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Flagstaff, AZ / Flagstaff, AZ
7 Days/6 Nights
Level 1 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
Grand Canyon South Rim in Autumn: Photograph the dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas of the South Rim during autumn, where crisp golden light and subtle seasonal colors add depth and atmosphere to the canyon’s legendary landscape.
Iconic American Southwest Locations: Explore Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon X, and Glen Canyon, capturing breathtaking landscapes that provide a diverse range of photography opportunities.
Guided Photography Instruction: Learn from experienced photo guides with over 30 years of expertise in the Grand Canyon region, while also exploring off-the-beaten-path locations with local Navajo guides.
Rich Natural & Cultural History: Gain insights into the region’s history and culture, while connecting with fellow photographers and building a portfolio filled with unforgettable images from some of the most stunning landscapes in the American Southwest.
Join Backcountry Journeys for an extraordinary opportunity to explore and photograph the Grand Canyon’s South Rim during the vibrant autumn season—when cooler air, golden light, and subtle seasonal color changes create perfect conditions for landscape photography.
Our lodge-based photo workshop is expertly designed to immerse you in the heart of canyon country. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, with its expansive vistas, layered rock formations, and towering cliffs, offers some of the most iconic and accessible photographic viewpoints in the world. During fall, the crisp light and occasional bursts of color from Gambel oaks and cottonwoods add depth and contrast to the already dramatic scenery.
In addition to the Grand Canyon, our 7-day photography tour includes visits to other legendary locations in the American Southwest, such as Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon X, and Glen Canyon. These diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities to refine your skills and build a portfolio filled with striking images—from sculpted sandstone to sweeping canyon overlooks.
We begin our journey in Monument Valley, where sandstone buttes rise dramatically from the desert floor. With the help of local Navajo guides, we’ll access both iconic and lesser-known viewpoints—offering exclusive compositions and golden light. We then continue to Page, Arizona, where we’ll photograph Horseshoe Bend, explore the intricate curves of Antelope Canyon X, and capture reflections and moon-like landscapes around Lake Powell.
The highlight of the workshop is undoubtedly our time photographing the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. From classic locations like Mather Point, Desert View, and Lipan Point, to quieter corners along Hermit Road, you’ll experience golden hours, twilight glow, and perhaps even fleeting autumn color. While the South Rim lacks the dense aspen groves of the North, it more than makes up for it with unparalleled views, dramatic depth, and year-round photographic potential. Sunrise and sunset here offer the chance to capture shadow-play across endless layers of rock, while mid-day storms or passing clouds bring energy to sweeping panoramas.
With over 30 years of combined experience in and around the Grand Canyon, our professional photo guides will help you perfect your technique, read light, and bring out the best in your images—all while sharing insight into the canyon’s natural and cultural history.
Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio, grow your skills, or simply experience one of the planet’s most inspiring landscapes with like-minded creatives, this Grand Canyon photo workshop delivers an unforgettable fall adventure.
Book your spot today and capture the beauty of the American Southwest in all its autumn glory.
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All activities during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
Transportation to and from Flagstaff, Arizona
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We’ll make our way North and East to Monument Valley, located near the Arizona / Utah border and part of the Navajo Nation. Monument Valley has been seen in many movies and photographs, and really is one of the truly iconic places in the American Southwest. The magnificent landscape is dotted with eye-pleasing sandstone mesas, buttes and other curious rock features. Your guide will take you to the perfect location in order to capture the setting sun over this most famous of western landscapes.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We’ll make sure to capture Monument Valley again this morning before relocating a few hours down the road to Page, Arizona. We’ll check in to our comfy hotel and get prepared for an evening shoot at one of the great nearby locations, either Toadstools, badlands, or a jaw-dropping overlook of the Colorado River.
Day 4 (B,D)
After a possible sunrise session, we’ll visit Antelope Canyon X, a photographer’s dream with glowing sandstone walls and sinuous curves—all without the crowds of Upper or Lower Antelope. In the afternoon, we’ll head south towards Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, stopping for photos along the way. After checking into our lodge accommodations, we’ll photograph sunset from one of the canyon’s classic eastern overlooks, such as Desert View or Lipan Point, where the evening light and canyon depth create breathtaking compositions.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We’ll start the day with a sunrise shoot from a premier South Rim location—perhaps Mather Point or Yaki Point, depending on light and weather. After breakfast, we’ll have time for image review, editing tips, and photo discussion. That afternoon, we’ll explore additional viewpoints such as Grandview Point, Hopi Point, or Mohave Point, each offering panoramic views and ideal light for late-day photography. We’ll finish with sunset at one of these awe-inspiring overlooks.
Day 6 (B,D)
Another early start brings us to a high-elevation sunrise location like Yavapai Point, where we’ll capture the morning light as it spreads across the canyon walls. Your guide will share techniques for capturing depth, scale, and color in this complex scene. After breakfast, we’ll stay flexible for the afternoon—tracking light and weather to go where conditions are best. For our final sunset shoot, we’ll return to a favorite location to make the most of our last golden hour at the edge of the Grand Canyon.
Day 7 (B)
On our final morning together, we’ll enjoy one last sunrise session—perhaps from the Historic Village area or a quieter rimside perch. After breakfast, we’ll return to Flagstaff with memory cards full, new skills learned, and unforgettable moments from an autumn photo tour of the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.