Trip to Four Corners area - where to go?

[abiggs]

I will be heading out in 2 weeks for a week-long photo excursion in northern Arizona and southern Utah. Here are the places I had in mind to photograph with my 4x5:

 

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Slot Canyons near lake Powell

Momument Valley (definitely a few shots of the mittens)

Arches National Park

Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park ??

Calf Creek Falls in Gran Staircase-Escalante

Cathedral Valley

 

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Any other places that I have left out? I have intentionally left out the Grand Canyon, as I was there last year.

 

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I those locations, what are the 'gotta see' places? I am not asking for your private shooting spots, just general locations that I cannot miss.

 

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I will be leaving from northern California, and might also pass through Death Valley, as well.

 

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Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this one. I am recent high-tech casualty, and I am going to take advantage of my time off until I start my new job at the end of May.

[todd_caudle1]

Personally, I think that's an awful lot to pack into one week. Why

not pick a few and do 'em right? I'd probably be tempted to skip

Zion, as they're now running a shuttle up the main canyon, which does

not really allow freedom of movement at prime times for photogs. If

you have 4WD, you might consider the White Rim Trail for a few days

in Canyonlands, although you might not find any available campsites

left this close to your departure. A couple of days in Arches would

be sweet, as would a trip to some slightly less-visited places like

Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges Natl. Monument and Muley Point

overlooking the Goosenecks of the San Juan River, all three in close

proximity to each other AND Monument Valley.

[andreas_carl]

Just look for Kodak's friendly "photogenic spot" signs and plant your

tripod nearby. Just kidding ;-)

[roberto_manderioli]

Andy, I would also add Canyon de Chelly, besides Valley of the Gods

and the Goosenecks of the San Juan river and of course Monument

Valley.

About Upper Antelope: I wouldn't go with a 4x5, not enough space in

the canyon and light changing far too fast to set up a view camera.

Have fun

Roberto

[jack_guckian1]

Andy, I definitely agree with Todd, slow down and enjoy a few

places...I just returned last week from Monument Valley and spent 3

days there...If this is your first trip to the southwest, take your

time and come back a second and third time, I live here and there's a

lot to take-in....while in Page, definitely get to Horseshoe Butte,

about 2 miles south of Page and on the west side of the road, it's a

mile hike to the edge but worth the effort...also, avoid Upper

Antelope Canyon and go across the road to Lower Antelope, you could

easily spend a few hours in this slot....it's about 2 hours drive

from Page to Monument Valley, another hour+ to Canyon de Chelly,

Goosenecks are in the vicinity of Monument Valley...frankly, just

Page to Canyon de Chelly to Monument Valley could take-in a week,

especially with a 4x5, afterall these are not highway overlooks and

you don't have a point-and-shoot....enjoy your trip, Jack

[james___]

Are you shooting color or B&W? I'd choose Zion over the Page area. You

can shoot in Zion for a couple of days and still not get below the

surface. There are miles and miles of beautiful canyons up on the top.

Antelope? I've shot tons of film there with a view camera and still

prefer a 35mm or 2 1/4. Unless you are heavily into filters and know

what the effects of under or over exposure does to colors on Trans

films this is not the time of year for exquisite color in the slots.

Bryce is a really good place right now with morning light. The north

rim of Grand Canyon was still closed last week. I went and shot a

bunch of pictographs and small ruin sites last week and the water was

high in some of the canyons. Take a guided tour of some of the Canyon

de Chelly ruins. There are some nice images to be had there. Arches is

fantastic right now too along with the cedar gnats. Late afternoon the

light is really nice at Delicate Arch. Potash road offers some really

nice views too. Have fun. James

[neil_poulsen1]

I would ask if you've visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, or

the South Rim? If the South Rim, then you can't miss the North Rim.

 

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Whereas the South Rim is panoramic and spread out in the distance,

geological features of the North Rim loom up there right in front of

you. It's absolutely breathtaking.

[qtluong]

There is so much potential there. To optimize your time,

get some good information, like Laurent Martres' Land of the

Canyons (phototripusa.com), back issues of Hitchman's newletter

(photographamerica.com), and guides from phototravel.com.

Also, if it's a one week trip, do not drive from Northern California,

but instead fly to Vegas or SLC. Death Valley is too hot at this

time of the year.

[abiggs]

Thanks for all of your answers. I have decided to go to the slot

canyons near Page, Monument Valley, and Canyonlands. I should be gone

about 9 or 10 days. Will be a blast.

 

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Since I am new to the large format community, what would be some

appropriate focal lengths for my new Canham DLC 4x5? I picked up a

Rodenstock Apo - Sironar S 210 f5.6 to start off with. Now that I

have grasped the 'basics', I am looking into 90mm, 150mm, and 300mm

focal lengths. I will probably rent a few in the coming week to see

what I should get.

 

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In other words, what would be a good focal length to photograph the

Mittens in Monument Valley? Slot Canyons? I have an opportunity to

pick up the Nikon SW 90 f8 from a friend for a great price. I hate to

purchase lenses specifically for a trip, but I know the subject

matter won't change much over time.

[jeanne_flowers]

If you plan to visit Antelope Canyon, be sure to obtain a permit

first. The Canyon is inside the Navaho Reservation, and a permit was

required when I visited. It may not be now, but you should check. At

that time a permit could be obtained at the local chapter house in

Page or from an agency (sorry can't remember which one) in Window

Rock. I tell you this because I had a bad experience there when a

guide who took me in left me alone for a short while. I was accosted

and asked for my permit--also told that my camera could (and

presumably would) be confiscated. I got out fast! Bring the widest

angle lens you have for this canyon and be prepared for long exposures.

[audidudi]

With regard to Antelope Canyons, skip the guides and just drive there

yourself. The people who take your money will charge you an extra $5

for the Navajo Reservation permit and handle it right at the sites.

 

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I would also recommend Lower Antelope over Upper Antelope. The scale

is smaller and more intimate and IMO, the light and shapes are _much_

more appealing than in Upper Antelope. I also don't like the idea of

having to pay an extra $5 for each hour beyond the first that I spend

in Upper Antelope especially since the fee for Lower Antelope is good

for as long as you want to stay (typically 3-4 hours, in my case).

[jack_guckian1]

Andy, a 210mm on 4x5 will work great in lower Antelope, avoid upper

Antelope and a 90mm...wide angle is fine initially but you'll find a

210-300mm is the way to go as you spend more time there and find more

subtle details to photograph...become very familiar with the

reciprocity characteristics of your film,as the exposures are very

long and most important be aware of the weather conditions, if it

rains get out or you'll quickly understand what flash-flooding is all

about...if you go for Horseshoe Butte, 75mm for the entire bend of

the Colorado river is necessary....you'll be fine in Monument Valley,

just take the loop road and if you get turned-on by the area, hire a

guide the next day for more intimate areas, their well versed with

photographers needs....most of all, slow down and take-in the

landscape, have fun, Jack