Canyonlands or Cedar Mesa?

Where should I shoot in late October?

  • Total voters
    8
  • Poll closed .
Laura

Laura

freespirittraveler
Joined
Oct 1, 2012
Messages
961
It's that time of year, where I get really, really restless and start obsessively planning my fall photography trip. I'm thinking of Canyonlands, which I've never photographed, but I bought a trail guide and there are all kinds of hikes in Cedar Mesa. I know nothing about Cedar Mesa. Is it better to photograph than Canyonlands? I'm looking for monoliths and overlooks this time. I was tentatively planning on 4 days in Canyonlands, 3 days in Capitol Reef/Goblin Valley, and 2 days in Zion but was wondering if I should divert to Cedar Mesa…..all input appreciated. In fact, I think I'll start a poll.
 
Last edited:
I think it would be criminal to spend that much time in the area and not do a couple Cedar Mesa hikes. It is dead last on your list for monoliths and overlooks though. But has it's own charms, that the others can't match. And even some monoliths and overlooks, too, just not quite in the same league for those specifics as Canyonlands.

- DAA
 
gnwatts said:
Muley Point on Cedar Mesa has an amazing view over Monument Valley. Worth a night's stay for sure.
Click to expand...

Sunrise at Muley Point can be sublime.


Gorge of the San Juan by ashergrey, on Flickr

That said, you'll get more vista bang-for-buck in Canyonlands. But, as @DAA and @gnwatts say, if you're willing to get off the mesa and into Valley of the Gods/Monument Valley then Cedar Mesa can scratch that itch.
 
ashergrey said:
Sunrise at Muley Point can be sublime.


Gorge of the San Juan by ashergrey, on Flickr

That said, you'll get more vista bang-for-buck in Canyonlands. But, as @DAA and @gnwatts say, if you're willing to get off the mesa and into Valley of the Gods/Monument Valley then Cedar Mesa can scratch that itch.
Click to expand...

Whoa! That is one of the most insanely sublime pics I've ever seen (I'm going to flickr after this so I can add it to my favorites). I'd love to see Valley of the Gods, too *sigh*. I think I'm just going to sell everything, buy a truck w/4WD and a camper and spend the rest of my days roaming Utah…….
 
If you are not interested in ruins and rock art, I'd have to go with spending your time in Canyonlands....more bang for your buck there as far as overlooks and monoliths go
 
IntrepidXJ said:
If you are not interested in ruins and rock art, I'd have to go with spending your time in Canyonlands....more bang for your buck there as far as overlooks and monoliths go
Click to expand...

Awesome thanks, though some day I'd love to spend time looking for rock art. Saw a picture of a rock wall with hundreds of hands on it and it took my breath way.
 
It depends on what you want to shoot. For fall foliage go to the Needles. There are many great opportunities for pictures of the cottonwoods turning, especially along the Indian Creek corridor before you get to Canyonlands proper. There's a lot of first rate hiking to be done there, too. Cedar Mesa has a lot to offer, too, and isn't much further south. Maybe you could spend a couple days in Canyonlands and a couple days around Cedar Mesa.
 
pixie1339 said:
Cedar Mesa has a lot to offer, too, and isn't much further south. Maybe you could spend a couple days in Canyonlands and a couple days around Cedar Mesa.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea. Muley point, then Valley of the Gods maybe. The inner gorge of the San Juan is spectacular also, in a more intimate way. It is accessed at the bottom of the Moqui Dugway (the road down from Cedar Mesa towards Mexican Hat), turn into Goosenecks State Park and immediately veer right onto a well maintained dirt road. Many photo and camping opportunities here.

I have always found a killer camping spot on Muley Point. You have the view towards Navajo Mountain that Ashergrey posted, but if you pan to the left you also have the entire Monument Valley below. If you plan to be there Friday through the weekend try to get there early to get a spot. I have never had problems during the week.

I like this area specifically because it is spectacular, relatively uncrowded, and free.
You could camp @ Muley Point for a sunset and rise, then get to Canyonlands in about three hours.
 
I appear to be the lone voice that says emphatically, "Capitol Reef!" As good as all the other choices might be, Capitol Reef has charmed me. So much good hiking and geology along with some of the best BLM land in Utah for camping. I have been to Capitol Reef more than anywhere else in Utah and still have a lot that I haven't seen, and would repeat a number of hikes I have done.
 
NateGeesaman said:
I appear to be the lone voice that says emphatically, "Capitol Reef!" As good as all the other choices might be, Capitol Reef has charmed me. So much good hiking and geology along with some of the best BLM land in Utah for camping. I have been to Capitol Reef more than anywhere else in Utah and still have a lot that I haven't seen, and would repeat a number of hikes I have done.
Click to expand...

I feel the same way you do Nate.:) You definitely can't go wrong with Capitol Reef. It's my favorite N.P. I know Laura has been there on fall trips in the past though, so in this specific case I'd suggest S.E. Utah.
 
NateGeesaman said:
I appear to be the lone voice that says emphatically, "Capitol Reef!" As good as all the other choices might be, Capitol Reef has charmed me. So much good hiking and geology along with some of the best BLM land in Utah for camping. I have been to Capitol Reef more than anywhere else in Utah and still have a lot that I haven't seen, and would repeat a number of hikes I have done.
Click to expand...

Capitol Reef is hands down my favorite place in Utah (so far). The first time I saw it I felt wildness all around me. The problem is that I can't shoot worth $h!+ there. For some reason that place just kicks my @$$, and I've only had one photograph there turn out halfway decent. I've been told that as a photographer you will have an affinity for some places and shoot well in them, while others just won't work that well even if you just love the area. Capitol Reef is in that latter category, but I'm a diehard so I am definitely planning a couple days there on this trip, will do some new hikes and hope my luck changes.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone on Cedar Mesa, Needles, Muley Point. I'm thinking I may need to just take a leave of absence from work and spend several weeks out there. There's just so much to see!
 
Okay, Canyonlands overwhelmingly wins as my primary destination-thanks for all the suggestions and advice everyone! It looks like it's going to be 4-5 days in Canyonlands, a night in Goblin Valley, 2 days in Capitol Reef and the last two in Zion. I've been researching the area and I'm beyond excited now. So far it seems that Lathrop Trail, Murphy Hogsback (with camping) and Indian Creek are on the must-do list. Navajo Knobs and Frying Pan trail for Capitol Reef. Any other suggestions for hikes with amazing views? You guys are going to be looking at the photos after all, might as well get some input on what you want to see. :cool:
 
Laura said:
Okay, Canyonlands overwhelmingly wins as my primary destination-thanks for all the suggestions and advice everyone! It looks like it's going to be 4-5 days in Canyonlands, a night in Goblin Valley, 2 days in Capitol Reef and the last two in Zion. I've been researching the area and I'm beyond excited now. So far it seems that Lathrop Trail, Murphy Hogsback (with camping) and Indian Creek are on the must-do list. Navajo Knobs and Frying Pan trail for Capitol Reef. Any other suggestions for hikes with amazing views? You guys are going to be looking at the photos after all, might as well get some input on what you want to see. :cool:
Click to expand...
If you are going to be near the top of the Island-in-the-Sky at the end of the day, a hike to False Kiva is fun and great views and photo opportunities. You can easily find directions in the interweb or I can give you GPS coordinates.
 
Cool Danish said:
If you are going to be near the top of the Island-in-the-Sky at the end of the day, a hike to False Kiva is fun and great views and photo opportunities. You can easily find directions in the interweb or I can give you GPS coordinates.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm trying to avoid the over-shot areas (I won't be caught dead at Mesa Arch at dawn!) and I've seen quite a few photos from False Kiva, but if you think there are some opportunities for unique comps I'll put it on my list. Since I've never been to Canyonlands my criteria for "over-shot" is if I've seen 10 or more photos from that location. I think I've seen over 50 from Mesa Arch. Dead Horse Point is also on my avoid list…...
 
pixie1339 said:
What are your trip dates? That will help narrow down where the fall colors are hitting.
Click to expand...

Not sure yet, I have to apply for my upcoming year's vacation in about 3 weeks. Tentatively hoping for the last week of October but we do a lot of work during election time so I'm worried I won't get the days I want. Cross your fingers!
 
Laura said:
Thanks! I'm trying to avoid the over-shot areas (I won't be caught dead at Mesa Arch at dawn!) and I've seen quite a few photos from False Kiva, but if you think there are some opportunities for unique comps I'll put it on my list. Since I've never been to Canyonlands my criteria for "over-shot" is if I've seen 10 or more photos from that location. I think I've seen over 50 from Mesa Arch. Dead Horse Point is also on my avoid list…...
Click to expand...
Well, False Kiva is kind of "over-shot" as far as amount of pictures on the internet :) But, you will avoid the crowds and a good chance you will not run into anyone else. I have been there twice and have not seen anyone else, but it was in July time frames.
As far as unique comps, it might be hard to find a new comp that have not seen before since it's inside a large alcove. I just love the view of Candlestick Butte and the privacy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top