So, what's next for YOU? - National Park Vacations -

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tony J on June 30, 2009 at 7:06pm

bryce if you want some open spaces....zion if you don't mind the crowds and lines.

Permalink Reply by Jason Hernandez on June 25, 2009 at 1:26pm

Hi Cornelia,

Those are both great parks! Zion is one of my favorite and it's one I compare others to. Go to Both if you can! If you have to choose, think about what it is you want to experience: hiking, cool and unusual rock formations, etc. They both are great places to photograph.

Zion has GREAT hiking for all levels. I prefer to hike up, then hike down (like you do in Zion) vs. hiking down, then up (if that makes sense)! I recommend Observation Point Trail or Angel's Landing (if you are not afraid of heights!). Zion opens at 8:00, you are right. You'd most likely have to make this a 'camping' National Park Vacation to get a sunset shot, or stay at The Lodge. We stayed there one night, and I was able to get this shot of a some morning sunlight at Zion National Park (not really sunrise). If you get up earlier, go for it!

I spent less time in Bryce Canyon but really enjoyed it. If you have a short amount of time like we did, go for a horse/burrow ride down into the canyon! It takes less time and energy than hiking. Again, you'd probably have to campout for those early shots. Here's one of some of the Hoodoos of Bryce Canon National Park!

I hope that helps!

Jason

Permalink Reply by Dennis Behm on June 26, 2009 at 6:44am

My wife and I are looking forward to a three-week drive from Fort Worth, Texas, to Seattle, Washington, and back in July/August. We plan to stop at Hell's Canyon and Rainier on the outbound trip and Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton on the return. I consider myself primarily a wildflower photographer; can I expect to see wildflowers in late July and early August? Any tips on where I can find wildflowers will be appreciated!

Permalink Reply by Tony J on June 30, 2009 at 7:10pm

there might be some small ones up in yellowstone and teton...most are already gone by then though. for the tetons, you'll have to go do some hikes near jenny lake and for yellowstone, you'll just have to do a few of the hikes around the main attractions. They have quite a few that are beautiful...spring is the best time (Apr-Jun) for both places. lots of animals out also....you'll be able to get pretty close up with some.

Here's a few i took recently...http://www.flickr.com/photos/gh0st300/

Permalink Reply by Dennis Behm on August 5, 2009 at 5:16pm

Well, I have returned from my drive to Seattle and back. Didn't follow the route I had planned. Didn't get any good wildflower photos. Will upload the photos I took as I get time.

Permalink Reply by Keith Burnett on June 26, 2009 at 3:10pm

I'm heading to Utah too in the next couple months for Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Dinosaur. Otherwise, it's nearby Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and the neighboring areas.

I've started a new project, though, and am looking for people to help. I have uncovered legends of a hidden underground city in Death Valley NP from the 1930's. I have mapped out a search area and even enlisted the help of a pilot to canvas the mountains for the alleged entrances. That's what I'll be doing when it cools down if I can keep myself away during the heat this summer. A little too tempting though...

Permalink Reply by J. David Levy on August 5, 2009 at 6:28pm

My wife and I are going to be in the Tetons and Yellowstone the last week of September. Have been there several times and this is my favorite time of year - retiriee's month in the Parks.

Last year we were at Kings Canyon and Sequoia and this past spring we were in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.

I recently posted a slide show of many of these places. If you are interested, the link is:

http://files.me.com/jdavidlevy/9b2tpa.mov

Permalink Reply by Jack McCallum on March 27, 2010 at 12:32pm

I'm planning a long road trip in July... hitting Olympics NP, Redwoods NP, Grand Canyon NP, Zion NP, Arches NP, and Yellowstone NP. I've never done a road trip of this length of time or distance, but I'm certain there will not be a shortage of beauty to witness and capture (hopefully!).

Permalink Reply by Wayne Allen on May 25, 2010 at 6:13pm

Greetings All,

In a few weeks I'm heading north through Lake Tahoe, Lassen NP, Redwood NP then back south through Humboldt Redwood NP and Big Sur. Any suggestions for places I shouldn't miss along the way would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Wayne

Permalink Reply by Jason Hernandez on May 28, 2010 at 9:49pm

Hi Wayne!

Thanks for joining the group. To be honest, I haven't spent much time up in that area. I know Lassen is one we definitely want to do. I hope you share your pics when you get back! Let us know how it was.

Jason

Permalink Reply by Jason Hernandez on May 28, 2010 at 9:51pm

Excited: we just booked 5 nights at Yosemite. I've only been there once to hike Half Dome and spent a day and a half. I'm stoked to get back and spend more time, especially with my SLR. I only had a 3.2 MP Canon the last time we went! I'll be sure to post my pics!

Jason