Thanks for posting. I'll be going out to Flagstaff in June with my family and friends and am looking forward to see your photos from your trip. I've already booked a photography tour of Antelope canyon and of course we'll hit Horseshoe bend, Grand Canyon, and other sights. So many close to Flagstaff! Thanks for the heads up on Sedona. If it's too much like what you described, we may head on past and head to the quirky town of Jerome and drink some of Maynard James Keenan's wines at Caduceus.
We booked through Dixie Ellis Lower Canyon Tours, which is on the property with the canyon. We lucked out and went when it wasn't very crowded. I had plenty of time for pictures and our guide was helpful with pointing out good spots. We just took the "regular" tour, which didn't allow tripods or monopods. I wouldn't have needed one anyway, because light levels were adequate. I was at ISO 1600-2000 for most of the tour and my shutter speed was 1/60-1/100 with f4-5.6 aperture. We paid $48/person, which seemed very reasonable. I'm not sure it is worth it to pay extra for the photography tour?
If Sedona is too crowded for you, I recommend going on to Cottonwood. It is much less crowded and has some nice spots to eat in the "Old Town" historic district. I didn't get the chance to visit Jerome, but perhaps it is similar to Cottonwood?
Horseshoe Bend was crowded but I didn't have any problem getting the classic shot. The area is fairly spread out and the people are constantly moving around on the adjacent rocks. I don't think you will have any problem getting to the best spot, but you may have to wait your turn to take the picture.
I've posted a few pics of my trip in the landscapes thread.
John
