BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Planning to visit the American Southwest in May, and would like some help in planning for the event. Will be in and around the red-rock area (Utah, Az, etc.)for about a week. So need some specific "must photograph" sites. Hiking will need to be at a minumum; as both my wife and I are to the age where that sort of physical activity is not always "friendly". Also, this will be a one-time visit to that area. So we'll need to at least try to view (and photograph, of course) as much as we can.
Thanks for any and all helpful hints.

TdogKing

Thats quite a big area you've stated can you be more specific ?

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Only just beginning the planning of the trip. Thinking of covering whatever we can within our time limits. But on the north, Arches N.P., on down to the south, Grand Canyon.

Victor S Loc: SouthCoast MA

Sedona is a must see.

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Anything specific to be looking for there?

D0r1neK Loc: Connecticut

Monument Vally stay at The View. Bryce Canyon.

jimbo70 Loc: Orange Park, FL.

Driving distances are great, so you must consider that. Fall is best and Spring is OK, but Summers are hot and Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed

Arches National Park - Some of the most stunning photo sites are off limits, still very worthwhile

Canyonlands National Park – No personal experience

Monument Valley - Disappointed that so many homes are spread out across the valley, guided tour probably best bet

Antelope Canyon - Near Page, AZ. You can drive to it, you DO NOT have to take a guided tour

Lees Ferry - I really liked it, but probably not a must see

Grand Canyon - North Rim is like the South Rim was 40 years ago, but not as scenic, last time I was at the South Rim it reminded me of Disneyland.

Zion National Park - Very pretty and easy to visit

Bryce Canyon National Park - One of my favorites especially late afternoon

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – No personal experience

Cedar Breaks National Monument - Pretty but probably not a must see

Kodachrome Basin State Park – This one is often overlooked but fun to visit, the rock formations are “unusual”

bobby shaftoe

Island-in-the-sky at Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

Bob, sounds like you have two limiting factors: one-week and a physical concern. Given the sheer driving distance between sites in the Southwest, I would suggest you center your trip around the Grand Canyon. As a first-time SW visitor, you need to consider the experience--or visual "flavor"-- as a photographer capturing one of the greatest sites in the world. Besides, there are regular shuttle buses to take you from stop-to-stop along the South Rim. Don't do this South Rim experience ONLY ONCE. Get out there a second day, to SEE what you didn't see on the previous day. You and your camera WON'T regret it.

From there, pick another drive-to location, like Sedona, and again capture the flavor of the place. Even by just picking two relatively close "companion" sites in this huge expanse, you will have more photos and memories than you could ever have in an otherwise "drive-thru" one-week vacation.

Of course, all of this depends on your mode of travel to and fro and how many on-the-ground vacations days you actually end up with. A final thought: If your current lifestyle is not truly active, you don't want to remember a week-long "see-it-all" trip in the Southwest as one of the most exhausting vacations you ever took.

Nearly any two Southwest spots you eventually pick will have neat little side trips that only the locals know about. Keep that in mind, too. So, treat yourself but not medically if you know what I mean.

bobby shaftoe

Check out Island-In-The Sky and Dead Horse Point in Google Images. Both are easily accessible by car.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Ditto Sedona for red rocks. If you have the time consider North rim of grand canyon.

Nikocarol Loc: NM & FL

The driving is the most important part here. I suggest to everyone in this area that a Gazetter is important {large book maps by state} well worth the investment. Also some recommented reading along with this excellent suggestions here and you will be ready to go.
Laurent Martres writes some amazing books on sites in the southwest to photograph.
Also Arizona highways...truly you can spend a week in just one area...so from the Grand Canyon you can also see..Glen Canyon,Antelope canyon,Vermillion cliffs,Sedona,Jerome,check these places on the map so you can get a sense of travel.
A week is not a lot of time in this area of open space. However if you plan wisely you can see a lot.

My personal favs are..Arches and Canyonlands in Moab.
Monument Valley and Antelope canyon.

http://navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

jimbo70,

Curious to know if those recommended "guided tours" allow for serious photo shoots, or merely lucky drive-bys?

Designerfin Loc: Utah, USA

Goblin Valley is really interesting, a great photo op and you can essentially drive right in. It is not far from Arches Natl. Park. There are also some great views in Arches, but most of the arches are a bit of a hike if you want stand under them! Many good photo ops from the road, however. Wedge Overlook is also near Goblin Valley and known as the little Grand Canyon. Spectacular vista, no hiking. Happy trails.

Nikocarol Loc: NM & FL

Yes, they have guided tours in Antelope canyon..if you read the link. Once you get there you will see tours for just for that. They keep people out of your shots...well worth it at certain times when there are crowds.