Canyons of Utah: Zion and Bryce in Winter · 2020-04-07 · Discover the heart of canyon country...
Transcript of Canyons of Utah: Zion and Bryce in Winter · 2020-04-07 · Discover the heart of canyon country...
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 1
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Canyons of Utah: Zion and Bryce in Winter
“I have always been unsatisfied with life as most people live it. Always I
want to live more intensely and richly. why muck and conceal one's true
longings and loves, when by speaking of them one might find someone
to understand them, and by acting on them one might discover oneself?”
Everett Ruess
Pricing, Dates & Booking
For current pricing, trip dates
& online reservations please
see our website.
Trip Packets
Our PDF Trip Packets are being
updated all the time. Ensure you
have the most recent version by
clicking here.
Last Published: April 7, 2020
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 2
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Overview
Discover the heart of canyon country through your lens on this
photographic excursion into Zion and Bryce National Parks – during
winter! We’ll explore the delicate and colorful canyons of Zion National
Park as well as the ancient weather-worn hoodoo rock formations of
Bryce Canyon during the least crowded season. Winter is an absolutely
incredible time to visit these two iconic parks – no crowds, beautiful
canyons and colorful hoodoos covered in beautiful white snow make for
excellent landscape photography opportunities!
Explore Zion & Bryce during the quiet days of winter and experience
the beauty of these parks in solitude. Due to the soft low light of winter
and the abundance of snow in the high-country winter is one of the best
times to photograph Zion & Bryce canyons. Our guides have been
hiking & photographing in Southern Utah for well over a decade and we
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 3
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
have designed this itinerary to arrive at just the right moment for ideal
lighting conditions and photographic opportunities.
This landscape photography-oriented expedition will put you and your
lens in front of some of the most iconic and spectacular rock formations
that Southern Utah has to offer. We will photograph the mouth of the
Zion Narrows, Angel’s Landing and the Towers of the Virgin. We’ll also
photograph Bryce Canyon’s unique and otherworldly hoodoo formations.
After dinner we may venture out to capture brilliant, star-filled skies
above Bryce Canyon. After long days in the field, we’ll retreat to our
comfortable lodges near Zion Canyon and on the rim of Bryce!
Highlights • Zion & Bryce National Parks in Winter
• Least crowded season for both parks
• Photograph beautiful canyons & otherworldly hoodoos
• Stunning Scenery
• Small Groups
• Cozy lodges
• All-Inclusive Trip, including most meals
• Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 4
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Noteworthy Travel Logistics
• This trip begins & ends in Saint George, Utah.
• There is a pre-trip meeting on Day One at 5pm at the
Hilton Garden Inn in Saint George
1731 S Convention Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790
(435) 634-4100
Please note: Exact hotel is subject to change - equivalent hotel may be
substituted. If you are planning on arriving early or staying late please
contact us.
• You can either fly into Saint George or fly into Las Vegas which is
about a two-hour drive on good roads. There is a shuttle from the
Las Vegas Airport to Saint George. Visit www.stgshuttle.com for
more information.
• We should be back in Saint George no later than 1:00pm on the
last day of the trip.
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 5
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Transportation on Tour:
The Hilton Garden Inn has a complimentary airport shuttle, please call
them at (435)-634-4100. We will provide ground transportation for the
duration of the tour.
Pre & Post Trip Recommended Lodging
If you are arriving early or want to spend more time in St. George, we
recommend:
Hilton Garden Inn
1731 South Convention Center Drive, Saint George, Utah 84790
(435)-634-4100
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 6
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Itinerary Please note: This is a “standard” tour so there is little to no hiking on this trip Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day One (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in Saint George, Utah for an orientation and welcome dinner
by 5pm.
Day Two (B,L,D)
We’ll catch the sunrise this morning at an iconic spot within Zion
Canyon and then explore the mouth of the famous Zion Narrows for
the soft midday light that can be so perfect in canyon country during
winter months. We’ll photograph the winding canyons of the Virgin
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 7
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
River and spend the afternoon photographing this immense canyon
system.
Day Three (B,D)
This morning we will set out to explore locales such as Emerald Pools
and the Weeping Rock. In the afternoon we’ll focus on soft winter light
from some of our favorite vantage points within the park. Evenings
will be spent going over images and eating a fantastic dinner at one of
the great local restaurants in Springdale, Utah.
Day Four (B,L,D)
This morning we will photograph one of the most iconic spots in the
park. After our morning session we’ll eat lunch and drive to Bryce
canyon to check in to our evening’s accommodation. We’ll have a
sunset session tonight overlooking the rim of Bryce Canyon – aptly
named Sunset Point! Winter overlooking the Hoodoos of Bryce is
breathtaking! This evening we will work on some star / night sky
photography for those interested – keep in mind it is COLD this time
of year!
Day Five (B,D)
We’ll arise early again this morning as we head out on a short walk to
capture the rising sun over the Hoodoos and rock formations of Bryce
Canyon National Park. Your trip leader will go over some of the
intricacies of capturing desert sunrise shots and then we’ll head in for
a late breakfast at our lodge.
During the middle of the day when the light isn’t as good we’ll work
on some photographic techniques in Bryce canyon which features an
otherworldly collection of hoodoos and sandstone rock formations.
We’ll have another epic vantage point for an evening photography
session then it’s off to our cozy lodge.
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 8
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Day Six (B)
Our final morning of shooting will involve one of the most dramatic
locations in Southern Utah – Bryce Point. We’ll head out and capture
one of the most breath-taking sunrises before heading in for our last
breakfast as a group! We will return to Saint George by about 1 pm on
the last day for flights out.
Please Note: The exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography
trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on
these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for
the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a
variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national
park closures, road closures and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and
nature photography we do not guarantee any specific sightings or
specific compositions regarding wildlife or natural phenomena.
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 9
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Details
Physical Requirements
All participants must have the ability to walk short distances with their
camera equipment. For example, tripod, camera, lense(s), sunscreen,
water, and extra layers (if necessary). Typically backpacks weigh
between 15 and 20 lbs. But remember the choice is yours
Group Size
We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the
guide/instructor.
Accommodation
We will be staying in comfortable lodges near the parks
Trip length
6 days
Meeting Time and Place
5pm on Day One at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saint George, Utah.
Trip Conclusion
St. George, Utah at the Hilton Garden Inn at approximately 1 pm on
Day Six.
Price/Start Dates
Please see our website for current Canyons of Utah: Zion & Bryce in
Winter Pricing & Dates
Accommodations:
We will be staying in comfortable lodging near Zion and Bryce Canyon
National Parks.
Meals
Most meals are included during the trip dates and we typically eat at
park lodges in the evening as well as handpicked local restaurants. We
often eat snacks and prepare lunch on the trail. We typically return for
a late breakfast or eat breakfast on the road during photography trips
as we are often out early to capture the morning light.
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 10
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Weather
Expect cool days and chilly nights. The weather is generally very dry
and stable in Southern Utah however it can change on a moment’s
notice. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during
and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad
weather just poor layering and gear choices – please plan accordingly!
For more info on what to bring please email or call us. Make sure you
are prepared for rain!
General Links to weather conditions: Zion National Park Weather
Forecast and Bryce National Park Weather Forecast
We recommend checking these weather links prior to your trip
departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.
Price Includes
Most Meals, ground transportation, accommodation during the trip
dates, from the evening of day one through the morning of day six,
National Park entrance fees, professional photography instruction,
medically certified wilderness guide, & gratuities for service personnel
such as drivers, pilots, captains as well as hotel & restaurant staff.
Price Does Not Include
Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip
dates, souvenirs, and one meal on your own & trip leader gratuities
(industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your
experience).
Lodging & Meals
Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours & Workshops include most
meals, lodging from day 1 through the morning of the last day of the
tour, ground transportation while on the tour, National Park entrance
fees, guide fees and other items essential to a successful trip – meaning
that once your there all you will have to focus on is your photography.
We can accommodate most special diets so please let us know if you
have any dietary restrictions.
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 11
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Gear List
This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read
through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give us a call.
Your clothing should be a system of layers that you add and subtract
according to the weather and temperature. A good pair of good synthetic
“Smartwool” type socks under sturdy boots works well. Clothing should
be light-weight nylon pants (maybe base-layers), a polypro shirt and
either a sunhat or warm hat depending on the weather. As weather
conditions change add insulating and waterproof layers to your base
setup. Don’t bring any cotton clothing. Cotton is not a good insulator
and once it gets wet it takes forever to dry. Absolutely no jeans!
Photo & Field Gear
Recommended Camera Gear:
• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.)
• Medium telephoto zoom Lens (100–400mm zoom or equivalent)
• Wide-angle Lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom)
• Normal Lenses (ranging from approximately 35mm to 100mm)
• Sturdy but lightweight Tripod (must be able to carry this for
hikes)
• Memory Cards
• Batteries & Chargers
• Filters such as a circular polarizer and neutral density are a must.
• Lens cleaning pen & cloth
• Camera Day Pack (this should appropriately carry all your camera
& hiking gear and have a rain cover)
• Camera Rain Sleeve
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 12
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear:
• Back-Up Camera Body
• 1.4x tele converter
• Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed
• External Hard Drives
• Remote Shutter Trigger
• Camera’s Instruction Manual
• Monopod (for Zion Trails)
Suggested Field Gear & Clothing:
• Personal Field Clothing (think extra warm layers & waterproof)
• Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket
• Insulated Down Jacket, warm, packable coat with hood (My
favorite piece of gear during winter months!)
• “Softshell” Jacket lightly insulated windproof/breathable jacket for
layering and protection from wind
• Lightweight Waterproof Ski-Pants
• Lightweight gloves, light- to mid-weight fleece or wool gloves for
snowshoeing on warm days
• Insulated gloves, waterproof/breathable insulated gloves or mitts
• Balaclava or neck gaiter, midweight wool balaclava or neck gaiter
for windy and cold days
• Warm hat, thick wool Sherpa style winter hat lined with fleece
• Long Underwear (synthetic top & bottom)
• Hiking Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.)
• Sunglasses
• Insulated boots
• Casual wear, for your evenings indoors
• Waterproof/breathable jacket
• underwear
• Gaiters (optional, but recommended, depending on your ski pants) • Shooting Gloves
• Binoculars (optional) • Sunscreen
Backcountry Journeys – Canyons of Utah: Bryce & Zion 13
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com
• Knee pads (for low-angle shooting)
• Headlamp with spare batteries (there are short daylight hours
during the winter and lodging grounds in the park are not well lit)
• Personal toiletries & medications
• Money, for tipping your guide (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience), and for any
personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic
beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc.
Note on Packing for the tour:
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other
travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all
your camera gear on every hike or outing. Each evening you will be
briefed on which lenses, filters, etc. you will need to carry the following
day on the scheduled tour or hike.