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03/03/2006 10:55:40 PM · #1 |
I live in NYS and have pretty much done the east coast. I've been trying to plan a trip out west for a few years now and haven't made it yet. I'm really hoping to make it out there this year. If you were me, where you would you head? My mother will be traveling with me so ideally the temp won't be above mid-80's or below 40/45F and there will be minimal walking/hiking involved, and we'll have plenty of photographic opportunities. Is that to much too ask? What would your suggestions be? Is Sept/Oct a decent time to go? I've been thinking Utah and Grand Canyon area because there seems to be a fair amount of parks in a general area but am open to just about anything.
Thanks!
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03/03/2006 11:07:16 PM · #2 |
Come on down Sun Diego weathers always nice (well tad bit of rain a day ago). Plenty to see. Trolley tours of downtown places or haunted houses, Amphibus will take you out on the bay, 3 dollar ferry to Coronado Island (3 dollars to get back), The Midway, Cabrillo Monument, Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Quail Botanical Gardens, Sea World, Legoland, Balboa park and on and on...
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03/04/2006 11:30:35 AM · #3 |
Thanks, Andy! Anyone else?
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03/04/2006 11:36:13 AM · #4 |
| Went to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon in Sept '04. I highly recommend them! |
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03/04/2006 12:48:04 PM · #5 |
I did this in August of 2004, and I want to do it again. I chose this itinerary because my girlfriend at the time had bad knees, and although she was a good sport, I wanted to ensure that she didn't end up miserable from too much hiking.
I flew into Las Vegas (cheap airfare and hotels) and stayed the afternoon and the night. Drove the rental car to the NORTH rim of the Grand Canyon and stayed in the lodging only a minute's walk to the edge. The north rim is less crowded than the south rim and there are a lot of points on the edge that can be driven to.
Next day we drove to Lake Powell and rented a boat for the day. Great photo ops of canyon walls on water and huge rock formations and arches.
Next was a relatively short drive to Zion National Park across the border in Utah. Absolutely beautiful! Per you requirements, much of this park is accessible with minimal, or no hiking, although hiking would offer many more opportunities. It has a transportation system within it that is pretty good.
That evening we drove back to Las Vegas for the flight back home. The entire drive was very scenic with TONS of opportunities for side trips via car that really offered a lot to shoot. Other attractions along the way and near this route are Lake Mead and the Dam (forgot the name), Vermillion Cliffs, slot canyons, Bryce Canyon (I won't miss this one next time) and lots more.
I enjoyed this trip would definitely like to do it again. I would probably spend 7 to 8 days instead of 5 next time so that I could cover more opportunities. |
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03/04/2006 01:32:51 PM · #6 |
| I'd suggest the Puget Sound/Seattle area. September is still before the rainy season and the weather tends to be just about perfect throughout the summer and early fall. Lots of photo ops, gorgeous light (you haven't seen green until you get to the Pacific NW) and plenty of other things to do as well. |
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03/04/2006 01:36:04 PM · #7 |
| New Mexico, anytime, anywhere! |
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03/05/2006 11:36:02 AM · #8 |
Thanks for the suggestions! I've been searching them on the web to see what more I can learn.
yakatme: Your suggestion is pretty much what I was thinking of doing...right down to the "cheap flights to Vegas" part. :-) Could you tell me how long by car it was from each point? That would be very helpful. Thank you!
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03/16/2006 02:16:33 AM · #9 |
Maybe I am too late for this thread, but maybe those coming along afterwards will benefit. I am from Northern Utah and have been to Zions, Bryce Canyon, lake Powell, adn several other places. I love them and I don't think you can go wrong. I was in Zions and Bryce last October and the weather was great and the Fall colors were very nice. If you had a bit mroe time, you might also consider catching Arches NP and Canyonlands NP. Even mroe proto opportunities. I am going to these places in a few days. Have been there before and am anxious to go back. Capitol Reef NP is alos pretty close to Bryce and not a bad place. Not as crowded as the others, but still pretty.
One other place I might recommend, although maybe a bit cooler than what you might be looking for in the early fall is Yellowstone. Great getser and pool shots plus lots of animals.
I think I am starting to ramble on and on, but like I said at the start, I live between many of these spots and am grateful that they are no more than 4 hours away by car. Have a great trip.
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