carney2

The wife and I will be at Canyon de Chelly, Arizona in January. Not great timing, but it's what we have. I, like you, am there to take photographs. Pictures from the rim will undoubtedly be great, but I am asking you about the expedition down into the canyon at that time of the year. There is an all day excursion leaving from Thunderbird Lodge in some sort of an open vehicle. I've tentatively nixed that because I don't think my wife should have to suffer just for my photophobia. How about the half day (afternoon) excursion (also in an open vehicle)? In your opinion is that "survivable" at that time of the year?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I went with ArizonaCanyonJeepTours.com in Dec 2016. There was 5-inches of snow two days before my trip and plenty of snow left in the shadows to add some interest to the red rocks of the canyons. The valley floor was a muddy mess and only a 4-wheel drive could navigate, not an open vehicle as mud was flying everywhere. We were out for a full day in the Canyon del Muerto which has more architecture features vs the south canyon that has more natural features. We'd stop at nearly every major turn and get out for photography. I also stayed at the lodge in a modern room I found to be a great value.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I think the all day trip would be worth it for your wife. Have you asked her? Have you gotten the lowdown on the tour? My husband is confined to a wheelchair yet I take him on my photowalks where I know there are paved paths. He isn't a photographer but he enjoys the outing nevertheless.

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

Been there. I do not like the tour from the lodge. Open vehicle full of people. We used a guide named Reginald from the oldest and largest “Jeep” outfit. He was a photographer and took us to good photo sites. You won’t get that from the lodge tour. Find Reginald, the Navajo guide, and you will get great service for photos.

chapshots Loc: San Antonio, TX

My wife and I have been there twice in late fall. The first time we just drove the uninteresting rim, so the second time we rented a 4WD (for another location) and hired a guide who lived there. Much better photo ops! If it's real cold, wear appropriate clothing.

adm

Beautiful place but expect cold and snow. This will make your photos stand out because it is photographed less this time of year.

bdridaho

Technically, wouldn't you be "photophyllic" rather than photo phobic?
Just saying.....

photoman43

I have been to Canyon de Chelly about four times, twice in winter. On both winter trips I took a half day jeep trip in the canyon from one of the licensed tour operators. (I cannot remember if I arranged for the guide in advance or did it at the Thunderbird lodge where I was staying or at the Visitor Center.)

Both trips exceeded my expectations. I took both trips with photography as my main interest and made sure the guide knew that. He accommodated my needs with stops that provided very good photo venues and allocated the half day tour time to make sure we got to all of the good spots. On one trip the water was mostly frozen; the other, lots of muddy sand. Both trips were great.

https://navajonationparks.org/guided-tour-operators/canyon-de-chelly-tour-operators/

In your car, make sure you drive the rim (both sides) and get pictures of Spider Rock, with the shadows the way you want them. If you are physically fit, walk to White House ruins. This is another good photo op hike.

https://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/canyon_de_chelly/overlooks.html

Not too far away is Monument Valley another place where a half day jeep trip with a guide can result in some stunning images especially in winter.

If the day is sunny (very likely) be prepared for extreme light ranges--bright sun and dark shadows. Be ready for some HDR type lighting situations. I would have lenses fro 20mm to 300 mm for the canyon.