Whether you are an amateur or more advanced photographer or just looking for a backcountry adventure, this unique Southern Utah Tour will round out your vacation on the “road less traveled”.
The Photographer’s Dream Tour highlights the best the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has to offer in one jam-packed, daytime 4×4 adventure. This backcountry tour begins with a drive up beautiful Johnson Canyon through towering white sandstone cliffs, formed from the massive sand dunes of the Jurassic Period. Here we will see a roadside Rock Art Panel, historic inscriptions, and the Gunsmoke movie set, used for decades by the famous TV show. Then we head over Skutumpah Road to Bull Valley Gorge, take a captivating hike through Willis Creek Slot Canyon, and have a nice customized lunch amongst the hoodoos of Kodachrome Basin State Park.
From there we head down Cottonwood Road, one of the most photogenic trails in Southern Utah. Here we hike the Cottonwood Narrows (optional) and catch the fantastic inverted rocks of Candyland in the perfect afternoon light. We view the majestic sights of Castle Rock and Yellow Rock from atop the breathtaking Brigham Plains Overlook and see where wagons once crossed the majestic Cockscomb. Next a short stop at the fossilized oyster beds of an ancient estuary will transport you in time 100 million years. The finale of the tour is a stop at the Paria Townsite where “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and many other movies were filmed. The multicolor bands of the Chinle formation offer an unparalleled photo opportunity leading up to sunset.
8-9 hrs. Adults $210, Children 15 or under $105
Hiking Difficulty 1-10: 3
This Southern Utah Tour is Recommended for all ages and abilities. Some uneven terrain is experienced on hiking portions which can also be omitted if necessary. Waterproof Boots, Sandals, Water shoes, or a change of shoes are recommended for the hike at Willis Creek Slot Canyon.
There’s never enough time to explore this fantastic place. For a slower trip with more time to hike and explore these awesome sights try our Grand Staircase-Escalante NM 3 Day Photo Safari or build a custom-made expedition for you and your group.
Check out our recent At Your Leisure video segment about the Photographer’s Dream Tour.
