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Trip Report: Canyons of Utah: Zion & Bryce – April 2022
Published June 13, 2022
I last visited Zion and Bryce Canyon in the fall, and although beautiful, I had always wanted to visit these parks in spring as the colors begin to revive. Leading two of our workshops (one non-hiking and one hiking-specific) this past April provided me the perfect opportunity to do just that. The transitional season from spring to summer is wonderful, providing moderate temperatures and budding trees and plants. Each trip provided ample opportunities for great compositions, light, and atmosphere (we lucked out!).
The itinerary for these workshops was part standard and part adventure. It involved visiting many of the popular park locales along with journeying off the beaten path. Day one is always an early mission, leaving from St. George to capture first light in the park, and both groups made the early journey eagerly. During the initial morning with my first group (non-hiker) we made images of the Towers of the Virgin near the Natural History Museum. For this first shot, the hiking-specific group photographed from Canyon Overlook, another iconic sunrise location within Zion. Each location is beautiful and lends itself to wonderful compositions! The first session also provides an initial opportunity to get back into the rhythm of shooting; guests from both groups had no problem adjusting to our new schedule. On both mornings our groups shot for nearly an hour past sunrise, taking advantage of the soft light and pastel color palettes. These had been great mornings to start each trip.
During the afternoon of our first day on the standard (non-hiker) trip, our group explored the area near the Temple of Sinawava. We walked to the beginning of the Narrows, then followed the Virgin River back to where we had started. This is a favorite area of mine, generally shaded and offering views of beautiful trees, the river, and at times, wildlife.
We were lucky, as at one point a group of deer crossed the middle of the river, silhouetted against the darker walls of the canyon. We watched as they delicately picked their way across the river and made a few images before they disappeared back into the brush.
For the first sunset, each group photographed at different park locations. For the standard trip, we photographed the Watchman from the Virgin River, and for the hiker trip, we photographed at a point on the east side of the park.
The second day of the standard trip started at a beautiful pullout that overlooked the main road that runs through the park (similar view as Canyon Overlook). After, we made a quick stop back in town for breakfast and coffee before heading back into the field. Per the hiking trip, day two consisted of an early morning session, breakfast, and then a hike up to Scout’s Lookout. For both the late afternoon and sunset, both groups spent time in Kolob Canyon on the west side of Zion National park. Not only was this part of the park quieter, but it also provided incredible views of large, towering sandstone rock formations that many who visit don’t see!
The third day of this workshop is always a transition day (moving from Zion NP to Bryce Canyon NP). The itinerary for each group during this day was similar. Get up, photograph the sunrise, eat breakfast, and then pack the van and begin the respective drive to Bryce Canyon. Specific to the hiking trip, we made a stop to hike deeper into one of the slot canyons within the park. It was involved and included both steep hiking and scrambling over rock!
During the morning of the last full day, each group made images of and around Thor’s Hammer (maybe the most iconic feature within the park). In the afternoon, the group on the non-hiking trip walked around the rim, while the hiker-specific group walked into and through the canyon proper. Both trips enjoyed dinner at I.D.K. Barbecue–voted best BBQ in Utah–before photographing the sunset at Inspiration Point.
The second day of the standard trip started at a beautiful pullout that overlooked the main road that runs through the park (similar view as Canyon Overlook). After, we made a quick stop back in town for breakfast and coffee before heading back into the field. Per the hiking trip, day two consisted of an early morning session, breakfast, and then a hike up to Scout’s Lookout. For both the late afternoon and sunset, both groups spent time in Kolob Canyon on the west side of Zion National park. Not only was this part of the park quieter, but it also provided incredible views of large, towering sandstone rock formations that many who visit don’t see!
The third day of this workshop is always a transition day (moving from Zion NP to Bryce Canyon NP). The itinerary for each group during this day was similar. Get up, photograph the sunrise, eat breakfast, and then pack the van and begin the respective drive to Bryce Canyon. Specific to the hiking trip, we made a stop to hike deeper into one of the slot canyons within the park. It was involved and included both steep hiking and scrambling over rock!
During the morning of the last full day, each group made images of and around Thor’s Hammer (maybe the most iconic feature within the park). In the afternoon, the group on the non-hiking trip walked around the rim, while the hiker-specific group walked into and through the canyon proper. Both trips enjoyed dinner at I.D.K. Barbecue–voted best BBQ in Utah–before photographing the sunset at Inspiration Point.
The last morning the groups spent time at Sunrise Point (standard) and Bryce Point (hiker). I can attest that each group had incredible light at their respective locations! It was a fantastic way to end each workshop.
Both drives back from Bryce Canyon City to St. George were filled with the exchange of favorite workshop memories and images made, and future trip itineraries. Each trip was unique and engaging in its own way and had its fair share of great photo conditions.
It’s safe to say each was a success, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to explore these landscapes with future groups.
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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"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
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.