berchman Loc: South Central PA

That is quite a resource.

Kletzentono

Photoal, don’t let that negative accusation “belonging to a terrorist groupie” get to you. Only an ignoramus of the magnificent SW can spew off his ignorance. Yes on tribal lands, you need permission to visit. Usually this is a tour, but with the necessary permit you can explore many slot canyons. Black Rabbit Publ. has a beautiful little booklet with all kinds of slot canyons on BLM lands you can explore for FREE. By the way, even in National Parks you need a permit for certain areas that have a visitor quota.

PhilS

A bit outside your circle, you'll find slot canyons in Death Valley NP. My wife and I hiked one in April 2015. Absolutely fabulous. Free. No permit needed. Just observe safety precautions already noted. And have a good topo map and know how to use it.

stumbo Loc: Prescott, AZ

I've been to the upper Antelope Canyon and you will need a Navajo guide and tour to go through it. They go in groups, maybe 20 at a time and it gets crowded. No room or time to set up a tripod, so everything is shot off hand. It's very interesting but not ideal to shoot. I would encourage you to go anyway as it is a one of a kind experience. There's also a lower Antelope Canyon, but I understand it's difficult to navigate if you are impaired or not in good condition.

stumbo Loc: Prescott, AZ

There's also a place to photograph close by called Horse shoe bend. You can google it to get the info you need.

Have a good time and get many great photos.

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

Avoid any holiday if at all possible. Crowds greatly increase during those times. Lots of locals. Allow more time than you think you will need. Antelope canyon at around noon. Sign up for a photo tour that will cut down on crowds and make it easier. Tripod an absolute must.

cyoungreen

If you are interested "White Pocket" out of Kanab is a great opportunity rather than "The Wave." You would need to book a tour though and it is usually all day. There are a few tour companies in Kanab. Google pictures of it. If you don't plan on doing this trip again I would highly recommend it. It is a big time commitment when you have so many fabulous places you are going.

Matt_F Loc: Wausau, Wisconsin

Going to this area in August will be very hot so doing slot canyons is a good idea. I did Lower Antelope canyon last October and it did not disappoint. Yes it was crowded but the canyon was incredibly beautiful and the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. They even showed you places to stand for better photo compositions. I would recommend Wire Pass slot canyon which leads into Buckskin Gulch slot. You can hike as far as you want and just turn around. The trailhead is located 8.5 miles down House Rock Valley Rd east of Kanab. The road should be fine as long as it's not raining. Horseshoe Bend at sunset is also a cant miss. Here's a good guide of Wire pass and Buckskin Gulch http://www.yourhikeguide.com/buckskin-gulch/

The Narrows in Zion is a great experience but it will be hard to get photos with all the people walking in there. I love Capitol Reef. There are no crowds and the rock formations and colors are amazing. I recommend the Navajo Knobs trail. It's about 9 miles and has the best views in the park. https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7014773/navajo-knobs-out-and-back East of Capitol Reef, Little Wild Horse slot is a really good slot canyon also. http://www.yourhikeguide.com/little-wild-horse-canyon/ Sounds like a great trip have fun.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

Again, fantastic advice. But in our own case we will have our Brandy with us. Brandy is a gorgeous dog, all 150 lbs of him, and bringing him along makes it so much easier on Jana who will be house-sitting along with the other 5 dogs back in Oregon.

So I’m taking note of all the places one can drive/park/take photographs!

berchman Loc: South Central PA

I named my first dog, a Redbone Coonhound, Brandy. What breed is your dog?

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

He’s a cross between a Gt. Pyrenean and a Mastiff!

berchman Loc: South Central PA

That is one impressive crossbreed!

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

This is a recent photograph of Brandy, together with Jeannie.
(I'm trying to sort out how to include a photograph!)

Scott24

I've been to those parks a number of times they are all great. 1st buy this book by Laurent Martres called photographing the Southwest Vol. 1 Southern Utah heck get all three.You will have so many photo ops andgreat things to see so don't let the tail wag the dog Antelope and canyon x while great are cliche and literally hundreds of tourist are packed in there by lots of tour companys and you will pay roughly $500 for the 4 of you. There are so many slot canyons maybe not as pretty but safe and free and uncrowded and unhurried. Start at Cedar Breaks ( just above Bryce) it is the beginning of what is called the Grand Staircase (look it up). i take it you will be gone for a couple of weeks or more as it will take you that long to hit just those parks you listed. Arches is small and will be a zoo,Canyonland's island in the sky is great and will hold the attention of kids, as it is a 22 mile scenic drive with lots of different things to see, and the Needles section of canyonlands is on the way to MV so see it as well it is totally different big canyons cowboy camps that are 100 yrs old as well. I read last year they stopped folks from entering arches until others leave. Capital Reef is nice but about an hour away is a state park called gobblins your young kids will love it and it is a safe park they can run wild among the smallhoodoo er ah gobblins and it is fun see pic. Be sure to hit Kodachrome canyon another state park near Bryce lots of volcanic cores like this one. Buy that book! Oh when at Monument Valley do not attempt to drive the scenic road without a 4 wheel or all wheel drive it is not maintained and you do not want to get stuck. I've always driven it myself this way with no problem. if you take their tour you will be eating a lot of dust as it is open in the back with no cover so you will be hot and dusty during the 17 mile trip. also on the way to Monument Valley near Mexican Hat is the Valley of the Gods ( see michael Jacksons glove attached lol) it is free and a mini MV a 17 mile road windsthrrough geologic features like the glove. Also literally across the street is the Gooseneck of the San Juan you can do both in less then an hour. Zion is a vertical park emerald falls is doable for the kids but be sure to hike the Narrows if you can.Pink Sand Dunes is close by it just ok. Anyway have fun.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

This is Brandy!