mlj Loc: Anderson, SC

I have previously mentioned my trip to Utah and Arizona. I will arrive in Vegas late evening on September 12. I have one week to get back to Vegas for my return flight. I have been to Bryce and Zion in the past. What suggestions do you have regarding the week of my trip? Antelope and Cardiac Canyons? What else? I am an older fart, so I don’t want to make this trip an extreme endurance. Thanks for your advice. BTW, I will be taking my D7000 and a few lenses.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell
Dunno if that's the direction you're headed though

the hiker Loc: San Diego

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only about a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas.If you go there Kaibab Lodge is a nice place to stay it is 18 miles from the North rim and has a rest, that serves good home cooked meals and there is a gas station rt across the street. Prices for a cabin run from $90.00 0n up. Hover Dam;Lake Powell and Horseshore Bend are also close.Rainbow Bridge and Monument Valley are also within a 4 hour drive. I hope you have a Great trip.

Acufine3200 Loc: Texarkana USA

I just spent a week in Lake Havasu. Pretty, but I’m watching this thread for some real gems.

brucebc Loc: Tooele, Utah

Valley of Fire State Park is 58 miles north of Vegas, google it.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

AFAIK - - not much along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Most of the sights are along the South Rim - doable in a good day.
Do NOT do the WALK DOWN into the canyon - - UNLESS you are an Ironman ! You've been warned.

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

ONE DAY AT UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON, THINGS NEEDED ARE TRIPOD CABLE RELEASE. SIGN UP FOR THE PHOTO TOUR LEAVE 1/2 HR BEFORE THE REST AND WORTH THE EXTRA CHARGE. ONE LENS IS RECOMMENDED BECAUSE OF DIRT IN THE AIR. DIRT IS NECESSARY FOR SEEING THE SHAFTS OF LIGHT. CHECK THE WEATHER YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THERE IN A RAIN STORM. MUCH BRACKETING AND A SPOT LIGHT METER IS RECOMMENDED.
ARCHES IS SUPERB.
I WOULD SKIP VALLEY OF FIRE SINCE THERE MANY MORE ATTRACTIVE THINGS TO SPEND YOUR TIME AT.
YOU CAN TAKE A FLIGHT TOUR OUT OF VEGAS OF THE GRAND CANYON. THAT ONE IS AWESOME ALSO.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

We did a Pink Jeep tour out of Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire that was fabulous. The petroglyphs, especially Newspaper Rock, are amazing there. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. My husband is stuck in a wheelchair and he was able to see almost everything.

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

Have you considered Monument Valley? You won't regret it. Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend is a must.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I have been to Antelope Canyon and got great handheld shots. Everyone says to use a tripod and take the special photo tour, but I don’t think that’s necessary at all. Also, while you’re at Page to see Antelope Canyon, don’t miss Horseshoe Bend, which is also there. The South Rim of the GC is is nice and extremely crowded every time I’ve been there. I went to the North Rim last fall and thought it was beautiful and very photogenic. It is much different from the South Rim. I’d suggest you not miss it.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

Enjoy your trip. I'm making the assumption that you're driving. First, get a Utah (state issued) road map. It's much better than using an atlas. Second, I made a similar trip last year (but only spent three days in Utah because I had to get to California to visit my grandson!). I plan on driving back to Utah for a longer stay. When I do, I will stay in Green River (it's on I-70) but is accessible to all of the "Big Five." I wanted to stay in Moab, but the Motel 6 ran for $135 a night! Green River is 40 to 45 miles from Moab (and a whole lot cheaper). From Green River you can easily do Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. By taking secondary roads you will find a lot of good photo opportunities along the way. Capitol Reefs is a bit of a longer haul, but is also doable from Green River. When I left Green River to go to Vegas, I again stayed off of the Interstates as much as possible. I took secondary roads (with plenty of photo opportunities along the way) until I got north of St. George, where I picked up I-15 into Vegas. It was on this leg of the trip that I visited Zion National Park.

As a note, I, too, traveled after Labor Day, but all of the motels in Moab (except for Motel 6) had no vacancy signs lit.

I, too, am older. Due to time constraints (had to see my grandson!) I did not have a lot of time for hiking, etc. Most of my photography was done from along side the road. Outside of the national parks they have very wide shoulders that are ideal for pulling over and safely photographing the scenes.

I already stated it, but the Utah State roadmap is an invaluable tool.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

The Arches NP has many great photo ops. There is a post in today's Photo Gallery of three typical scenes in The Arches.

Leland22 Loc: Texas

Consider Buckskin Gulch which is next to the wave-longest slot in the US. If you go to Antelope, you should be able to use your "Navaho pass" to go to Waterholes Canyon south of Page but best photos are about 3/4 mile down climb out and get on top-much like the Wave. Also Lees Ferry area and Horseshoe Bend-which best around 11-2 when sun lights up the whole bend. If lower antelope, go to the family on the right and ask for a photographers pass but must have a tripod-do not have to be in a group-best time is middle of the day (these change like your underwear so it may be different). Close to the ranger station between Page and Kanab there is a nice set of hoodoo area on the north side of the road-about 3/4 mile hike-can't remember the name of the area but the info is at the ranger station (has a trailhead). If really gung ho (lucky)-might want to see if you can get drawn for the Wave. Coal Mine Canyon-close to Tuba- also on Navajo land if you run out of things to do. Americansouthwest.net is a great site to go to to get directions and information. My best shot advice of Antelope is to spot meter on the brightest area and let the rest fall where they may. Don't get any sky-blows out the photo. I use a 2 second delay instead of a cable. Enjoy--One of my favorite areas to photograph in the US.

brucebc Loc: Tooele, Utah

Just a couple of additions; the hoodoo area is called Toadstools and is at mile post 19. It is only a bit over 1/4 mile to them. Also Paria Ghost Town site is just down the road about mile post 25.

Ob1 Loc: Utah

I agree with everyone that has made these suggestions. Upper Antelope Canyon photographers tour a must. Horse Shoe Bend right next to Antelope Canyon. Head north to Arches National Park, Mesa Arch in Canyonland National Park (must arrive at 5 a.m. to see and photograph the sunrise). You will have many early mornings and late evenings, don’t overdo. Pick a side east or west. I suggest east. It will be hot. Make your Upper Antelope Canyon reservation now. You will need a tripod, you can not get the light beams without one. Have fun!