Grand Canyon - where to go?

[drandy1]

I will be visiting Las Vegas in mid-May and intend to drive from there to the Grand Canyon. For those locals to this area I need advice on the best places to visit for photographic opportunities. Reading the guidebooks is not always as helpful as hearing from folks who have already been there. Sounds like the South Rim has more viewing points but is also much much busier with crowds, etc. Should I consider the North Rim area instead even with reduced photo opps? Where would be a good base for 3-4 days? I appreciate any guidance and examples of photos taken at certain sites. Not sure if this is the best place to post this question..........

Thanks

[ltdedorc]

I prefer the north Rim myself. While it may have less shots, they are more spectacular IMO. Depending on whether you decide to go to the North or South Rim, there's the red cliffs and Snow Canyon west of St. George Utah, Zion Nat'l Park in Utah + some colorful sand dunes on the way. And Hoover Dam, Sedona, Montezuma's Castle and Walnut Canyon Indian ruins, as well as Grand Canyon caves towards the south side.

Great country to take pics. Have a great trip...Harvey

[gramps]

A good place to stay for 3 - 4 days would be Kanab, Utah. It is close to the north rim, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome (sp?) park, Cedar Breaks...........the list keeps going.

[cbass]

Yeah, I have to agree with what's been said already. If you want to go somewhere for a little bit more rare pics, check out the area around Toroweap. It is one of the last (if not only) places on the Grand Canyon where you do not have to pay. I guess they figure nobody would drive the 60 miles on dirt road just to pay to see it if they did charge. IMO, it's the most beautiful place on the canyon.

Be careful if you drive out there though. If you have to get there at night, stop as soon as you see the picnic table, otherwise you'll drive right off the edge and not even know it.

To get to Toroweap, you have to go to Colorado City (polygamist town, which is interesting in and of itself...) From Colorado City, you head straight South and it'll turn to dirt road after a little while, then it's about another 50-60 miles. You can go over Mt. Trumbull, but it's usually impassable in winter and some of spring, it's better to take the long way around unless you want an off-road adventure too :)

Here's a great website of what Toroweap looks like.
http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np.grand-canyon.5.html

and another

http://www.kaibab.org/tr972/gc_tweap.htm

[nat869]

Also Consider Red Rock Canyon, it is about a half hour from the Vegas Strip. It is a cool place with some great rock formations. I did a pretty fun photo shoot there a couple months ago.

[sparker1]

I like both rims, but have never spent more than one day touring either. On the other hand, I've spent weeks at a time in southern Utah and still haven't seen it all. North rim is pretty high altitude, don't know if there may still be snow in May, or even when it opens for the season. All the places mentioned are good prospects, but you might also consider spending part of your time around Flagstaff and Sedona. Plenty of beautiful scenery in that part of the country.

Shots from all these places can be seen in my gallery.

[cbass]

Yeah, you really can't go wrong with Sedona. I spent my honeymoon there for a week as well as countless other vacations there and it is just as breathtaking every time. Flagstaff is gorgeous also, the ponderosa pines are unlike anything. And if you're going to be in the Flagstaff area, be sure to head over to the Mogollon Rim near Heber, AZ. It's amazing too.

As has been alluded to already, (and this is only my opinion) Northern Arizona and Southern Utah are some of the most majestic places as far as landscape is concerned.

sparker, You definately have some gorgeous shots on your website, keep up the good work!

[johnleveritt]

I will be visiting Las Vegas in mid-May and intend to drive from there to the Grand Canyon. For those locals to this area I need advice on the best places to visit for photographic opportunities. Reading the guidebooks is not always as helpful as hearing from folks who have already been there. Sounds like the South Rim has more viewing points but is also much much busier with crowds, etc. Should I consider the North Rim area instead even with reduced photo opps? Where would be a good base for 3-4 days? I appreciate any guidance and examples of photos taken at certain sites. Not sure if this is the best place to post this question..........

Thanks

Also, while in and around Las Vegas check out Mt. Charleston, Valley of Fire, Arizona Strip (Virgin River Gorge between Nevada and Utah), Lake Meade, Hoover Dam, Ryolite ghost town (outside of Beatty Nevada). All a days drive round trip or closer from Las Vegas.

[sparker1]

Thanks, cbass, for the compliment and the tip on Toroweap. I may have to consider that for the future.

drandy1, I'm sure we've given you more than you can do in several vacations. Good luck choosing what to do for 3-4 days. LOL

[drandy1]

Thanks to everyone for your contributions. I have more than enough to think about and a very high standard of photography to aim for based on your wonderful galleries. I guess I will have to think about several return trips with all this wonderful scenery to take in.

Once again thanks to everyone!

[cactusclay]

The area around Page Arizona is pretty cool as well. Paria River Canyon and Plateau, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Marble Canyon and it's close to the same distance to both North and South Rims.