Trip to Utah
Jan 22, 2013 05:31:27 #
Hi All,
In 7 weeks I am traveling to Moab Utah (From UK) for a photographic holiday, I intend visiting Arches Nation Park and Canyonlands, then moving to Monument valley. I've done a fair bit of research on where to visit and have a fair idea of what I am aiming to achieve photographically.
My question is this, anyone been there and any ideas for OUT OF THE ORDINARY places to shoot.
Please no posts for the usual stuff we all see on numerous web sites, I'm after something out of the ordinary from fellow photographers that have visited the area. :thumbup:
In 7 weeks I am traveling to Moab Utah (From UK) for a photographic holiday, I intend visiting Arches Nation Park and Canyonlands, then moving to Monument valley. I've done a fair bit of research on where to visit and have a fair idea of what I am aiming to achieve photographically.
My question is this, anyone been there and any ideas for OUT OF THE ORDINARY places to shoot.
Please no posts for the usual stuff we all see on numerous web sites, I'm after something out of the ordinary from fellow photographers that have visited the area. :thumbup:
Jan 22, 2013 08:17:51 #
Not knowing what you would consider 'unusual' I can only say that as a 'New Englander - New Hampshire' I found going to the city of Salt Lake City and the mountains around there was fantastic. Alta Ski resort and the ride up the canyon to get there was beautiful.
Sarge69
Sarge69
Alta Parking Lot Looking Towards Salt Lake City
Jan 22, 2013 11:53:47 #
Yes: Kodachrome Basin, Dead Horse Point, Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands & Arches (you already mentioned). You could spend a month in Utah and never see everything. Too much to cover, but Moab is a great jumping-off point for everything Utah. It will still be winter there, which may provide excellent photo opportunities. Almost zero tourists this time of year (mid-March). Have a beautiful trip, but be aware that distances on maps are deceiving. You will definitely be doing a lot of driving to cover major points of interest. Bring warm gear (unless we have the winter like we're having now.)
This photo journey will NOT disappoint! Best wishes. Been there a bizzilion times.
This photo journey will NOT disappoint! Best wishes. Been there a bizzilion times.
Jan 22, 2013 12:07:59 #
Pedro2156 wrote:
Hi All, br In 7 weeks I am traveling to Moab Utah ... (show quote)
Consider a day driving up to Green River from Moab, then down I-70 west to state 24 south to Goblin Valley.
If time permits, from Monument Valley go east into northwest New Mexico and visit the Bisti Badlands. One of the best overlooked locations in the Southwest, IMHO.
Bisti at sunset
Jan 23, 2013 05:30:56 #
breck
Loc: Derbyshire UK
Goblin Valley and Red Canyon near Bryce (nice and quiet once you walk 100 yards) if you have the time, I would love to get back to Utah its just full of amazing views and great hiking
Jan 23, 2013 06:04:01 #
If you are as far as Bryce Canyon, then be sure to stop by Cedar Breaks National Monument about 30-40 miles south of Cedar Utah. Fantastic! Bryce Canyon on a more compact scale. Sunset there is great.
Jan 23, 2013 07:23:07 #
Just outside of Moab are ancient petroglyphs. You can obtain information on how to find them locally (maps). Very interesting stuff.
Jan 23, 2013 09:04:42 #
Thanks all for the input, much to look at and consider. It's looking like I may need to make another trip 2014, then 2015, then 20..... I think you get the idea.
Jan 23, 2013 09:09:21 #
breck
Loc: Derbyshire UK
Ive done Moab twice and havent seen the same things twice way too much for just two visits, and I havent got the two iconic photos yet!
Jan 23, 2013 10:35:23 #
Just north of Moab on hwy 191 as you approach the Colorado river, Hwy 128 exits right and follows the river through the canyon. Very scenic all the way until it reaches the Plateau! Worth a day trip, has some great campgrounds right on the riverbank (BLM), you might even see some bighorns. Island in the Sky, part of Canyonlands, Has some spectacular vistas, Enter off 191 near Arches. On clear days you can see for 150 miles. Be sure to check out "Newspaper Rock" in Canyonlands, much wildlife too, very humbling that man has live there for so long!
I spent several days there 2 summers ago, should have stayed longer!
If time permits while in monument Valley continue into Arizona down 191 to Canyon De Chelly on the Navaho reservation- A spiritual experience!
J D
I spent several days there 2 summers ago, should have stayed longer!
If time permits while in monument Valley continue into Arizona down 191 to Canyon De Chelly on the Navaho reservation- A spiritual experience!
J D
Jan 23, 2013 11:13:03 #
lnhaynie
Loc: Southwest Colorado
If you go south from Moab, you might want to spend some time in Southwest Colorado and check out Mesa Verde. In Southeast Utah, there is a place called Muley Point. To get to Muley Point, you should travel the Moki Dugway. Google these locations or check out Google Earth. You will not be disappointed.
Jan 23, 2013 21:18:24 #
Capitol Reef is also a great place. The Grand Staircase of the Escalante gives you endless areas of less traveled space. Be careful if you go to the Bitsi badlands that you know where you are going. It is a vast land witouut directions...really cool if you find the egg garden and such though. Laurent Martes wrote a number of very informative books on the Southwest that focus on the out of the way sites..
Jan 23, 2013 21:49:35 #
lnhaynie wrote:
If you go south from Moab, you might want to spend some time in Southwest Colorado and check out Mesa Verde. In Southeast Utah, there is a place called Muley Point. To get to Muley Point, you should travel the Moki Dugway. Google these locations or check out Google Earth. You will not be disappointed.
Moki Dugway was awesome!
Scared the poo out of me but awesome!
Jan 25, 2013 14:48:30 #
Check with the local residents and you will usually discover some fun places to see that 90% of the tourist visitors never see. Some trails into the back country that are not too physically demanding. Be sure to hike with two or more people in case someone would fall and get injured. Also, good idea to check with the locals on any precautions you should take before taking a stroll in the outback. Some areas may have a few mountain lions that usually "skedaddle" (not always) when humans pass through. Cell phones probably don't get any signal. Take your camera and you will get some unique pictures. In the warm weather watch out for rattlesnakes.
Jan 25, 2013 15:09:23 #
A nice sunset shot can be found by taking 128 at the north end of town. It follows along the Colorado River. About twenty five minutes out you will see Fisher Towers off to the left. Before the sun dips behind the mountains to the west, the towers will glow dramatically crimson. There are also some nice morning shots to be found off 128 in Castle Valley. These spots are not so far out of town, so you can easily do them before dinner or breakfast.
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