Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - Los Angeles, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, etc.

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

Need your guys help in putting together a travel plan.
My family and i wil be arriving in LA early Monday, Feb 20 and will be leaving from Las Vegas on Saturday Feb 25.
The only thing that is certain is that i need to be in Las Vegas the night of Feb 23. The rest is open.

What are your suggestion in terms of route?
I obviously want to see the Grand Canyon, maybe Zion, maybe Deat Valley....

I am all ears.....

triceratops · Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 7869 Location: The other Nevada

I assume you're driving from LA to Vegas. I don't believe you have enough time to see all that you'd like (21st, 22nd and part of the 23rd). It would take you all day on the 21st to get from LA to either the Grand Canyon or Zion. You might try LA to the Grand Canyon on the 21st. Then head to the north side of the canyon and take the road through Zion on the way to Vegas. Doesn't leave much time for shooting (or sightseeing for that matter) and I'm not sure how long the trip is (time wise) from the north rim through Zion to Vegas. I haven't personally taken that route before. Perhaps someone else can help out there.

Also watch the weather. That time of year could be stormy and snow would slow you down considerably (snowed here this morning).

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

we were there april/may last year. Lots of roads closed due to snow in Bryce, Yosemite but less tourists off season. Not sure of the snow in Zion. Great scenery. The USA is vastly underrated. It all takes time to see. We spent 21 days doing a loop around sites. So much to see. Check what is open. We wanted to do the North rim of the Grand Canyon and the roads were closed. Bryce needed snow plowing.

triceratops · Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 7869 Location: The other Nevada

Another thought. Drive to Vegas on the 21st. Then on the 22nd you should be able to get over to Zion, for one day, weather permitting. Then if you get back to Vegas the evening of the 22nd, you could head up to Death Valley on the 23rd and back to Vegas that evening. If weather or time constraints limit you, there are some nice areas around Vegas that are accessible ... Valley of Fire, etc. Without knowing the weather ahead of time, it's difficult to figure out an itinerary for so short a time (2-1/2 to 3 days).

If the Grand Canyon is a must see, go to Vegas on the 21st. Drive up to Williams, Arizona on the 22nd. The canyon is just north of there (south rim). Visit the canyon either late that day or the morning of the 23rd, then head back to Vegas.

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

Thanks Guys.

I hate the fact that I have so little time. Looking at the driving distances and considering the things I would like to see (at least those I know about...again open to suggestions), I have this tentative itinerary:

- Arrive LA Feb 20 am
- Drive to Grand Canyon (probably Flagstaff)
- Feb 21 Grand Canyon the whole day. Sleep in Flagstaff (or inside the park if there is availability )
- Feb 22 Grand Canyon (am). Afternoon drive to Zion. Sleep in Zion
- Feb 23 during day Zion, afternoon drive to Las Vegas.
- Sleep Feb 23 in LV
- Feb 24 early am drive to Death Valley. Spend day in Death Valley. Sleep in Death Valley.
- 25 am drive back to LV
- Plane leaves at noon

Am I crazy to cram all these things in such a short time? Is my family going to kill me?

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

copidosoma · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 3792 Location: Canada

Toroweap viewpoint is very worth seeing. The canyon is not as wide at this point which makes the depth even more impressive. The road in is a bit rough so a spare tire and/or AAA coverage is highly recommended (a tow to the nearest town is something like $2000). A high clearance vehicle is nice to have for the last few miles of the road (although I did it in a Hyundai accent to the amazement of the folks in the campground).

Benefits, you are way out in the middle of nowhere far away from the rest of the tourists, the views are spectacular, the campground is free.

Antelope canyon near Page Arizona is also worth a visit. Seriously touristy (even on a photography tour you feel a bit like cattle) but everywhere you point the camera is surreal.

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

you can stay right in the grand canyon at the grand canyon village. We had a room with WC but shared bathroom for about $80 per night. Advantage is you can walk over to the rim which is only about 100 metres. Helicopter ride from Tusayan is worth doing and you get a look at the north rim. Long drive to the canyon but ok if you are used to driving distances and start early.

I photographed some great dinosaur prints near Tuba city on the way to Zion.

http://www.shutterstock.com/g/markrhiggins#id=77263099

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

If you consider Antelope Canyon take the lower anyon and check what time the sun shines though (about midday)

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

If you are going to do all you say it will be very rushed. In Las Vegas if you are staying overnight consider Fremont street for a walk and try to get a show in. As I am an old bloke who grew up with the beatles we saw "Love" Circuque de Sol (spelling?) amongst others and would reccomend it.

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

if your plane leaves at noon I would rather stay at Santa Monica than near Death Valley. Normally you need to be there a bit before for check in. Santa Barbara you can check out Venice beach and the scenery from the jetty. Very nice. Towards sunset I saw a rainbow with dolphins flipping out of the water and seals there - incredible scene > my camera was back at the hotel room, very amusing for my wife.

markrhiggins · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Australia

The US dollar is low for us and everything seemed cheap but I think the helicopter it was about US$80 each

ajancso · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 1891 Location: Right Behind You