I'm going to be making another trip to the Southwest as part of a business trip to Denver. I'll be there at the start of April and wanted to get some advice on the best places to hit at this time of the year.
I've been to Arches, Monument Valley, Page Area, Sedona, Coyote Buttes, Bryce and the Grand Staircase Escalante area many times before and have tended to hit a lot of places for 2-3 days each and then move on. While Arches and Monument Valley were what first attracted me to the the southwest, I really love the area around Page the most. This time, I'm considering just picking 2-3 places rather then trying to hit everything I'm already planning on spending 5 days there in the hopes of lucking out on getting a lottery day pass for the Wave and shooting more around the Page area.
I've hit the southwest at late May and in numerous times in September and October. I wanted to get some advice on what would be the best places to hit during the remainder of my 7-8 days of my two week trip at the start of April. What would be the best options duringthe first 2 weeks of April, in terms of light, wildflowers, etc
-For Arches NP, is the start of April to early for wildflowers, cacti in Arches (i.e. around courthouse area)
At this time of the year, will there still be snow in the La Sals mountains to make them a better background
I've always wanted to shoot Arches after a rainfall to get some reflections. Is this a good time to get that change in weather
-Is this a good time of the year to get good beams in Upper/Lower Antelope canyons
-I've never really spent much time in Zion - mainly due to the fact that the my trip there ended up being in 102 degree weather and it was pain having to take the shuttle bus system because of the driving restrictions. Is this a good time to do the Narrows/subway hikes
Most photos I've seen are from the Fall.
-Is this a good time light wise for Monument Valley (mainly interested in sand dunes and Hunts Mesa)
Last time i was in Monument Valley and had booked a trip to Hunt's Mesa, my guide Tom Phillips ended up cancelling, since the two other individuals who were supposed to go cancelled.
I'm going to be driving to and from Denver. Are there other places on the way that would be good options
Is this going to be too early in the year to consider Maroon Bells
Any advice would be much appreciated!!