The Return of Wild Utah

October 1-6, 2009

$3300, all inclusive*


Pro photographers:
Marc Muench
Andy Williams

We are going back to the wild side of Utah, and this time we plan on camping under the clear star studded skies with our favorite guides, Hondoo Rivers and Trails.

The first three days will be filled with shooting in incredible locations within one of the more unknown National Parks of all; Capitol Reef National Park. Afterwards, we will be critiquing work in one of my favorite outback towns, Torrey, Utah.

Capitol Reef has a wonderfully varied landscape including natural bridges like Hickman Bridge and narrows such as the Grand wash.

Hondoo will be leading us through the towering bluffs of the Waterpocket fold to some even more outrageously gorgeous locations. And yes, Hondoo will be preparing their incredible hot meals, so we can stay next to the prime photo locations for the hot light.

If this is your first time, or a repeat visit, you will enjoy this excursion into the Wilds of Utah where we may even visit the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow.

You can check out what people have to say about our last trip, or take a look at our gallery.

Our first sunrise will be in Colorado National Monument, where we practice techniques for creating sun stars and shooting high dynamic range images.

Following sunrise we will drive to Capitol Reef National Park. This is where we will spend the following two days exploring the remote canyons, high bluffs and spectacular natural bridges.

Hickman Bridge is a large natural arch in a scenic side canyon above the Fremont River, surrounded by the great white domes of Navajo sandstone that surround the national park. We will be visiting this spectacular formation via a short 1.2 mile trail.

Along the way we will see even more interesting formations.

When the sun finds itself closer to the horizon in Autumn all the plants of the earth begin turning colors.

We will be able to enjoy the colors of the Aspen trees throughout the park as well as the grasses and Rabbit Brush. This beautiful plant waits all summer long for its turn to bloom, displaying a beautiful yellow color.

"There is nothing better then the smell of dust in the air"

We will be traveling along some very scenic roads, so be prepared for the occasional break to shoot in the bush.

Following three days in Capitol Reef National Park, we will venture out into the wilds of Utah near the country once mined for uranium.

Filled with canyons, mesas and rim rock, this country is very difficult to access and even more difficult to navigate. We'll be lucky enough to spend the final day being guided through the backside of Utah with Hondoo.

We will be spending the night near some breathtaking cliffs overlooking more remote canyons beneath the sunrise.

Equipment list

Also:

• Hat
  
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Rain gear
• Boots
• Hiking shorts
• Bug spray
• Flashlight

Schedule

October 1

• Meet at the Doubletree Hotel, Grand Junction for drinks dinner and slideshow. Plan on gathering around 5pm.

October 2

• Early rise to shoot sunrise in Colorado National Monument.
• Breakfast on the road to Capitol Reef.
• Stop for lunch in Hanksville.
• Drive to and take short hike in Capitol Reef National Park.
• Check into hotel in Torrey just outside of Capitol Reef National Park.
• Shoot sunset in Park.

October 3

• Hike to Hickman Bridge and shoot early light.
• Return to hotel for crit and lunch and more crit.
• Eat early dinner and shoot sunset and dusk glow over sandstone formations within park.

October 4

• Shoot sunrise in park.
• Breakfast at hotel and meet with Hondoo guides to take us out to unique locations.
• Stay out through sunset.

October 5

• Breakfast and meet with Hondoo guides by 9AM for travel to outback. We will pack all bags and depart from hotel for a camp in the wilds.
• Shoot along the way and sunset from cliffs above vast Utah wilderness.
• Enjoy camp fire and sleep under the stars!

October 6

• Shoot sunrise near camp and eat breakfast before heading back to Grand Junction.
• Meet for dinner (approx. 5:30pm) and final crit at the Doubletree in Grand Junction.

October 7

• Checkout, head home.

Photographers positioning Temple of the Sun for correct composition :)

Registration and Payment

You can register and make your payments here. After you've registered, you can make your payments here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.