Southern Utah National Parks: what would you take?
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,959
To clarify the "you need a tour guide", which often confuses people. You do need a tour guide, only for Upper Antelope, but the Indian tribe that manages the location runs them from where you park.
I showed up mid-morning, signed up for the photography tour when the sun rays would be entering the upper canyon (somewhere around 1 or 2 pm - they'll know) and then did the self-tour of the lower canyon for a couple of hours. I walked back over to the parking lot 10 minutes before my slot and hopped on the transport out to Upper.
There are plenty of external tours, at much higher prices - the explanation sometimes makes is seem that you need that.
(unless something has changed in the last several years).
I'd also suggest at least putting your name in for the lottery at The Wave. Only 10 permits a day, with hundreds of applications, but if you get lucky, as I did, it's one of those things a photographer has to do.
I showed up mid-morning, signed up for the photography tour when the sun rays would be entering the upper canyon (somewhere around 1 or 2 pm - they'll know) and then did the self-tour of the lower canyon for a couple of hours. I walked back over to the parking lot 10 minutes before my slot and hopped on the transport out to Upper.
There are plenty of external tours, at much higher prices - the explanation sometimes makes is seem that you need that.
(unless something has changed in the last several years).
I'd also suggest at least putting your name in for the lottery at The Wave. Only 10 permits a day, with hundreds of applications, but if you get lucky, as I did, it's one of those things a photographer has to do.
#17
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 1
To clarify the "you need a tour guide", which often confuses people. You do need a tour guide, only for Upper Antelope, but the Indian tribe that manages the location runs them from where you park.
I showed up mid-morning, signed up for the photography tour when the sun rays would be entering the upper canyon (somewhere around 1 or 2 pm - they'll know) and then did the self-tour of the lower canyon for a couple of hours. I walked back over to the parking lot 10 minutes before my slot and hopped on the transport out to Upper.
There are plenty of external tours, at much higher prices - the explanation sometimes makes is seem that you need that.
(unless something has changed in the last several years).
I'd also suggest at least putting your name in for the lottery at The Wave. Only 10 permits a day, with hundreds of applications, but if you get lucky, as I did, it's one of those things a photographer has to do.
I showed up mid-morning, signed up for the photography tour when the sun rays would be entering the upper canyon (somewhere around 1 or 2 pm - they'll know) and then did the self-tour of the lower canyon for a couple of hours. I walked back over to the parking lot 10 minutes before my slot and hopped on the transport out to Upper.
There are plenty of external tours, at much higher prices - the explanation sometimes makes is seem that you need that.
(unless something has changed in the last several years).
I'd also suggest at least putting your name in for the lottery at The Wave. Only 10 permits a day, with hundreds of applications, but if you get lucky, as I did, it's one of those things a photographer has to do.
I went to the lower canyon last year and they have implemented the need for a guide for the lower canyon as well. The lower canyon isn't as crowded at the upper canyon, so if you don't like huge crowds, the lower canyon is a better option. Shop around at the guide booths as they can vary greatly in price and features.
#18
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 148
I've been to Bryce Canyon 4 times over last 4 years and was there for many sunrise / sunsets. My favorite viewpoint to do Sunrise is Bryce Point. You can also shoot sunrise from Inspiration Point but its a lot harder to reach the top as compared walking from the parking lot to Bryce Point.
#19
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: BWI
Programs: UA 1MM & 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 255
But it is lightweight and super compact which is why I got it. So if weight and size matter, it could be a good choice but if not you may want something more sturdy.