Join Backcountry Journeys on an extraordinary photography workshop that will take you through some of California’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. We combined some of our most popular destinations where, over the course of seven unforgettable nights, you’ll have the chance to capture iconic national parks, the Eastern Sierras, dramatic desert vistas, ancient bristlecone trees, diverse geology, and even waterfalls—each location offering its own unique palette of colors and textures. This trip is timed with peak fall color in the Eastern Sierras, ensuring jaw-dropping scenery, and countless opportunities to perfect your skills.

Starting from Las Vegas, our journey begins with two nights in Death Valley, one of the most surreal and otherworldly landscapes in North America. From the sweeping salt flats of Badwater Basin to the towering sand dunes and multicolored hills, Death Valley offers endless opportunities to capture the vast beauty of the desert. As the sun rises and sets, the shifting light creates dramatic contrasts, perfect for both wide-angle and detailed shots.

Next, we head to the Bishop, CA for another two nights of exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada. Here we'll explore Alabama Hills where massive, rounded boulders and arches frame stunning views of Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. The soft, warm light at sunrise and sunset casts a golden glow across the rocky terrain, perfect for capturing the surreal beauty of this iconic spot.

As we continue to the Eastern Sierras, we'll explore this dramatic, rugged range known for their jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Running parallel to the Sierra Nevada, this area is filled with lush meadows to towering granite cliffs that change color with the shifting light. Every season brings something unique to the Eastern Sierras, but the vibrant autumn colors in the aspen groves and golden grasses add an extra layer of magic in the fall. The amount of locations here are endless and we'll choose the best depending on conditions.

Our adventure culminates with Yosemite National Park, where you’ll photograph some of the most majestic natural wonders in the world. Capture the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as the waterfalls of Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls. With its rich diversity of wildlife, meadows, and forests, Yosemite offers countless opportunities to create portfolio-worthy images at every turn. The beauty of this national treasure is enhanced by the crisp fall air, sometimes with snow-dusted peaks providing a perfect contrast to the valley floor.

This workshop is designed to help you unlock your creative potential while exploring some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American West. From the arid expanses of Death Valley to the towering peaks of Yosemite, every stop on this expertly-crafted journey will leave you inspired, refreshed, and with a collection of stunning images to show for it. Don’t miss this chance to join a small group of passionate photographers alongside our professional photo guide with whom you’ll be able to capture all the glory of an ultimate California photography adventure!