed. And example of this is the "Subway" in Zion. It requires a permit, and an all day hike, but it's unbelievable.

I would recommend these books as a great guide for planning your trip.

http://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Southwest-Volume-1-Southern-Utah/dp/0916189120

Toadstool Off Hwy 89


Antelope at night


Zion Narrows


Rattle snake canyon


Canyon De Chilly


Bryce


Subway

fjrwillie Loc: MA

Thank you for the links and info.

Your comment on the Grand Canyon is akin to folks coming to see Plymouth Rock in MA. I felt that way seeing Old Faithful in Yellowstone...there was much more to see. When I get down to the nitty gritty of planning this trip I will take this into consideration.

It is my plan to head out of Vegas, stop to see Hoover Dam and then the South Rim. Next was loop around to the North Rim, but looking at the maps that is quite a trip into and back out heading for Zion.

Again thanks for taking the time. Beautiful pictures.

Willie

fjrwillie Loc: MA

Better to be ambitious and then alter the plans than not try at all. A plan is a guide which can change. Also better to see them fast and furious than not seeing them at all. We can always come back.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Willie

plessner Loc: North Dakota

WOW everybody seems to know Lionell---I have been on 2 tours with him. One was the night time one--he is a great guide.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

So much to see, so little time! Some of the best places require several days at least. I love Canyon deChelley, just outside of Chinle, in the middle of the Navajo Reservation (yes, in the middle of nowhere). Most travelers miss this spectacular spot, which you can see along the rim but also from inside the canyon with a Navajo guide.

fjrwillie Loc: MA

Thanks, checked out the location and it is along the path, well sort of, that I was thinking about. We tend to like staying off the major roads and just travel the backroads when we can.

Willie

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

A lot of miles. Get a convertible. Did that going down the coast of California and it was wonderful. You see more and in panoramic view. Also stop at Goblin State park in Utah on Route 24 above Hanksville . Also after Hanksville there is a old uranium mine thats real interesting. Good luck thats going to be a great trip.

Toxdoc

As an AZ native you have to realize that it is really hot after April. Think about Arivipia canyon, Salt River Canyon, Az Sonora Desert Museum, Back roads from Tucson Through Hayden Then up to Globe or through Kearney. Back road along the Salt River from Apache Junction to Glob, Globe to Young Az then over the Mongolian Rim into Payson

Frank 2012 Loc: Olathe, Kansas

The south rim of the G.C. is open all year, but the north rim usually opens May 15th and closes October 15th.
May is a good time (usually). The tourist crowd is not there yet and the weather is very nice, not too hot or too cold.

cwhonda Loc: SLC, UT.

[quote=fjrwillie]In the preliminary planning stages of planning a trip to the southwest. We will cover somewhere around 2400 miles in 15 to 17 days. We used to do this stuff on a motorcycle, but will fly to Vegas and rent
This will be a scenic drive and not specifically a photo trip. It will be a treasure hunt for sure on historic sites, the parks and obscure places to visit. I got a rough mileage at 2200 miles.

Whats the best time April or May or June??

Also would you bother renting a convertible (so we can sort of pretend we are on the bike). Or will it just get too hot.

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I do not know how old you are but if you are over 62yrs you should get a senior pass for the National Parks. I have had mine for more than ten years it cost me I think $10 which is less than most parks want for a day!! It covers all National parks monument etc. and lasts for the rest of your life. What a deal , God Bless America!!!
Colin

Shiatsu Loc: Fort Collins

I would recommend mid to late May, early June for the time you'll be in Arizona. Cactus flowers should be in bloom about then and the heat shouldn't be too bad just yet but all depends on your exact itinerary and start dates especially where Arizona is concerned. Have a great trip!