acellis Loc: Charleston, SC

Hi all, would like recommendations for a trip to the four corners region. Two locations for sure that I have in mind are the Chaco Canyon for nighttime stars/astro photography and also antelope canyon (upper or lower???). I will be spending 7-10 days on this trip. Any recommendations on preparations (time of year, lodging, etc) or thoughts about these two sites and what else in this region would you recommend i research and visit in addition to these locations.

All opinions welcome. You guys are the BEST! Thanks.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

There are 7 National Monuments; Canyon De Chelly, Four Corners, Bents Fort, Florissant Fossil Beds, Montezuma Castle, Gila Cliff Dwellings, & Curicanti. There are 5 National Parks; Arches, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Mesa Verde, & Zion. You can't see it all in 10 days.

acellis Loc: Charleston, SC

jethro779, Thank you for the options. This is very helpful. That is a HUGE list.... I really appreciate the time you took to assemble this list.

ACE

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

It took all of 5 minutes on the National park Homepage. Lots of information on it.

http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You can get ideas from my posts in the photo gallery from a 3+ weeks trip over the holidays or from my 500px link. I'm traveling now but will respond to pm questions when I have service if you have any specific questions. There's more great parks and monuments than you can visit in any specific trip regardless of duration ...

MtnMan Loc: ID

Chaco Canyon is must see for the ruins. But there is no lodging there and the last five miles of the road in can be impossible without 4wd if there were recent rains. Best if you can arrange to camp there as there is nothing for over 50 miles.

There is a wonderful place about 15 miles north of the Chaco turnoff. It os to the east of the highway. Something like Angel's Peak. Another great camping place too. Road is dirt but better than the Chaco road after rain.

Mesa Verde isn't far off north and shouldn't be missed.

Also don't miss Aztec ruins.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Some of those are a long ways from four corners area.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

The max is 200 miles in any direction from the Four Corners Monument.

The Watcher

There's also two national monuments that you might want to consider. Canyons of the Ancients and the smaller Hovenweep. There's also the Anasazi Heritage Center Museum nearby. I haven't been there, but my sister says, "it's a must see."

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

I haven't been to lower antelope canyon but Upper should be a great experience for you. Try to book you tour mid late morning or mid-day to catch the sun rays coming through the cracks. Wide Angle lens works good. It's very dusty so don't plan on changing lenses. Be prepared for huge crowds. Also about 5-7 miles outside of Page there is Horseshoe Bend. My wife and I weren't huge fans of Hovenweep considering how long it took us to get there. Safe Travels, looking forward to seeing you images.

RG4073 Loc: Kettering, OH

Sooooo many places to visit! FYI, the 4 corners monument is a Navaho Indian tribal park where you can place your feet and/or hands in 4 states at one time. Monument Valley is also a Navaho tribal park and is well worth the visit. Just up the road (north on 163) from there is is a dirt road on the left side of the road that will take you through the Valley of the Gods; it is pretty easy to get around and the scenery is wonderful. The road ends on 261; turn LEFT to return to 163. Want another adventure? Turn RIGHT on 261 and drive up the Moki Dugway! Turn around at the top and return or proceed over to the Natural Bridges National Monument. In the same area is Goosenecks State Park; it's under development, but the bends in the river are awesome.

Over in Page, it seems like most folks prefer the LOWER Antelope Canyon. There is a ladder that must be descended to enter the UPPER canyon. Note that there are photographer tours available! They are a bit expensive, but the tours are much smaller than the hoards usually going through the LOWER canyon and they allow more time to set up and shoot. They are also less dusty than the regular tours... and they are optimized time-wise to ensure that the "best" time of day for picture-taking is scheduled. Those tours fill up quickly, so try to make reservation in advance, if available. PS: Don't forget to visit Horeshoe Bend; be sure to bring along a WIDE-angle lens!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You will need reservations if you intend to be serious about the antelope canyon especially if you want only a photography trip, and you must have a tripod and a quality camera, yes they do check. You can take a regular trip but you will not be given much time to take photo's. So check this one out ahead, then, close by and just south of Page Arizona is the horse shoe curve on the Colorado river, I strongly suggest laying down on the edge of the cliff and taking a panoramic of this scene, the horse shoe curve is free, antelope canyon is not.

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

If you can try to get to Monument Valley. Not very far from Four Corners and you won't be disappointed.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

You have already received many good ideas but, there could be more depending on which direction you are coming to the Four Corners from

jack30000

I'm a big fan of Monument Valley. From 4 corners to Moab/Arches/Canyonlands is less than 200 miles, and going by way of Monument Valley pushes it over 200. Where will you be coming from? Albuquerque? Grand Junction? SLC? Phoenix? Vegas? Some of the places mentioned will be on your way depending on your route.

Spring, fall or winter is the time to go. Summer will be hot and crowded. Snow in some places will make for great photos.