Blue Canyon

I met up with fellow POTN member irishman last week to shoot Coal Mine Canyon and Blue Canyon. I got there a day early and happened upon Blue Canyon without irishman, thereby getting these shots. When irishman and I reached Blue Canyon the next day, a Hopi Ranger checked us for a permit. Since we had no permit, didn't even know one was required or where to get it, he tossed us off the reservation without further photography. It seems the Hopi are finally taking an interest in their beautiful canyons after years of apparently having no interest.

Never heard of anyone needing a permit.
Did you ask where to get one?

kkapple wrote in post #12385990
Never heard of anyone needing a permit.
Did you ask where to get one?

I forget (and can't spell) the village where Hopi affairs are managed. It is 50 miles south/east on Highway 264.

http://www.hopi-nsn.gov/Home/tabid/59/​Default.aspx

From their website...

I actually left a message with them about this so I will report back about it.
I get about 5 to 10 emails a week from people from my website wanting to know how to get to Blue Canyon.

Those are real nice Stan, really like the last 2 best. You sure are having a great trip!

kkapple wrote in post #12386133
http://www.hopi-nsn.gov/Home/tabid/59/​Default.aspx

From their website...

I actually left a message with them about this so I will report back about it.
I get about 5 to 10 emails a week from people from my website wanting to know how to get to Blue Canyon.

I assume their attention will also apply to Coal Mine Canyon, although we saw no sign of Hopi Rangers there last week. I personally have been reluctant to give out details of these canyons unless I knew the person was a serious photographer and likely to respect the canyons.

is that by Tuba City - those are great shots too bad you got ejected

You talking about Second Mesa??

Thanks, Bret & Marcy. Koala, the village is Kykotsmovi, and it is on or close to Second Mesa.

Coalmine is on the Navajo reservation and BLue is on the Hopi...

These are both on my photo safari itinerary, so it's good to know the contacts.

Nice shots, a bit harsh, but your lucky to have gotten out with the shots!

sundevilstormin wrote in post #12386941
Coalmine is on the Navajo reservation and BLue is on the Hopi...

These are both on my photo safari itinerary, so it's good to know the contacts.

Nice shots, a bit harsh, but your lucky to have gotten out with the shots!

At this time, the rim of Coalmine is on the Navajo Reservation, only by the picnic and camping area. Other roads at Coalmine that we traveled, and thanks again, Stan, are on the Hopi reservation. The day after we got kicked off, I went to Antelope Canyon and toured with Overland Tours. They are in the process of negotiating with the Hopi tribe to run Blue Canyon tours, but are not having any luck. You can get a Hopi guide at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn, at a cost of $65 per person for a half day trip. The tour operator at Overland expressed shock that we went to Coalmine and were unmolested by authorities, so I'm going to assume its under lock and key as well.
As of May 1st, the tours at Antelope have all been cut down by half an hour. The $32 regular tour is now just an hour, and the $50 photography tour that used to be 2 1/2 hours is just 2 hours. I was there on Saturday, and it was UNBELIEVABLY crowded---at least twice as much as my last trip in July two years ago. I've seen it for the last time Will spring for Canyon X next trip.

Stan---the tour operators at Antelope Canyon said permits for Blue Canyon will be hard to come by, and that photography will not be reason enough to be issued a permit. And so it goes . . .

Thanks for the update, Bruce. I wondered how hard it might be to get a permit, but didn't bother to stop as I drove by.

My big complaint is they don't warn you with signs out by the highway. That is a bad drive only to be thrown out.

sparker1
I was at Coalmine in the second week of April. I stayed in the picnic area and walked to the canyon edge. I had read about the Hopi Indians being a little aggressive in enforcing the permit situation so I tried not to cross onto their land. I saw no one else while I was there. All my photos were from the edge of the canyon right by the picnic area. Beautiful place I wish you didn't have to be concerned about being asked to leave. I have no problem with permit or paid access as long as it is well posted. Anyway I think we need to try to enjoy while we can.

sparker1 wrote in post #12386271
I assume their attention will also apply to Coal Mine Canyon, although we saw no sign of Hopi Rangers there last week. I personally have been reluctant to give out details of these canyons unless I knew the person was a serious photographer and likely to respect the canyons.

I do not post the info on my site out of the respect for the Hopi.
But will give it out if a photographer asks for help.

Based on the info I have about Blue canyon on my site, I make it pretty clear they are to respect the land and the people.
And that this should be a practice everywhere they go.

I've helped some plan their entire trip at times.
The times I have been out on reservation land, they were standoffish at first, but when I came and talked to them,
they were very friendly and surprised that I was eager to talk with them.

If the location is not on reservation land, I do give out directions to help other photographers find the spot. (always)

These are great Stan. I didn't know an permit was required. Anyways, you got some great captures.