1 Day or so in Bryce where exactly to shoot

[HQP]

So I'm taking a trip down to Bryce Canyon will get there early afternoon on day one and leave late afternoon on day 2. Where are the few "can't miss" locations I must hit in such a short amount of time? There are certain spots named in this link but I value your input most.

http://www.utah.com/multimedia/bryce_photospots.htm

[argyle]

Bryce is basically a sunrise/early morning place, more so than sunset. The afternoons are not so good because you need the good light to bring out the colors and reliefs of the hoodoos...the hoodoos will generally appear "washed out". Sunsets can be hit or miss...if there's a storm in the area, the sunset shots can be pretty dramatic. On your first afternoon, I'd just explore the rim and look for some good vantage points, the get some sunset shots. Day 2 hit the sunrise shots, then spend some time on the trails.

There's a very easy trail along the rim that links Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. If you can get there for early morning, it'd be best to get the good morning light, then head down into the canyon on several various trails (Navajo trail, Queens Garden Trail). If you don't have a lot of time there, these would be your best vantage points and trails. If you're standing at the rim, Sunrise Point would be to your left, and Sunset Point to the right. You'll need to get to Sunrise Point before dawn...it fills up with shooters pretty quickly.

This shot was taken at sunrise at a point somewhat midway between Sunrise and Sunset Points (these two spots really fill up with shooters...sometimes the best spots are away from the maddening crowds).

http://northlake.smugmug.com/photos/300978289_KZDZm-XL.jpg

[HQP]

Thanks. This is exactly what I am looking for. I'm going next Sunday. Do you think the crowds will be so great this time of year?

[argyle]

If you're no too pressed for time, the drive out to Rainbow Point is also pretty good...lots of cutoffs with great vistas. Just gotta watch the time of day (washed out skies, etc).

Bryce Canyon Info and Map (http://www.nps.gov/brca/)

[Win]

I don't think you'll have crowds this time of year. Zion was very quiet yesterday and it was beautiful.

I liked Inspiration Pt at Sunset. I really need to get my butt out there for Sunrise!!

Win

[rdenney]

Do yourself a favor and hike down into the ampitheater. You can waste a whole day driving the 20-odd miles of the rim and hanging around the vistor's center, but there's much to be seen on one of those trails. Some of those trails would be an easy second morning for you.

I agree about the usefulness of morning light:
http://www.rickdenney.com/images/dawns_fire_lores.jpg

But there are opportunities in the late afternoon as well:
http://www.rickdenney.com/images/aquarius_rainbow_lores.jpg
http://www.rickdenney.com/images/pinnacle_in_last_light_lores.jpg

And even during the middle of the day (at least down in the canyon):
http://www.rickdenney.com/images/logs_trees_pinnacles_lores.jpg
http://www.rickdenney.com/images/canyon_tree_lores.jpg

Rick "who did all these on film some years ago, and who needs to go back" Denney

[sparker1]

Great thing about March is the opportunity to get snow on the rock. Downside is the road may not be open to all the overlooks.

[argyle]

I'm curious as to how the OP's trip went...post up some pictures and let's have a look. Here's one from a sunset shot at the rim (before final cropping):

http://northlake.smugmug.com/photos/496297372_cfgKr-XL.jpg