gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

👍👍👍👍

dshelton

Of course Zion and Bryce are beautiful at any time of year. However, summertime in Zion is very much like Vegas, HOT. The best time is Sept or Oct. cool weather and change of color in Oct. Bryce is electrifying in cool months. Enjoy!

brucebc Loc: Tooele, Utah

Most of the replies have good info, but are missing some important things. The North Rim of Grand Canyon is 8,000 feet. Road may not be open till mid June. Monument Valley charges $20.00 now. I like early fall to have less crowds and get some color on the foliage.

daf40 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Bryce is magnificent, but check the temperature before you go. Much higher altitude. I once experienced snow in Bryce in June. Monument Valley is not too far, and also magnificent. If you have time to drive to Moab, the views and photo ops in Arches and Canyonlands are spectacular.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I'm going to suggest something different: All of the suggestions are wonderful, and those who made them found something impressive and perhaps even awe-inspiring.

BUT. It strikes me as a "consumerist" view of some wonderful places. Trying to see too much, too quickly diminishes each experience and each individual place.

SO. I would go to one (maybe two) of those places and immerse yourself in those places. Slow down. Relax. Explore the places at a walking pace.

It's not a race to visit as many places as you can--or it shouldn't be. Create memories and impressions that are more than visual.

Enjoy yourself and the wonder around you.

Good luck.

Fayle Loc: Seward, Alaska and Rionegro, Colombia

Pick up a copy of this book.
https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Southwest-1-Southern-Laurent-Martres-ebook/dp/B006G75PDI/ref=la_B00J22ERH4_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490628862&sr=1-3

This whole series of books is a great resource.
I recommend going in October when the fall foliage is happening.

There are some Brice & Zion photos on my website.

Enjoy your trip!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Rd are less well traveled and offer some incredible photo ops outside of the typical tourist trap photos and will add a unique set of images that people will want to see that they have not already seen 100's of times before. Many other places and back roads around there that are fascinating. I really like wandering hwy 89 for historical towns and interesting things. Again summer is my favorite time for the warmth especially in the evenings at higher altitudes.

Fayle Loc: Seward, Alaska and Rionegro, Colombia

Here's one taken near Double Arch Alcove in Kolob Canyon. Take the Taylor Creek Trail.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/SouthWestUS/Zion-National-Park-2011/i-6GD3scZ

DSLR Loc: NV

FYI – Zion NP has two separate areas; the main section and Kolob Canyons (locally Kolob Fingers). Zion NP is entered either from Springdale, UT or Mt. Camel Junction, UT; Kolob Canyons off I-15 exit 40 at New Harmony, UT (about half way between St. George and Cedar City, UT).

Google Map: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/kolob-canyons.htm

ZION HIKES: Angels Landing (not for the fainthearted) is a must and offers great views. Careful! Steep trail and dangerously narrow near the top.
Emerald Pools is reached on a moderate trail. (See my Trail-head picture.)

KOLOB HIKES: Kolob Arch, Lee Pass Trail-head: The second largest arch in the world spans 287.4 feet (see link for full details). About 8-miles from trail head. Allow 12-hours for round-trip.
Bear Trap. Approximately two-miles further from Kolob Arch is the Bear Trap side canyon entrance. The canyon is a narrow slot canyon (30-40-feet wide?) that, for all practical purposes, ends at the source waterfall of a shallow stream running through the canyon. (Overnight)

ICEBOX CANYON: For the experienced climber, only. Ask a ranger in the Visitor Center about this one. My recollection: From trail-head to “jumping off point” is a mile-plus 2,000 foot elevation change, moderately difficult. From there: Tie-in to a somewhat loose anchor, rappel down 150’ (?) and tie-in again so a somewhat loose anchor, rappel down another 150’ (?) to somewhat loose anchor. rappel down another 100+ feet and drop into a pool. From there a trail will lead you back (8 miles?).

IF YOU ARE WONDERING: Not being the least interested in serious climbing, I stopped at the jumping-off point. Ask at the Visitor Center about Icebox Canyon.
OTHER HIKES: Kolob offers other hikes that are relatively flat and well worth exploring; both ways are easy half-day or less hikes.

Google Map: http://www.zionnational-park.com/kolob-arch.htm

Parking at Zion can be a challenge during visitor season and can be full; parking is available outside the entrance in several parking lots. Parking at Kolob is usually not a problem.
NOTE: Your Zion entrance pass is valid both at Zion and Kolob for a period of time.

Emerald Pools Trail Head

(Download)

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Addendum to visiting any national park. If you are 62, you qualify for a Senior Pass. They are $10.00 and allow entry for you and your passengers.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

If a disabled veteran a free lifetime pass for all National parks etc.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

rrayrob Loc: Las Vegas, NV

All good suggestions - definitely do the Triangle. Also, you didn't say what time of year you planned to go - do avoid Summer if possible due to crowds, kids, etc. At Zion - do plan to hike the "Narrows" - hiking across and in the river in a slot canyon is a experience of a lifetime. Of course, use dry bags for your camera gear. Also, hike "Angels Landings" and Canyon Overlook (just after going thru tunnel on Hwy 9 there is a small parking area immediately to your right. Cross road and do the 1/2 mile one way hike for great views. Have gone to Zion numerous times - stay in Springdale at park entrance. Multiple B&B's, plus La Quinta is relatively new, clean & reasonable, also there is a good Best Western and love staying at the Desert Pearl, but it's a bit pricey. Restaurants try the Spotted Dog @ Flannigan's Hotel and the Switchback Grille. If you plan on shooting sunset from the bridge crossing the Virgin River - go early to stake out your spot with tripod - usually very crowded especially weekends. Enjoy your trip - you're in for a memorable experience.

Mark Bski Loc: A sleepy little island not far from Seattle

OK, I have to shout this so you hear: "GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK." It's off the beaten path, you won't have big crowds. It's not large and grand like the National Parks, it's small and intimate. You can go down and walk among the sandstone monuments, feel like you're part of it, touch them and photograph them.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

We did the grand circle tour (5 Utah National Parks) last April in 10 days. Long days, but well worth it. Also visited Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley State Parks. Loved 'em all. Have a great time!