Arizona in Winter--any suggestions?

[DrTebi]

Hello,

I have always been fascinated by the Arizona landscape, and would love to visit and photograph Arizona.

However, I am a bit clueless in where to go, especially in Winter. There are plenty of tourism sites out there, but since I am mostly interested in photography, I figured the RFF might be a good place to shoot out this question.

If you have any suggestions in where to go, which places are most rewarding for landscape photography etc., especially during this time (Winter), please let me know. I have about 5-7 days, so I will have to concentrate the trip in one region. I also love historical places (Ghost towns, junk yards, old bridges...).

Thanks in advance!

 

[rovnguy]

This really depends on how adventurous you are, how much experience you have in very arduous outdoor conditions, how tough is your vehicle and how well you you the place. You can email me off-line and I'll give you some of my 50 years of experience in this arena.

 

[filmfan]

Rent a 4x4 if you do not own one. Get in there and you will have good photos.

 

[raid]

I have more than once taken this circular drive.
It is very rewarding in many ways.

Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon North Rim
Marble Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Zion National Park
Cedar Breaks
Las Vegas

 

[DrTebi]

Thank you for your replies.

After a night of research, I realized that my best solution is to go straight to Vegas... well, not because of gambling, but because of airline fares and accomodation cost--it's at least 50% cheaper than flying into Arizona and staying at hotels and motels there.

I haven't booked yet, but I can get quite a good "package deal" that includes flight, hotel, and an SUV. It will by my girlfriend's first time in 'Vegas, so we will spend a couple of days there, and the other days will be direction Arizona and/or Death Valley.

That said... any tips on Las Vegas Photography? On a few recent tries, I haven't had much of luck with long term exposures... how do I calculate my shutter opening for the "B" setting???

 

[rovnguy]

For those unfamiliar with intense winters, Arizona can be daunting, if not outright dangerous. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed in the winter because of the extreme low temps and snow. Your best bet would be to go in the spring or fall and make personal contacts with people who actually live in the areas you'll want to see in the winter. Then plan your trip accordingly.

 

[wgerrard]

I'll second rovnguy on the snow. Snow falls are often heavy in the northern part of the state, and can be at elevation to the south. I'd certainly check the weather forecast before heading out in the north or in any mountainous terrain.

If you want to go in winter to avoid the summer heat, be aware that early spring and late fall can produce beautiful weather. Also, there is some truth to the "it's a dry heat" cliche. When the temp is 90F and the humidity is in the single digits, that's nice.

If you drive out into the desert or mountain boonies or go off road, be safe: It's easy to get lost and disoriented. Carry communications gear other than a cellphone. Carry enough water for 2-3 days. Carry sunscreen and something to cover your head and provide shade in an emergency. (Even in winter the sun is strong.) If you have an accident, call for help and stay put; don't go wandering around.

But, not to worry: Arizona is sufficiently beautiful that you can find plenty of photo opportunities without playing Indiana Jones and within range of good roads, good food, and a good bed.

 

[woodleica]

I did exactly like you're planning many years ago in Winter ( over the holidays when my job shut down for a week ). I rented a 4x4 from Vegas and drove into Utah and did a loop back into Az. I slept in the 4x4 and I remember it now being one of my most fond memories. I remember waking up in Monument valley and having the place to myself. You can also go to great places that are accessible only by 4x4 such as toroweap ( not far from border from las vegas as I recall ):
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/tuweep.htm

While you can't go wrong with the most popular parks ( such as Grand canyon or Bryce/Zion) - I highly recommend Canyon de Chelly in Az and canyonlands/arches in Utah as well as Monument Valley. Images of my journey are here.

http://www.pbase.com/vinaymala2000/southwest

 

[Paddy C]

At the end of March my wife and I are headed to Vegas for the first time and then to Arizona after a week long stint in Palm Springs.

It will be my first visit to Arizona so I've done the planning.

We'll be staying on the South Rim of the Canyon for a night and a day and visiting the archeological sites around Flagstaff and Sedona as well as trying to get in a short hike or two around Sedona.

Here's a map of state parks I used to help figure out where to go:

http://www.nps.gov/state/az/index.htm

I'm very excited to see sites like Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument.