2nd Annual Red Rock GTG Apr. 25 - 30

01/03/2007 11:09:44 AM · #26

Originally posted by LoudDog:

If I'm still living in AZ then, I'll be there.

Note, for Antellope canyon there is no need to arrange with a tour company. Just drive up to the canyon and pay the Navajo directly. Then you are not limitied to how much time you can be in there.

Other places to hit:
Toadstools
Horseshoe bend
Paria Movie Set
Rainbow Bridge is amazing but takes a long boat ride to get to.

Thanks, LoudDog
I keep getting mixed reports about the need for a guide in Antelope Canyon. It seems it changes from year to year? Perhaps I'll have to contact the Navajo reps to get the latest info.

Can you get us more info on the Toadstools, Horseshoe Bend, and the Movie Set. They sound like great shooting spots.

Becky

01/04/2007 12:17:11 PM · #27

The most official info on Antelope Canyon should be on the Navajo National Park Website, which is updated as of 10/06 and indicates that a guide is required and gives the contact info for the guide group that have been authorized for use.

LoudDog, this info is different than the info you had. Do you think the requirements have changed since you went? Or?

It is clear there is a photography time limit for the Upper and Lower Canyons. (2 & 4 hours respectively)

I'll put in a call or two and confirm the information.
Becky

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 12:23:45.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/04/2007 01:18:10 PM · #28

So far, the Holiday Inn Express has received the most votes, so I'm doing some additional negotiation. The rates may be a bit better. I'll get thte info back tomorrow or Monday and update you then.

Becky

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/04/2007 01:34:33 PM · #29

Everything I ever read said you need a guide, but I have always driven right up to the gate and gone in. I think the guide is suggested because they don't always man the gate? The Navajo have always been there when I've gone though. I just pay them, tell them I've been in there before and they let me stay as long as I want. Note that lower antelope is smaller but easier to access and much less crowded. Upper can become a zoo of photographers and tourists!

Horseshoe bend is on hwy 89 a couple miles south of page. there is a brown sign tagging it. I can probably get the mile marker if you'd like. It's about a 3/4 mile hike to get there from the parking lot, uphill both ways (no kidding). Go at dusk or dawn and bring a tripod, or on a overcast day. Otherwise you get shadows! Also, the wider the better as my crummy attempt was 36mm (i think) and not nearly wide enough.

Toadstools is a hidden unadvertised place I actually found while just wandering around. If I don't go I'll PM you directions on condition you don't post them anywhere! the place isn't too popular now and I'd rather not see it become a tourist destination with a paved walkway.

Paria Movie set is about an hour west of Page on 89. Tagged by a brown sign again (I think it just says paria). it's about a 5 mile easily passable dirt road to get there (with some great photo ops along the way). The original movie set was destroyed by a flood but they re-built it as it was. Go a little beyond the movie set and the old paria cemetary is still there. Go beyond that into the canyon and if you are good you'll find the ruins of the original town of paria.

If you have a vehicle that can take dirt roads, the road along the Cockscomb (where Wirepass is) and Cottonwood Canyon road are both filled with numerous photo ops.

Note: when I'm up there I'm usually very busy hiking so I don't have a lot of great photos of these places.

01/04/2007 07:25:32 PM · #30

Originally posted by rjkstesch:

My further negotiation turned up "Sold Out." I'll work on another place.

Becky

jrtodd

Nikon D850

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/04/2007 07:31:23 PM · #31

Originally posted by LoudDog:

I think someone burned down all the buildings....

skylercall

Canon EOS-7D

01/06/2007 06:06:59 AM · #32

If I end up deciding to come along when is the latest you will need to know? Are you already full?

Will one battery pack and a 2GB card be enough for each day? If not, what more should I buy?

Message edited by author 2007-01-06 06:07:22.

bvlindalou

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

01/07/2007 06:22:41 PM · #33

I live in Utah and would love to come. That is if I still live here. I would like to sign up as a maybe.
If I do...Do we stay in the same hotel or just meet everyday?

01/07/2007 11:12:49 PM · #34

Originally posted by skylercall:

If I end up deciding to come along when is the latest you will need to know? Are you already full?

bvlindalou Do we stay in the same hotel or just meet everyday?

You're welcome to decide to come anytime up through the GTG. There are activities that require reservations. I've already run into problems with the hotel(s) being sold out. We do try to stay at the same place. I'll be holding about 10 room. After that, you'd be on your own to locate a place to stay. We'll use our hotel as a base and meet there if anyone is not staying with us.

Originally posted by skylercall:

Will one battery pack and a 2GB card be enough for each day? If not, what more should I buy?

I don't know. I usually take anywhere from 50-300+ shots at a session. We'll often have 2 sessions a day. So, it depends on the quality of shot you're taking. I also use RAW and bracket, so my pictures take lots of memory. It depends on your shooting choices. Personally, with my 6.0mp camera, I keep 2 batteries per day and 4gig of cards. I'll be doing more than that with my 10mp camera.

We'll be shooting lots of landscape. You'll want to cover wide angle, mid-range and telephoto. Filter choices must include Polorizer and Split Neutral Density Filters, with UV for some applications. You'll also need a storage method to keep your photos. Of course, a tripod is needed.

Nald

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/07/2007 11:27:25 PM · #35

Originally posted by skylercall:

If I end up deciding to come along when is the latest you will need to know? Are you already full?

Will one battery pack and a 2GB card be enough for each day? If not, what more should I buy?

I think it's always a good idea to have an extra battery and memory card at all times. I carry three batteries with me and an extra 4 GB card. Like Becky said, it depends on how your shooting but I can burn through 8GB in just two outings.

JMHO

Hope you can make it.

skylercall

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/08/2007 03:15:22 PM · #36

Thank you for your responses. I am sorry to keep hitting you with all these questions but could any of you give me a rough total of about how much you spent last year on this trip (room, food, gas, tickets)?

Yes, I have a tripod and a laptop with room for storing my photos. I sure wish I had more lenses though.

Message edited by author 2007-01-08 15:15:55.

01/08/2007 03:43:39 PM · #37

Originally posted by skylercall:

Last year we went to Moab and got our rooms for about $45/night (about $275 for 5 nights w/ tax). We didn't need tickets and some of us took our National Park passes with, so that went with the car ($50). We drove down, and drove around quite abit (usually carpooling)so about 8-900 miles @ 20mpg. That would be 45 gallons or about $110. We brought food with us and used it for most of our breakfasts (eaten @ 4AM as we started out) and lunches (eaten on the road or in the room before the nap). We all went out together a few of times which ran about $10-15/person each time. So, groceries about $100 and eating out about $150 for my husband and I.

I'm sure each person was different, but it cost my husband and I about $600 for the trip.

Sharing a room, carpooling, bringing groceries, etc. can help keep the costs down. Or, if you have money to burn, you can treat us all! ;-)

Becky

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

01/10/2007 12:49:27 AM · #38

I've been able to get group rates at Lake Powell Resort & Marina for $69 a night (normally $89) and a 3 star place. It is right on Lake Powell and about 10 miles from Page, but a much prettier location.

Are you all okay with the price, or would you like something less expensive?

Let me know.
Becky

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

01/10/2007 09:05:59 AM · #39

$69 a night is fine with me. Is there high speed internet?

jrtodd

Nikon D850

01/10/2007 09:35:21 AM · #40

Good with me

Nald

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/10/2007 09:39:07 AM · #41

Just fine with me as well.

ericwoo

Nikon Z7II

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

01/10/2007 09:39:19 AM · #42

Sounds like a plan. If we are securing plans at this point, you can count the wife and I in. We'll book airline tickets as soon as things are finalized.

Eric

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/10/2007 12:31:28 PM · #43

Originally posted by Nikolai1024:

$69 a night is fine with me. Is there high speed internet?

Yes, in the room and in the lobby.

No breakfast, however.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/10/2007 01:39:55 PM · #44

Originally posted by rjkstesch:

I stayed there a couple times, nice place. Keep in mind because it's in a national park, to get there you have to buy a national park pass (one needed per car) that runs $50/year or I think $20 for a week.

Best place to eat in Page, in my opinion, "Dam Bar and Grill" Good food and service (and cold beer).

I'm moving to Seattle on or about Feb 16 so I doubt I'll make it.

bvlindalou

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

01/10/2007 03:01:12 PM · #45

You can count on me and my hubby. We have a national parks pass also. How do we book our hotel?

01/10/2007 03:41:46 PM · #46

Originally posted by bvlindalou:

You can count on me and my hubby. We have a national parks pass also. How do we book our hotel?

I'll send you an email with all the info in it. I still need to make the final verifications with the hotel. ;-)

LoudDog - we'll miss having you along. Still, Seattle is a great place.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/11/2007 03:59:32 PM · #47

The hotel is secured! We've got 15 rooms being held for us at Lake Powell Hotel & Marina @ $69/night. I'll be getting the details for registration in an e-mail tomorrow. Once I get them, I pass the reservation phone number & email address to each person that has indicated an interest. So, watch your PM's! Then, you'll call or email to set up your room.

It looks like we have 8-10 that will be coming and needing rooms. They're holding 15 rooms in the same area for us. Then, 30-45 days before our GTG, we'll firm up the count and I'll let go of any extra rooms. (I really don't want to pay for anyone else's room. I'm just not that generous. ;-) )

Have a great day - the rooms are ready for us!

Message edited by author 2007-01-11 16:11:14.

Artifacts

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/12/2007 02:21:56 PM · #48

Louddog, as always, gives great advice. That guy has been everywhere and encyclopedic in his knowledge.

Louddog is correct, just drive to Antelope Canyon from Page (just 4 or 5 miles or so) and don't bother with the tour group middlemen. You'll like that better. Navajo Indians conduct all the tours once you get there anyway. We were able to stay there 3.5 hours for one "2-hour" photographer tour by just showing up and asking to come back with a different group.

Horseshoe Bend and The Toadstools have no restrictions or permits required and are free. I'd consider them "must see" photo ops near Page.

A gallery of images from around Page that I've taken are here:

"Horseshoe Bend" is about 5 miles south of Page and has a marked parking area. It is best photographed with a wide-angled lens or as a multi-frame panorama. It is an incredible view but be careful, it has no restraints or fences and there is a sheer cliff. Plumeting to your death would put a damper on the GTG but then you could get some amazing last images during the fall if your memory card survives. lol!

"The Toadstools" is hardest to find and is around milepost 20 to 21 north of Page on highway 89 and not all that easy to spot. There is a BLM office on the south side of the road outside Page on the way there where you can stop and get directions. I'd forgotten the instructions Louddog had provided me so stopped and asked, "So where is this Toadstool's place I've heard you BLM people keep secret?". They laughed at me and said it was not secret at all but pulled out the crudest of photocopied topo maps from a hidden drawer and hand drew it's location for me! They talked about a "parking" lot but I drove past it the first time and had to backtrack. It is not easily recognized. You will not find The Toadstools listed on any map, anywhere. Once you are on the 3/4 mile trail to it there is an information stauntion hidden from the road that is your only indication you are near the right place. Don't expect to read information about the Toadstools themselves at the stauntion, there isn't any!

Navajo Bridge and Lee's Ferry are about 35 miles south of Page off highway 89. There is a spectacular view from the bridge. That is where I photographed a giant Califonia Condor, a very rare bird, sitting casually on the bridge railing.

For environmental protection "The Wave", as world renouned a landscape photo opportunity as Antelope Canyon, has very limited access and is quite difficult to get a permit to visit. It is a 3 mile hike each way and best done near sunrise. I've never been there but highly recommend trying to get a "day before" permit offered for any available slots that come open. BLM will direct you where you can try to get them.

Don't forget to read up all you can about nearby "Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument" and "Vermillion Cliffs National Monument" for hikes and photo opportunities.

You will love Page, AZ and vicinity. Even by "red rock" standards it offers some of the most stunning landscape photo opportunities anywhere in the world because of the unique character of the stone that makes up most of its geologic features - Navajo Limestone.