Photograph Zion in Winter
$3,295.00
Zion National Park, a magic oasis along the Virgin river is home to the largest sandstone cliffs on earth. While the park is most popular during the warm seasons it is still magical in winter, especially with new snowfall. Winter storms are always welcome here as they promise magical photo ops in their wake.
This workshop will explore the wonders of Zion Canyon, the Zion Plateau, and surrounding areas during the quiet and relaxed months of late winter. The workshop is timed to take place before the Zion Canyon shuttle is scheduled to begin which will allow more freedom to operate in Zion Canyon Additionally, daylight will be increasing and there will be good potential for snowstorms. New snow in Zion is absolute magic and doesn’t last long. Even without snow, there are many great locations to photograph as sunlit walls still reflect warm glowing light onto the normally clear and slow Virgin River.
Our group will be properly outfitted to explore and photograph the Virgin River Narrows in winter wonderland conditions. Fantastic shooting locations within Zion Canyon and the East Mesa area are within 10 miles of Springdale and allow for a great deal of flexibility on the daily itinerary with sunrise and sunset shoots with relaxed mid-days in town for editing and image critique. We will pick the best day of three in the canyon to explore the Narrows. On two of our days, we will make longer excursions to other parts of the park, such as Kolob Terrace above the town of Virgin, or the Kolob Canyons section near New Harmony to take advantage of higher and potentially snowier parts of Zion.
Workshop includes:
- Four nights lodging based on single occupancy*
- Round-trip transportation from St. George, UT
- Water, snacks, one boxed lunch, and one group dinner
- Narrows package: dry suit, canyon boots, neoprene socks & hiking pole
- Park entrance fees, permits, guide fees
- Pre-workshop webinar
- Post-workshop critique
*Companions wishing to share lodging will receive a discount.
Please be aware that shooting locations stated in this itinerary may change. Each day we will determine which locations are best based on lighting and weather conditions. We want to give you the best possible photo opportunities.
Day 1 – Sunday, January 14, 2024
- The group meets in St. George and prepares to transfer to Springdale in time for lunch.
- Early afternoon Michael will hold a 2-3 hour orientation and presentation on landscape photography in Zion.
- Check into our lodging.
- Depart for our first evening shoot.
- Return for Dinner.
Day 2-4 – Monday-Wednesday, January 15-17, 2024
- Based on weather conditions we will select the best weather day out of the three to spend most of the day hiking the Virgin River Narrows.
- On the other two non-Narrows days, we will venture into the park for sunrise and sunset shoots with at least one group edit session and critique.
- One afternoon/evening shoot will be to either Kolob Terrace (about 45 minute drive to Cave Valley), or 1.5 hour drive to Kolob Canyons. Since there is no shuttle during the week in mid-winter, we will shoot night scenes somewhere in Zion Canyon away from the lights of town.
- On the other non-narrow day we will take in sunrise at Canyon Overlook. Our group will leave 2 hours before sunrise to drive and hike in time for sunrise light after hiking to the overlook. Back in town for late breakfast. The rest of the day we will shoot reflected light on the Virgin River.
Day 5 – Thursday, January 18, 2024
- Our last morning will include a final sunrise shoot followed by breakfast, and one last critique before check out.
- After lunch in Springdale, the group will transfer back to St. George where the workshop will end early afternoon.
Physical Strenuousness: Moderate to Difficult
The physical rating is a combination of terrain and weather. Individuals should be in a very fit condition capable of hiking in water, snow, cold temperatures, and some uneven terrain.
Weather permitting, a popular sunrise destination is Canyon Overlook, a 1-mile round trip with a few hundred feet elevation gain. Depending upon the energy of the group and trail conditions we may also explore partial or complete hikes to Scout’s Lookout and Angel’s Landing, and Observation Point Trails.
The Kayenta Trail is a short steep climb at the beginning then levels out and is about 2 miles round-trip. The Virgin River Narrows is 6 miles round-trip with negligible elevation gain with up to 4 miles where the river is the trail and you will hike and cross the river hundreds of times. There is no destination in the Narrows only a limit to how far up we can hike which is the confluence with Orderville Canyon. Individuals can go up as far as they like and return to the sheltered area with restrooms at the Temple of Sinewava.
Equipment Recommendations
Participants should have winter footwear traction* for their shoes while walking along the trails.
*Footwear traction can be found at outdoor gear retailers and sporting goods stores as well as online through Amazon. Brands we like are Kahtoola Exospikes and Yaktrax.
The workshop departs and returns to:
Hampton Inn
53 N River Rd.
St. George, UT, 84790
Tel: 702-492-8900
The workshop will depart on Sunday morning from St. George, UT for our drive to Springdale. Should you require lodging for the night of Jan. 13, 2024, please include the optional pre-night at registration. If you already registered and still require lodging, please contact our office at info@ahps.org at your earliest convenience so that we may add it to your order. If you plan on meeting us at our workshop location in Springdale, a courtesy block has been set up at the Best Western to reserve a room. This reservation must be made on your own.
Lodging during the workshop:
BestWesternPlusCanyonInn&Suites
668 Zion Park Boulevard
Springdale, Utah 84767
Tel: (435) 429-7650
The Best Western Plus will be our base in Springdale for four nights. This lodging is included in your workshop fee based on single occupancy.
If you are concerned about the possibility of canceling your trip we urge you to protect your workshop investment and purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance plan with a “Cancel for Any Reason” option. Many guests have last-minute injuries, emergencies, or life changes that can disrupt their plans only to wish they had a way to recoup their lost expenses.
There are a number of reputable companies that provide Travel Insurance. For a listing of providers, you can visit www.insuremytrip.com. AHPS has partnered with TravelEx Insurance Services over the years and has found them to be reputable and offer comprehensive plans at competitive prices. For more information visit www.travelexinsurance.
CANCELATION POLICY: All cancelations must be in writing to info@ahps.org
- 91 days or more prior to the start of the workshop your deposit will be refunded less $100
- 61-90 days your workshop fees will be refunded in the form of an AHPS Store Credit Voucher less $250 administrative fee. The remainder of the fees paid can be applied toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation.
- 60 days or less until departure – No refund.
If we are able to fill your seat and the workshop runs at full enrollment we will refund your workshop fees less the $100 processing fee.
This cancellation policy applies in every situation and there will be no exceptions made for any reason. We will not issue refunds for cancelations due to illness or late arrivals due to travel delays.
Arizona Highways PhotoScapes reserves the right to cancel or change any workshop if our minimum enrollment is not met or if situations beyond our control arise that may create unsafe or undesirable travel conditions. Cancelation or postponement as a result of situations beyond our control, AHPS does not promise any refunds or credits. If and when feasible, we will attempt to reschedule the workshop at a later date. Alternatively, we may decide to issue you credit for a future workshop, or issue a refund, less any non-refundable deposits we have paid to workshop providers on your behalf.
Please note that AHPS is not liable for any additional participant expenses incurred such as airfare, hotel accommodations, or any other components booked outside of the workshop.
PAYMENT TERMS: A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space. Please refer to the specific workshop for the required deposit. Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Approximately 15 days prior to the due date you will receive a reminder email that your balance is coming due. If final payments are not received by 70 days prior to your workshop, your registration is subject to forfeiture including all fees paid to date.
If you register within 90 days of a workshop, full payment is due at the time of registration.