Join me and Robert R. Fletcher on an unforgettable photography adventure through Utah’s legendary “Big 5” — five stunning National Parks located in the heart of the American Southwest. Each park offers its own unique and dramatic landscape, making this trip a dream come true for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Arches National Park
A surreal landscape filled with over 2,000 natural stone arches, plus hoodoos, sandstone fins, towering mesas, and balanced rocks. With its short hikes and striking rock formations, Arches is a playground for creativity and composition.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Step into a fantasyland of towering hoodoos and colorful sandstone pillars. Bryce has the highest concentration of hoodoos in the world — thin, spire-like rock formations that create an otherworldly scene unlike anywhere else.
Canyonlands National Park
Vast and rugged, Canyonlands is carved by rivers into a dramatic landscape of canyons, mesas, and arches. The park is divided into distinct districts:
Island in the Sky, with sweeping views and easy access to iconic spots like Mesa Arch and Grand View Point
The Needles, known for its spiky sandstone formations
Capitol Reef National Park
This lesser-known gem is packed with sandstone cliffs, white domes, arches, and slot canyons. It protects the Waterpocket Fold — a massive wrinkle in the Earth’s crust stretching over 100 miles. With scenic drives and roadside viewpoints, it’s one of the easiest parks to explore while still offering stunning photography opportunities.
Zion National Park
Famous for its epic hikes and dramatic scenery, Zion is a paradise for photographers. Trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows offer incredible views, while easier walks and scenic drives provide plenty of ways to experience the towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and glowing light.
Please plan to arrive at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas on March 2nd by 11:00 AM. If arriving that morning isn’t possible, we recommend flying in the day before and staying at one of the nearby airport hotels.
The trip will conclude on March 11th, and you’ll be returned to Harry Reid Airport by 1:00 PM for your flight home.
Arrival in Las Vegas, NV
• Late AM: Group pickup at Las Vegas airport
• Early PM: Lunch & photograph in Las Vegas
• Evening: Dinner and orientation
• Hotel: Las Vegas
Zion National Park (2.5 hrs)
• Early AM: Drive to Zion National Park
• Late AM: Photograph in Zion
• Afternoon: Check into Springdale hotel
• Sunset: Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Trail
• Hotel: Springdale
Zion National Park
• Sunrise: Court of the Patriarchs or Towers of the Virgin
• Midday: Kolob Canyon or Emerald Pools
• Sunset: Watchman or Pa’rus Trail
Bryce Canyon National Park
• Early AM: Drive to Bryce Canyon (2 hours)
• En route stop: Red Canyon (if time permits)
• Sunset: Bryce Point or Inspiration Point
• Hotel: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon or Best Western Ruby’s Inn
Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef
• Sunrise: Sunrise Point or Thor’s Hammer
• Late Morning / Midday: Exploring Bryce Canyon
• Afternoon: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Sunset: (Optional if timing allows) Panorama Point or Sunset Point in Capitol Reef
• Hotel: Capitol Reef Resort or Red Sands Hotel
Capitol Reef National Park
• Early AM: Drive to Capitol Reef (2.5 hours)
• Afternoon: Scenic drive & Goosenecks Overlook
• Sunset: Panorama Point or Sunset Point
• Hotel: Capitol Reef Resort or Red Sands Hotel
Capitol Reef → Moab via Scenic Byway 24 (3.5 hrs)
• Sunrise: Fruita Barn or Gifford House
• Midday stops: Factory Butte; Temple of the Sun/Moon (if possible)
• Sunset: Dead Horse Point State Park
• Hotel: Moab
Arches National Park
• Sunrise: Turret Arch or Windows Section
• Midday: Balanced Rock or Courthouse Towers
• Sunset: Delicate Arch hike
• Optional: Star trails at Double Arch
Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
• Sunrise: Mesa Arch
• Daytime: Green River Overlook, Upheaval Dome
• Sunset: Grand View Point
• Return to Moab
Return to Las Vegas (6.5 hrs)
• Early AM: Drive back to Las Vegas
• 1:00 PM: Airport drop-off
To make the most of your photo adventure and ensure smooth travel, please bring the following:
Photography Gear
Camera(s) with plenty of memory cards and extra batteries
Wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lenses
Sturdy tripod and monopod
Neutral density and polarizing filters
Clothing & Personal Items
Layered clothing (temperatures will range from 30–55°F)
Comfortable footwear for walking and light hiking
Luggage Guidelines
To accommodate gear and group travel in 4x4 SUVs, please limit your luggage to:
One (1) soft-sided suitcase
One (1) camera case
Pack light and smart — space is limited, and comfort is key!
optional post-processing classes, and review sessions
Medical Evacuation Insurance (HIGHLY recommended)
(reserved but you pay for them)
Personal expenses & purchases
Each day will begin before sunrise as we head out to our carefully chosen morning location, aiming to capture the first golden light across Utah’s dramatic landscapes — from towering sandstone arches to sweeping canyon vistas. These early sessions offer calm conditions, long shadows, and the best opportunities for striking compositions.
After the morning shoot, we’ll take time to explore nearby scenic areas, enjoy a mid-day break for meals, rest, and image review. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the field to chase the magic of golden hour and sunset. Depending on the park, we’ll photograph hoodoos glowing in Bryce Canyon, layered canyon walls in Zion, or the iconic silhouettes of Arches and Canyonlands as the sun drops behind the horizon.
Expect to spend 7–10 hours a day in the field, with our daily schedule designed to maximize light, location, and flexibility. From sunrise to twilight, we’ll adapt our plans based on conditions to ensure the best photographic experience across these five legendary parks.
