Utah and CO NPs
Apr 27, 2021 16:35:14 #
If a Taos New Mexico workshop convenes in August, I will have a chance to spend six days or so prior at two or three national parks between Salt Lake City and Taos. I am looking at Capitol Reef in Utah and Mesa Verde in Colorado (and Durango). I’m thinking also of the Arches. I’ve been to Bryce and Zion.
I will be traveling by myself. I’m 86, healthy for my age, able to walk a leisurely mile or more if it’s reasonably level.
Is what I plan feasible? Is two nights the proper amount of time? Considering the distance, would I be better off with three nights and two parks? If so, which?
I have, of course, photographed other national parks, but I have not done any night-sky photography. Any thoughts on that?
Any thoughts at all?
Thanks.
David
I will be traveling by myself. I’m 86, healthy for my age, able to walk a leisurely mile or more if it’s reasonably level.
Is what I plan feasible? Is two nights the proper amount of time? Considering the distance, would I be better off with three nights and two parks? If so, which?
I have, of course, photographed other national parks, but I have not done any night-sky photography. Any thoughts on that?
Any thoughts at all?
Thanks.
David
Apr 27, 2021 16:55:30 #
I’ve been to Mesa Verde and Durango several times in my 76 years. They are some of my favorite places on Earth. But they are also at 7,000 to 8,500 feet above sea level. Adjustment to altitude takes a while and can be a challenge. Mesa Verde has strenuous walking up and down on the tours of the ruins. I guess forewarned is forearmed. I would say two or three days at Mesa Verde is enough unless you want a deep dive into the Ancient Puebloan culture. As for photo ops, there are plenty.
Durango has a lot of art and crafts but the real draw there is the train. You can either chase it or ride it. There is the scenery, of course.
https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm#:~:text=Mesa%20Verde%20National%20Park%20has,a%20danger%20to%20all%20visitors.
Durango has a lot of art and crafts but the real draw there is the train. You can either chase it or ride it. There is the scenery, of course.
https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm#:~:text=Mesa%20Verde%20National%20Park%20has,a%20danger%20to%20all%20visitors.
Apr 27, 2021 21:54:21 #
Capitol Reef is an overlooked gem! Also, Dead Horse State Park (just outside the entrance to Canyonlands) is an outstanding dark sky spot.
Apr 27, 2021 22:38:52 #
I wouldn't miss Mesa Verde if I had the choice. I've been several times and find something new every time. Lots of photo ops without even getting out of your car if that's what you are looking for. A good telephoto will get across canyons to some of the distant ruins. Just plan for the different positions of the sun through out the day.
Apr 28, 2021 06:38:20 #
Retired CPO wrote:
I wouldn't miss Mesa Verde if I had the choice. I've been several times and find something new every time. Lots of photo ops without even getting out of your car if that's what you are looking for. A good telephoto will get across canyons to some of the distant ruins. Just plan for the different positions of the sun through out the day.
Thanks Chief. An hoping to be there this June. Had Covid 19 this past Jan-Feb and still having problems walking. From what I gather my Tampon 150-600 lens should be good. Again Mahalo.
Apr 28, 2021 06:44:19 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Maybe look into some guided tours that can get you close enough without to much strenuous hiking and show you some great locations. Also you might want to start some walking exercises with some type of inclines. Have fun.
Apr 28, 2021 08:04:51 #
There are good photo ops in Mesa Verde without some of the strenuous hiking. It's worth doing. Please, go on the narrow gauge railroad between Durango and Silverton. It is such a good ride. There are open cars for good photography opportunities.
Apr 28, 2021 09:16:03 #
Bryce is one of my favorite National Parks for photography, more so than even the Grand or Teton. Mesa Verde is also a magical place. But driving from Bryce to Mesa Verde is a long haul and would take a lot of your trip. Driving to Taos from Salt Lake lends itself better to traveling through Capital Reef and Mesa Verde. There simply are not roads to drive from Bryce across Southern Utah towards the 4 corners area, you have to head through Page Arizona. It’s a beautiful drive, but about takes 11 hours to get Taos from there. That is around 17 hours on the road.
Apr 28, 2021 09:44:55 #
daldds wrote:
If a Taos New Mexico workshop convenes in August, ... (show quote)
Altitude does some amazing things to you when you're past 80 and having covid may have left you with lingering lung issues that would not be good if they suddenly show up at altitude. I have been a physical specimen most of the 42 years I've lived in Colorado but with slight COPD and being 84 I just about won't to more than 7k feet of altitude standing up anymore and even feel altitude discomfort when sitting down in the car. Still, if you're going to tempt fate, any one of your chosen sites would be a pleasant place to "kick the bucket."
Apr 28, 2021 10:22:21 #
I really like the arches area. Island in the sky NP is there also and great views. Two warnings:
1. There are many places there with and without railings/walls with 1000 foot+ sheer drops which for some can be hard to handle. We were there in Nov. so no crowds, I could never handle looking over a 1000 ft drop with people behind me. 2. Arches is great, but photos can be decieving. I don't remember all the hikes being hard, but for example, there is nothing flat around the arch on the license plate. Firey Furnace is the best, but like caving outdoors, rock scrambles, go with a guide unless you like real surprises. Wife and I went in one place, came out another, had no idea if car was N or South of us.
1. There are many places there with and without railings/walls with 1000 foot+ sheer drops which for some can be hard to handle. We were there in Nov. so no crowds, I could never handle looking over a 1000 ft drop with people behind me. 2. Arches is great, but photos can be decieving. I don't remember all the hikes being hard, but for example, there is nothing flat around the arch on the license plate. Firey Furnace is the best, but like caving outdoors, rock scrambles, go with a guide unless you like real surprises. Wife and I went in one place, came out another, had no idea if car was N or South of us.
Apr 28, 2021 11:24:02 #
Altitude is an issue. I believe Bryce has passes at 9000 ft. Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands and Capital Reef are much lower.
Apr 28, 2021 11:30:18 #
daldds wrote:
If a Taos New Mexico workshop convenes in August, ... (show quote)
Be sure to read this page on closures before scheduling Mesa Verde.
Apr 28, 2021 12:55:21 #
As someone else mentioned, both Mesa Verde and Durango are high altitude. The way to handle that is to ascend relatively slowly, maybe find an intermediate altitude and spend a day or two there before going to those places. Also, mountaineers motto is climb high, sleep low. If you can, spend nights at a lower altitude and only go to Mesa Verde or Durango for the day.
Apr 28, 2021 13:16:47 #
I live an hour from Durango and the train really is special and would not be super strenuous. I don't know what they are doing this summer due to Covid.
Mesa Verde is something, but as others mentioned a fair amount of walking up and down hill if you want to do the tours.
Capitol Reef is a little hidden gem!
Enjoy your time!
Mesa Verde is something, but as others mentioned a fair amount of walking up and down hill if you want to do the tours.
Capitol Reef is a little hidden gem!
Enjoy your time!
Apr 28, 2021 15:48:19 #
I live in New Mexico, you have a long drive from SLC so be careful. My recommendation is to drive from SLC to Moab (cool town) and spend 2 nights. Tour Arches beginning early because it does get hot. You will be able to drive through the park and stop at many of the vistas; easy tour this way. Then head to Cortez (CO) spend 2 nights. Tour Mesa Verde, rest that night and then drive to Taos (just a few hours drive).
I carried a 24-105 lens and it covered nearly everything.
Have fun.
I carried a 24-105 lens and it covered nearly everything.
Have fun.
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