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Southwest Monsoon: Grand Canyon Country
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
Don't See The Dates You're Looking For?
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$700.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Flagstaff, AZ / Flagstaff, AZ
Length
7 Days/6 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Witness photogenic thunderstorms with sweeping rains, lightning, and swirling dust, creating stunning and dynamic photo opportunities.
- Explore iconic locations like Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell, capturing the breathtaking desert storms against magnificent backdrops.
- Discover the hidden gem of Antelope Canyon X, offering an intimate and serene experience without the crowds.
- Experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where over 525 million years of geological history are exposed, accompanied by the drama of thunderstorms during peak monsoon season.
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:
Each year, as the summer monsoon arrives, it breathes life back into the arid high desert and rocky canyons of northern Arizona. This seasonal phenomenon brings a dramatic shift, with photogenic thunderstorms sweeping across the region, casting localized sheets of rain, bursts of lightning, and echoing thunder.
Join Backcountry Journeys on an extraordinary seven-day lodge-based photography tour, specifically crafted to capture the essence of northern Arizona's Grand Canyon country during the summer monsoon. This immersive expedition is designed for landscape photography enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the most iconic and awe-inspiring locations at their electric and photogenic best.
As each day unfolds, towering cumulus clouds build and unleash their power, unleashing sweeping rains, gusts of wind, and swirling dust across the desert floor. The high bases of these storms create the perfect conditions for long, striking bolts of lightning, making them a dream come true for photographers seeking to capture nature's raw energy.
Our journey commences with a visit to the legendary Monument Valley, a place where buttes, mesas, and other unique rock formations adorn the landscape, creating a visual spectacle that lingers in the memory of every landscape photographer. This iconic location is a must-see, offering endless opportunities for stunning compositions.
The following two days will be spent exploring the enchanting surroundings of Page, Arizona. Here, we will witness the captivating beauty of Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, with dazzling desert storms and magnificent skies as our backdrop. We will also venture into Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known gem that mirrors the splendor of its famous counterpart but offers a more intimate and serene experience without the overwhelming crowds.
Continuing our journey, we travel on a scenic drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This majestic destination unveils over 525 million years of geological history through vibrant sedimentary rock layers, carved and exposed by the forces of erosion. Your experienced guide, deeply knowledgeable about the region's natural and cultural heritage, will ensure you gain a profound understanding of this awe-inspiring landscape. As we have timed our tour during the peak monsoon season, expect thunderstorms to punctuate our days, adding an extra layer of drama and beauty to this natural wonder, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Beyond the photographic adventures and camaraderie with fellow photographers, this journey promises to broaden your understanding of the region's rich natural and cultural history. You will return home with not only an extensive collection of exceptional images but also cherished memories that will endure for a lifetime.
Join Backcountry Journeys on an extraordinary seven-day lodge-based photography tour, specifically crafted to capture the essence of northern Arizona's Grand Canyon country during the summer monsoon. This immersive expedition is designed for landscape photography enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the most iconic and awe-inspiring locations at their electric and photogenic best.
As each day unfolds, towering cumulus clouds build and unleash their power, unleashing sweeping rains, gusts of wind, and swirling dust across the desert floor. The high bases of these storms create the perfect conditions for long, striking bolts of lightning, making them a dream come true for photographers seeking to capture nature's raw energy.
Our journey commences with a visit to the legendary Monument Valley, a place where buttes, mesas, and other unique rock formations adorn the landscape, creating a visual spectacle that lingers in the memory of every landscape photographer. This iconic location is a must-see, offering endless opportunities for stunning compositions.
The following two days will be spent exploring the enchanting surroundings of Page, Arizona. Here, we will witness the captivating beauty of Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, with dazzling desert storms and magnificent skies as our backdrop. We will also venture into Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known gem that mirrors the splendor of its famous counterpart but offers a more intimate and serene experience without the overwhelming crowds.
Continuing our journey, we travel on a scenic drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This majestic destination unveils over 525 million years of geological history through vibrant sedimentary rock layers, carved and exposed by the forces of erosion. Your experienced guide, deeply knowledgeable about the region's natural and cultural heritage, will ensure you gain a profound understanding of this awe-inspiring landscape. As we have timed our tour during the peak monsoon season, expect thunderstorms to punctuate our days, adding an extra layer of drama and beauty to this natural wonder, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Beyond the photographic adventures and camaraderie with fellow photographers, this journey promises to broaden your understanding of the region's rich natural and cultural history. You will return home with not only an extensive collection of exceptional images but also cherished memories that will endure for a lifetime.
What's Included
- 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
What's Not Included
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.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(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, where we’ll spend the next two nights of this trip.
We’ll check in to our comfy hotel and get prepared for an evening shoot from an exceptional viewpoint overlooking glassy, Lake Powell. This reservoir is world-famous for its massive and curious shoreline as well as its colorful sandstone rock formations.
We’ll be shooting from a location not well known to most visitors.
Day 4 (B,D)
Today we’ll head to Antelope Canyon X, a stunning slot canyon every bit as amazing as Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, without the overwhelming crowds of tourists. Here we’ll find a photographer-friendly slot canyon where we’ll fully emerge ourselves, and our cameras, in the magic of the towering glowing sandstone walls.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
This morning we will check out of our Page accommodations and head towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, catching a morning shot along the way. We’ll have a roughly two to three-hour drive, with sights and photo opportunities along the way, before checking in to our rustic cabins that sit just a stone’s throw from the Canyon’s rim!
The North Rim Lodge, built in 1936, is designated as a National Historic Landmark and offers a beautiful patio that is perched on the rim of the Canyon, perfect for viewing, relaxing, and/or photographing from. After a delicious dinner we’ll make a short drive to Cape Royal, which offers the widest panorama of any viewpoint at Grand Canyon.
After an amazing sunset shot, we’ll head back to our cozy cabins nestled in the cool higher elevation pines of the north side of the Grand Canyon.
Day 6 (B,D)
We’ll awake early again this morning to photograph a glorious sunrise at the canyon rim. Your guide will go over some of the intricacies of capturing desert sunrise shots, and then we’ll head in for a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. As weather can be unpredictable, we’ll want to remain a bit flexible on this afternoon, and throughout this trip as to what we’ll do and when so that we have to ability to head “wherever the action might be.” Our final evening shoot of the tour will take us back to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Day 7 (B)
On our final morning together, we’ll shoot sunrise from our lodge patio. After our last breakfast as a group, we’ll make the drive through the desert and back to Flagstaff, complete with amazing memories and many wonderful images of our time in Grand Canyon Country.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(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, where we’ll spend the next two nights of this trip.
We’ll check in to our comfy hotel and get prepared for an evening shoot from an exceptional viewpoint overlooking glassy, Lake Powell. This reservoir is world-famous for its massive and curious shoreline as well as its colorful sandstone rock formations.
We’ll be shooting from a location not well known to most visitors.
Day 4 (B,D)
Today we’ll head to Antelope Canyon X, a stunning slot canyon every bit as amazing as Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, without the overwhelming crowds of tourists. Here we’ll find a photographer-friendly slot canyon where we’ll fully emerge ourselves, and our cameras, in the magic of the towering glowing sandstone walls.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
This morning we will check out of our Page accommodations and head towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, catching a morning shot along the way. We’ll have a roughly two to three-hour drive, with sights and photo opportunities along the way, before checking in to our rustic cabins that sit just a stone’s throw from the Canyon’s rim!
The North Rim Lodge, built in 1936, is designated as a National Historic Landmark and offers a beautiful patio that is perched on the rim of the Canyon, perfect for viewing, relaxing, and/or photographing from. After a delicious dinner we’ll make a short drive to Cape Royal, which offers the widest panorama of any viewpoint at Grand Canyon.
After an amazing sunset shot, we’ll head back to our cozy cabins nestled in the cool higher elevation pines of the north side of the Grand Canyon.
Day 6 (B,D)
We’ll awake early again this morning to photograph a glorious sunrise at the canyon rim. Your guide will go over some of the intricacies of capturing desert sunrise shots, and then we’ll head in for a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. As weather can be unpredictable, we’ll want to remain a bit flexible on this afternoon, and throughout this trip as to what we’ll do and when so that we have to ability to head “wherever the action might be.” Our final evening shoot of the tour will take us back to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Day 7 (B)
On our final morning together, we’ll shoot sunrise from our lodge patio. After our last breakfast as a group, we’ll make the drive through the desert and back to Flagstaff, complete with amazing memories and many wonderful images of our time in Grand Canyon Country.
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.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
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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.
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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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 2024
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 2024