USA Canyons

[michaelangelo]

Hoping there maybe some snow at Bryce.

I did the same trip (minus the Grand Canyon) in Jan/Feb this year and, although Zion had a light dusting, Bryce was the only place that was properly snowy.

The whole route is a photographer's dream, particularly Antelope Canyon. I was a bit disheartened when we arrived there and saw how many people they cram in (it's basically a continuous conveyor belt of tour groups) but it's actually really well run with strict timings, and the natural bends do a fairly good job of isolating you from the other groups. Best to book ahead though.

Here's a few of my favourite snaps.

 

[drron]

Snow falls are at record levels this year.here is the Grand canyon 29/11.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Snow falls are at record levels this year.here is the Grand canyon 29/11.
View attachment 199094

I've been in December previously. Whilst the snow makes things look spectacular, travelling is nightmarish.

 

[irv]

I did the same trip (minus the Grand Canyon) in Jan/Feb this year and, although Zion had a light dusting, Bryce was the only place that was properly snowy.

The whole route is a photographer's dream, particularly Antelope Canyon. I was a bit disheartened when we arrived there and saw how many people they cram in (it's basically a continuous conveyor belt of tour groups) but it's actually really well run with strict timings, and the natural bends do a fairly good job of isolating you from the other groups. Best to book ahead though.

Here's a few of my favourite snaps.

I did the same trip (minus the Grand Canyon) in Jan/Feb this year and, although Zion had a light dusting, Bryce was the only place that was properly snowy.

The whole route is a photographer's dream, particularly Antelope Canyon. I was a bit disheartened when we arrived there and saw how many people they cram in (it's basically a continuous conveyor belt of tour groups) but it's actually really well run with strict timings, and the natural bends do a fairly good job of isolating you from the other groups. Best to book ahead though.

Here's a few of my favourite snaps.

All of the above are on the agenda, I am booking to do the photography tour in Antelope also aiming to do Canyon X in the same canyon. Will be a few early mornings and after dark tours along the way.

 

[jastel]

The crowds at Horseshoe Bend last month amazed me...compared to previous visit 7 years ago.

 

[irv]

I am thinking, after some research, that I may not have to book ahead in mid March as a number of resorts are only emerging from winter. Any advice in this regard,

 

[Dr Ralph]

I am thinking, after some research, that I may not have to book ahead in mid March as a number of resorts are only emerging from winter. Any advice in this regard,

Given the potential weather impact I'd strongly suggest you avoid locking yourself in if at all possible. Flexibility is huge.

 

[me-h]

Sounds a great trip, I look forward to seeing photos you post. I did a road trip out that way over a few weeks in mid 2018, checked out Canyonlands and Arches while in Moab, then North Rim Grand Canyon, then through vegas and Death Valley NP and lastly Sequioa NP. I second what others have said about Arches, stunning place. Check out Canyonlands while you are in Moab too, some amazing views. I'm actually heading back in July and planning to spend a few days exploring Zion, might try to fit Bryce in too by the sound of comments here

 

[irv]

My rough agenda,
LA 1 night then on to Zion
Trip to Kanab and hope for the Wave rock visitor pass, then Grand Escalante
Next day either the Wave (if lucky) or Observation Point Zion Canyon (from the West Side due to the landslide)
Next Bryce Canyon, various walks in the canyon (depending on weather), astrophotography, Scenic Byway 12
Bryce to Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Astrophotography Scenic Byway 128
Moab to Page, Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley on the way
From Page, Secret Canyon and Horse Shoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge and Waterholes Canyon also tossing up Antelope Canyon
Page to LV, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Gold Butte National Monument, Redrock Canyon, Death Valley
Then LA for a few days and home
All spread over 21 days and no down time. May well be I can't do it all, but as I said rough agenda and starting to get excited.

 

[earlyriser]

You could drive through Capitol Reef as well. It's a big 21 days but sounds great. I did something similar in reverse and finished at Croshaw's Gourmet Pies in St George.

 

[DaleS]

Did LA-Tahoe-Nevada- Utah-Colorado-Arizona and back with a group of 15 mad driving enthusiasts. We took all the back roads in our hired Vettes, Mustangs, BMW's, Camaros etc and I won't mention how fast we went. Among the almost constant highlights was Utah State Route 95 through Capital Reef and then on to Moab. You will be travelling at a much more sedate pace and stopping often but I'm still jealous because I'd do it again in a second. We overnighted in Moab and a group of us decided to do sunrise in Arches NP so we met at the carpark at the Colorado River and piled into 2 cars to save money on entrance fees. But when we got to the park entrance at 7am there was nobody there so we just drove straight in and spent about 90 minutes in various areas taking in the amazing sights with almost no-one around. This was in late October so low season but the tips mentioned in earlier posts about not locking yourself in to inflexible reservations/bookings is valid. Plus as you're on your own you can operate on your own schedule and early starts or visiting late means you miss the crowds. Have a great time.

 

[bookworm]

I can’t wait for your trip report as hubby and I are planning similar in Sept/October. Though we are adding on Death Valley; Yosemite and SEKI at the end.
It might be a good option to purchase the Annual Parks Pass ( US $80?) at your first np , so that you can use it at all the national parks. Do your sums and decide if worthwhile.
I hope you have a wonderful trip; find it therapeutic and hope it eases your grief .

 

[irv]

I can’t wait for your trip report as hubby and I are planning similar in Sept/October. Though we are adding on Death Valley; Yosemite and SEKI at the end.
It might be a good option to purchase the Annual Parks Pass ( US $80?) at your first np , so that you can use it at all the national parks. Do your sums and decide if worthwhile.
I hope you have a wonderful trip; find it therapeutic and hope it eases your grief .

I have received my annual pass as it is definitely a money saver. Will do Death Valley and Red Rock Valley from my base in LV, much more interesting than a Casino.

 

[irv]

PQQ to Syd this afternoon, SYD to LAX tomorrow, let the trip begin.

 

[tgh]

Have a good trip , the canyons are fantastic , the trail to angels landing is one of my most spectacular day walks.

 

[irv]

Just waiting in the QP, dont think I have seen the terminal so empty.

 

[irv]

Flew into LAX this morning, arrived early and had to sit at the gate for 1/2 an hour. Usual LAX early morning scrum. Picked up the car and drove to Ontario CA, beat the LA traffic jam, road trip to Zion Canyon tomorrow.

 

[irv]

On Thursday I made a short trip from Zion Canyon to Kanab, destination White Pocket. I had considered the lottery for the wave, however was aware the odds are not high. As a fallback I booked a trip to White Pocket Arizona with Dreamland Tours, as I was a single traveller they needed to fit me in so when a couple of cancellations arose I was in. About a two hour 4 wd trip to get there, like being on another planet. Will let the photos do the talking

 

[irv]

Bloody Coronavirus all Antelope Canyon trips cancelled.

 

[irv]

Terrible internet connection at Bryce Canyon, but what a magic day. Plenty of snow in the Canyon made the view spectacular, will post once civilisation returns