2024 Travelers' Choice
Stay Up To Date On All Things
Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.About Backcountry Journeys
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography tour, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Travel Desk
You can review our various payment, and travel policies here, along with resources regarding international travel.Gift Certificates
Give the gift of photo adventure! We offer gift certificates that can be applied to any of our upcoming tours.Loyalty Program
We reward our frequent photo adventurers with exclusive discounts on amazing photography tours.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Night Skies of the Southwest
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
Don't See The Dates You're Looking For?
[Block//Start Date %M j%+0] - [Block//End Date %M j, Y%+0]
[Block//Web Spots Left]
Trip Leader(s)
[Block//Trip Leader #1]
[Block//Trip Leader #2]
Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$750.00
[Block//Online Availability]
Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
St. George, UT / St. George, UT
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
Explore some of the darkest skies on Earth in Utah and Arizona, where a diverse range of landscapes provides the perfect canvas for your night photography endeavors.
Craft stunning desert Milky Way photos by leveraging the unique orientation of the Milky Way and the magic of spring, when the galactic core casts its ethereal glow over awe-inspiring landscapes.
Receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors and enjoy ample one-on-one time to refine your photography skills and expand your creative vision.
Forge lasting connections with fellow photographers who share your passion, and return home with an exceptional portfolio that showcases the wonders you've captured under the mesmerizing night skies of the southwest.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Unlock the secrets of night sky photography and elevate your skills to new heights on our Night Skies of the Southwest photo workshop. If you're an aspiring landscape photographer yearning to capture the magic of the cosmos, this workshop is tailor-made for you.
Photograph the night skies of the enchanting southwest, where the act of pressing the shutter ignites a celestial spectacle on your camera's LCD. Night photography is a realm of boundless possibilities, and our workshop takes you to one of the premier locations in the United States for capturing the wonders of the night—the desert southwest.
Venture into the depths of Utah and Arizona, where you'll encounter not only the darkest skies on Earth but also a diverse array of landscapes that lend themselves beautifully to night photography. Our expertly crafted itinerary harnesses the unique orientation of the Milky Way and moon phases, enabling you to craft stunning desert Milky Way photos. During the spring, the galactic core graces the skies above breathtaking landscapes, presenting an excellent opportunity to capture its ethereal beauty.
Delve into one of the world's most breathtaking and iconic regions, where you'll receive personalized guidance and ample one-on-one time with your experienced instructor. Together, you'll refine your photography skills and expand your creative vision amidst the unparalleled beauty of the southwest. Forge lasting connections with fellow photographers who share your passion, and return home with an exceptional portfolio that showcases the wonders you've captured.
Join us today on a journey to witness the marvels of the Milky Way as it illuminates the landscapes of the southwest. Don't miss this chance to master the art of night sky photography in one of the world's most remarkable destinations.
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Transportation to and from St. George, Utah
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.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
We will meet at our hotel in St George, UT at 5 pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
After dinner, we will head out to the east side of Zion National Park to shoot the Milky Way. We have a few locations to choose from this evening, with all highlighting the incredible geology of Zion.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will use to the morning to recover before exploring more of the Zion Canyon. After lunch at a local favorite, we will explore Zion and prepare for a night of astrophotography in the park. This evening will include Milky Way and/or star trails photography and instruction.
Day 3 (B,D)
For our night sky shoot, we will travel to an amazing location on the Colorado Plateau - locations could include badlands, buttes, hoodoos, and more!
Day 4 (B,D)
We will sleep in on the morning of Day 4 and do some processing after breakfast. We will do some image review, but also cover essential astrophotography processing in Lightroom and Photoshop. That night, we will head out to Colorado Plateau again for some amazing night skies. We will go out late for the Milky Way or focus on star trails after enjoying a sunset. Either way, we will be photographing some of the darkest skies in the entire United States.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
It’s rinse and repeat for Day 5. We will get some rest, do processing if there’s time, or perhaps explore some landscapes around the Page area, depending on the light. Our night shot is another great desert locale. Many of the buttes and sandstone around this area feature vibrantly colored rocks and otherworldly structures, that’s our focus! If possible, we will experiment with low level lightning and shoot into sunrise of Day Six.
Day 6 (B)
The morning of Day 6 could feature numerous locations. We may travel back to Zion National Park or visit another location close to the Kanab/Lake Powell area. After breakfast, we will travel back to St George, UT and say our goodbyes after a great trip.
Please note that 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 landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
BUSINESS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
[Block//Review]
[Block//Trip Reviewer//First Name] - [Block//Date Of Review %n/j/Y%+0]
Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025