I am planning a trip to Utah in late September and early October and would appreciate any insights regarding lodging and days to spend in certain areas. I will have nine days dedicated to shooting with the start in Moab and the end near Bryce. I would like to include Arches, Dead Horse, Escalante, Kodachrome, Bryce, Capitol Reef - not necessarily in that order. Am I best off going South from Moab on 191 towards Natural Bridges? If I take that route are there places to stay along the way or do I have to get to Boulder? I had thought of staying in Moab for 3 nights and then moving on. Boulder, if I stay there, could be used as a staging point for Capitol Reef and surrounding area. I would stay there for three nights. The last three nights would be spent near Bryce. Should I stay in Tropic or is Ruby's Inn worth it?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Victor
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Victor,
Do you have Laurent Martres' books "Photographing the Southwest?" These are essential, not expensive, and authoritative (unlike me). That said, I think you should devote more time to the area around Moab. Yopur list barely scratches the surface. It would be easy and rewarding to spend all nine days there, but you probably want to do a survey. Bryce Canyon is, of course, beautiful, but I question if that would be wise to spend 3 days there, given the scenic riches along the way. Traveling from Capital Reef to Bryce is a wonder. Route 12 is arguably the most scenic road in the USA. As you mention, Kodachrome Basin and Escalante, you are aware of some of the possiblities. Martes will fill in these gaps, not only with shooting locations but also time of day and lens choices.
It is difficult to advise about detailed itenerary. Depending on your physical condition, the type of vehicle you are driving and your interests there are endless possibilities. Resist all suggestions of adding stops further afield, such as Monument Valley, etc. These are equally good, but you will spread yourself too thin if you try for too much.
Here's a link that may be useful.
[a href=\"http://www.photographamerica.com/issue52.pdf]http://www.photographamerica.com/issue52.pdf[/url]
We always stay at Ruby's Inn. Whether you think of it as kitsch or an ethnic experience, it is convenient and dependable, with a range of prices. It is a place to have meal and rest your head. It has the great advantage of being very close to the Park Entrance. For me that counts for a lot when it is pitch black in the hour before sunrise. Tropic is about 5 miles further away, on Route 12.