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Backcountry Journeys – Autumn in Grand Canyon Country 1

Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com

Autumn in Grand Canyon Country

“There is a magic here that can help the mind breathe”

― L.M. Browning

Pricing, Dates & Booking

For current pricing, trip dates

& online reservations please

see our website.

Trip Packets

Our PDF Trip Packets are being

updated all the time. Ensure you

have the most recent version by

clicking here.

Last Published: April 7, 2020

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https://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/autumn-grand-canyon-country/

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Trip Overview

Autumn is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon. Crowds have

dissipated, and so has the heat.

Autumn color and Grand Canyon are probably an association that many

might not make, but that is because most folks who have visited Grand

Canyon do so at the South Rim where fall colors are indeed a bit sparse.

Grand Canyon just so happens to be 'home' for Backcountry Journeys,

and our photo guides are intimately aware of the mysteries of the

Canyon having a combined 29 years of experience working in-and-

around Grand Canyon. So, for us, who are in the know, the North Rim

of the Grand Canyon is an OUTSTANDING location for autumn colors,

like Quaking Aspen and Canyon Maple which paint the landscape into

a palette of yellows, reds, greens and even whites. A classic autumn

landscape on its own; yet combined with the grandeur of the Grand

Canyon this is a spectacle to behold. This scene simply cannot be





missed by landscape photographers, especially those with an affinity for

the high desert of our country’s desert southwest.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon sits only 10 miles across the great

chasm from the South Rim, yet hosts an entirely different life zone as it

towers roughly 1,000 feet above the south side. Here resides a delicate

spruce-fir forest, characterized by spruce, fir, aspen, and canyon maple

among other trees. The aspen certainly is the major draw here, as the

gold and red leaves contrast well with their glowing white trunks, the

greens of the neighboring fir and spruce, as well as the blue of the sky,

is remarkable.

But, this trip is not only Grand Canyon! We'll visit many of the most

iconic locations in the American Southwest, including Monument

Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell along the

way!

Join Backcountry Journeys for an incredible seven-day lodge-based

photography tour of northern Arizona’s Grand Canyon country during

the colorful autumn season. This landscape photography-oriented

expedition will put you and your lens in front of the most iconic and

spectacular locations the desert Southwest has to offer, at a time when

autumn foliage at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is in full swing!

Spend Autumn in Grand Canyon Country with Backcountry Journeys

and check off from your ‘Bucket List’ so many individual locations

you've been yearning for. See and photograph the Grand Canyon from

its 'best' side, during its most colorful season!

Our first day will take us to one of the most famous landscapes in the

entire desert southwest, Monument Valley. Here buttes, mesas, and

other rock features dot the landscape in a most memorable and

photogenic manner. This location is at the top of every landscape

photographer’s list.

The next two days of this photography tour will be spent visiting

locations around Page, Arizona. Famed locations like Horseshoe Bend





and Lake Powell will be the subjects of our compositions. While in Page

we’ll make a stop at famed Antelope Canyon (please note the famous light beam will not happen this time of year. Travel with us on our Southwest Monsoon: Grand Canyon Country tour to capture this canyon with the iconic light beam).

Moving on from Page we will travel to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim

where we’ll spend the remainder of the trip amongst the beautiful fall

colors of the Canyon maple and Quaking aspen.

Finding interesting contrasts amongst this particular scene will be

easy, as we’ll compose our images of the trees in front of over 525

million years of sedimentary rock that has been exposed by erosion.

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and

will live up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful and awe-

inspiring places on the planet.

Aside from the fun, you’ll experience with your fellow photographers

you’ll leave this trip with a new understanding of the rich natural and

cultural history, in addition to a highly expanded portfolio of excellent

images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime

through Grand Canyon Country.

Please note: This is a “standard” tour and while not technically a ‘hiker’

trip there are a few very short hikes on the trip that are optional. For

Horseshoe Bend participants will need to be able to hike 1.5 miles

(round-trip) on a short, steep trail through sandy and uneven rocky

terrain.



https://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/southwest-monsoon-grand-canyon-country/



Highlights

• Best Season for fall foliage and dramatic coloring

• Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Antelope Canyon

• Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley & the Mittens

• Small Groups

• Great lodging included

• Top-notch meals

• Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro

Noteworthy Travel Logistics

• This trip begins & ends in Flagstaff, Arizona

• There is a pre-trip meeting on Day One at 5pm at the hotel in

Flagstaff. Orientation includes introductions, a briefing on the trip

itinerary, and a checking of personal gear.

• You can fly directly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport

• We should be back in Flagstaff no later than 2:00 pm on the last

day of the trip.





Transportation on Tour

We will provide ground transportation for the duration of the tour.

Pre & Post Trip Recommended Lodging

If you are arriving early or want to spend more time in Flagstaff, we

recommend

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff*

1175 W Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 773-8888

*Please note: Exact hotel is subject to change - equivalent hotel may be substituted.

If you are planning on arriving early or staying late please contact us.





Itinerary Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day One (Travel Day)(D)

Arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona, by 5pm for an orientation and welcome

dinner.

Day Two (B,L,D)

We’ll make our way North and East to Monument Valley, located near

the Arizona / Utah border and part of the Navajo Nation.

Monument Valley has been seen in many movies and photographs,

and really is one of the truly iconic places in the American Southwest.

The magnificent landscape is dotted with eye-pleasing sandstone

mesas, buttes and other curious rock features.

Your guide will take you to the perfect location in order to capture the

setting sun over this most famous of western landscapes.

Day Three (B,L,D)

We’ll make sure to capture Monument Valley again this morning

before relocating a few hours down the road to Page, Arizona, where

we’ll spend the next two nights of this trip.

We’ll check in to our comfy hotel and get prepared for an evening

shoot from an exceptional viewpoint overlooking glassy, Lake Powell.

This reservoir is world-famous for its massive and curious shoreline

as well as its colorful sandstone rock formations.

We’ll be shooting from a location not well known to most visitors.





Day Four (B,D)

This morning we’ll head to Antelope Canyon for the coveted

opportunity to photograph this fantastic and hugely famous slot

canyon.

(Please note the famous light beam will not happen this time of year. Travel with us on our Southwest Monsoon: Grand Canyon Country tour to capture this canyon with the iconic light beam)

In the afternoon we’ll return to our hotel in order to avoid the heat of

the day. Here we’ll spend time working on photographic techniques

before taking a midday break before a delicious dinner followed by a

gorgeous sunset shot at Horseshoe Bend.

Day Five (B,L,D)

This morning we will check out of our Page accommodations and head

towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, catching a morning shot

along the way. We’ll have a roughly two to three-hour drive, with

sights and photo opportunities along the way, before checking in to

our rustic cabins that sit just a stone’s throw from the Canyon’s rim!

The North Rim Lodge, built in 1936, is designated as a National

Historic Landmark and offers a beautiful patio that is perched on the

rim of the Canyon, perfect for viewing, relaxing, and/or photographing

from.

After a delicious dinner we’ll make a short drive to Cape Royal, which

offers the widest panorama of any viewpoint at Grand Canyon.

After an amazing sunset shot, we’ll head back to our cozy cabins

nestled in the cooler high elevation pines of the north side of the

Grand Canyon.



https://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/southwest-monsoon-grand-canyon-country/



Day Six (B,D)

We’ll awake early again this morning to photograph a glorious sunrise

at Point Imperial. At 8,803 feet above sea-level, Point Imperial is the

highest overlook on this side of the Canyon offering views of Marble

Canyon, Mt. Hayden, the Little Colorado River Gorge as well as the

Painted Desert of Navajo Nation on the horizon. Your guide will go

over some of the intricacies of capturing desert sunrise shots, and

then we’ll head in for a leisurely breakfast at the lodge.

As weather can be unpredictable, we’ll want to remain a bit flexible on

this afternoon, and throughout this trip as to what we’ll do and when

so that we have to ability to head “wherever the action might be.”

Our final evening shoot of the tour will take us to the remote, and

beautiful, Point Sublime. After a nice drive through a forest thick with

Ponderosa, Fir and Aspen, we’ll be rewarded with an inspirational

vantage point of Grand Canyon.

Day Seven (B)

On our final morning together, we’ll have an option to shoot sunrise

from either our lodge patio, or down a short trail towards Bright Angel

Point. After our last breakfast as a group, we’ll make the drive through

the desert and back to Flagstaff, complete with amazing memories and

many wonderful images of our time in Grand Canyon Country.

Please Note: Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all

photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The

goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right

time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change

for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires,

national park closures, road closures and more.





Trip Details

Physical Requirements

All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability

to walk/hike with camera equipment and essential hiking gear. For

example, tripod, camera, lense(s), sunscreen, water (up to 2 liters

person), snacks, and extra layers (if necessary). The weight of your pack

largely depends on what gear you choose to bring on each hike.

Typically backpacks weigh between 15 and 20 lbs. But remember the

choice is yours

Group Size

We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the

guide/instructor.





Accommodation

Our first night will be in Flagstaff, Arizona and then we will be staying

on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and in Page,

Arizona.

Trip length

7 days

Activity Level:

Level 1

Meeting Time and Place

5pm on Day One in Flagstaff, AZ

Trip Conclusion

Flagstaff, AZ

Price/Start Dates

Please see our website for current Autumn in Grand Canyon Country

Pricing & Dates

Meals

Most meals are included during the trip dates and we typically eat at

park lodges in the evening as well as handpicked local restaurants. We

often eat snacks and prepare lunch on the trail. We typically return for

a late breakfast or eat breakfast on the road during photography trips

as we are often out early to capture the morning light.

Weather

Expect pleasant temperatures in lower elevations, climbing to very cold

at higher elevation and at night. The weather is generally very dry and

stable in the Southwest; however, it can change on a moment’s



http://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/autumn-grand-canyon-country/

http://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/autumn-grand-canyon-country/



notice. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during

and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad

weather just poor layering and gear choices – please plan accordingly!

For more info on what to bring please email or call us. Make sure you

are prepared for rain!

General Links to weather conditions: Flagstaff Weather Forecast and

Monument Valley National Park Weather Forecast

We recommend checking these weather links prior to your trip

departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.

Price Includes

Most Meals, ground transportation, accommodation during the trip

dates, from the evening of Day One through the morning of Day Seven,

National Park entrance fees, professional photography instruction,

medically certified wilderness guide, & gratuities for service personnel

such as drivers, pilots, captains as well as hotel & restaurant staff.

Price Does Not Include

Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip

dates, souvenirs, and one meal on your own& trip leader gratuities

(industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your

experience).



https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.19820000000004&lon=-111.65129999999999#.XJP0DChKjIU

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Monument+Valley&state=UT&site=GJT&textField1=37.1029&textField2=-110.593&e=0#.XJP0OChKjIU



Pictured above: The North Rim Lodge, where we stay while on tour

Lodging & Meals

Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours & Workshops include most

meals, lodging from Day One through the morning of the last day of the

tour, ground transportation while on the tour, National Park entrance

fees, guide fees and other items essential to a successful trip – meaning

that once your there all you will have to focus on is your photography.

We can accommodate most special diets so please let us know if you

have any dietary restrictions.





Gear List

This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read

through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give us a call.

Your clothing should be a system of layers that you add and subtract

according to the weather and temperature. Clothing should be light-

weight nylon pants t-shirt or lightweight long sleeve sun-shirt and

either a sunhat or warm hat depending on the weather. As weather

conditions change add insulating and waterproof layers to your base

setup. Don’t bring any cotton clothing. Cotton is not a good insulator

and once it gets wet it takes forever to dry. Absolutely no jeans!





Photo & Field Gear

Recommended Camera Gear:

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.)

• Medium telephoto zoom lens (100–400mm zoom or equivalent)

• Normal Lens (50mm or equivalent zoom)

• Wide-angle lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom)

• Sturdy but lightweight Tripod (must be able to carry this for

hikes)

• Memory Cards

• Batteries & Chargers

• Filters such as a circular polarizer and neutral density

• Lens cleaning pen & cloth

• Camera Day Pack (this should appropriately carry all your camera

& hiking gear and have a rain cover)

• Camera Rain Sleeve

Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear:

• Back-Up Camera Body

• 1.4x tele converter

• Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed

• External Hard Drives

• Remote Shutter Trigger

• Camera’s Instruction Manual

Suggested Field Gear & Clothing:

• Personal Field Clothing (think layers)

• Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket

• Long pants, or convertible hiking pants, one pair of leggings or

lightweight trousers to block sun and give warmth at night

• Warm Hat & Gloves

• Down Jacket

• “Softshell” Jacket lightly insulated windproof/breathable jacket

for layering and protection from wind





• Long Underwear (synthetic top & bottom)

• Shorts & T-Shirts for on the go during warmer months

• wool Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.)

• Brimmed Sun Hat

• Sunglasses

• Good walking or tennis shoes

• Casual wear, for your evenings off the trail

• Rain shell, waterproof/breathable jacket

• Rain Pants

• Shooting Gloves

• Headlamp (for evening shoots, conditions permitting)

• Binoculars (optional)

• Sunscreen

• Knee pads (for low-angle shooting)

• Personal toiletries, medication etc.

• Money, for tipping your guide (industry standard is generally

10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience) and for any

personal expenses not included in the tour package such as

alcoholic beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc.

This is a general list, please call with any questions!

Note for packing on the tour:

Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other

travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all

your camera gear on every hike or outing. Each evening you will be

briefed on which lenses, filters, etc. you will need to carry the following

day on the scheduled tour or hike.



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