ken glanzer

Take a monopod cane.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Don’t forget to actually see at the places you visit. Don’t miss your trip because you are taking photogtaphs all the time.

You don’t mention if your with a family or by yourself, but if with family, I would try to get some cantid shots of family members enjoying themselves, as well as the usual poses. If alone, then take in the view, and decide what is unique about it what grabs your attention, what is the story. That will help to better decide how to compose the shots so they will be meaningful.

Zooman 1

Relax, go with the flow of the day. Photograph what you want, how you want. Keep your gear clean, and your head on straight. Oh yes, don't pick a fight with the cowboys!

cdayton

A boat ride on Lake Powell and a drive thru Canyonlands NP would be nice additions. The Arches NP monuments change color hour-by-hour; nice to get the great colors without a lot of PS. Drink lots of water.

Bob Boner

I teach photography and tell my students that the first accessory they should get is a tripod. Especially if you plan landscape photography. I do mostly landscape, wildlife, and grandkid photography and use a tripod (or window sill of the car) for probably 75--80% or more of my images. I live in Maryland and ever year since retirement, I have gone west in the fall to photograph in the badlands, Custer State Park, Yellowstone, and Idaho. While out west, almost all of my images are taken from a tripod. Last year was the first time I saw any smoke, and that was in the south lower Montana. Last year there was also a problem with heat in Yellowstone in September but not on the way back in October.

If you don't have a tripod and plan to get one, my advice is to get one that is substantial enough to handle the largest lens you can ever imagine having. Saves buying more tripods as your lenses get heavier. This from somebody who had to replace several (many) tripods over the years. I also recommend that you get one without a center post so you can easily get it close to the ground. RRS and Gitzo are maybe the best tripods, but Induro are quite good at about half the price.

ecurb1105

I never travel without my sidearms, keep your situational awareness and watch your six.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Your best friend will be your tripod for scapes. Summer storms can be very photogenic and very dangerous, so be aware of the weather and if a storm is predicted, stay out of washes and dry creek & river beds. Shoot RAW and don't worry so much about what you could have done. Everyone sees it differently. You can always bracket as a safeguard. Sounds like a great trip. Have fun.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

First of all, enjoy your trip! You will have many opportunities to take wonderful photographs. I don't know how much time you intend to spend at each location, but there is a lot to see around Moab, Utah. I spent 3 days there in 2012 and took tours of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, including a 4WD and a river cruise of Canyonlands and a hot-air balloon flight over Arches (do it!!!). If you are coming back through Durango, Colorado do take time for a train ride to Silverton. If you're using I-70 back through Denver, then make sure you check out Glenwood Canyon.

Regarding tripods: I don't carry one and don't really see why they should be considered essential. If one is going to set up and photograph the exact same shot over several hours to get the changing light--OK, a tripod would be handy. It can be helpful when making a panorama series, but I do all right without one. Your choice.

Riverrune

This summer could be both dusty and hazy from fires, early fires. We have the lowest snowpack in Colorado since 2002 and the models don't look encouraging.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

In Moab, UT if you want to visit some of the best arches you will have to hike. If your camera gear is moderately heavy your hikes will be very difficult since some distances are long and the altitude will be between 4,500 to 6,000 ft. The base of Arches National Park is about 4,500 ft. I suggest that you take your DSLR and up to two lenses only for Arches. In Seattle, WA Pikes Market is a great place to get some Street photography if this interests you. If Street photos are not your thing this market is a good place to get some close ups of this fish market items. Have fun!

woodworkerman Loc: PA to FL

I have taken pictures in all of the western parks. Taking shots of some of the standard views is expected. But take a chance if you can and also capture some unusual angles and when possible, try to include foreground and/or background elements that will give perspective or just make the image unique. Don't forget small things like flowers on a cactus or lizards, etc. I often look back at those pictures as some of my favorites. Sometimes we can try to take so many shots that we don't relax and when that happens (I know for me, at least) it can lead to pictures that are not well composed or exposed. Don't hesitate to meter, set the White balance you want, and don't be afraid of the Manual mode. Most of all, have fun.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

This is where a good Bridge camera will come in handy. Like the Canon SX60 or a Sony RX10iv.

PeterBergh

Just make sure you're legal wherever you go. Otherwise, you might land in very hot water.

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

Fine advise for photographers everywhere! +1👍

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

Yep, a decent "bridge" or even a compact "superzoom" camera is a great hiking companion. If I had to hike a long way, I'd rather carry a few spare batteries than a few lenses!