Photo Safaris - FOCUS ON: Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase and Escalante


		Dates	October 2–9, 2005
		Leaders	Jack Dykinga, Jeff Foott, Cliff Zenor andJeff Vanuga
		Fee	$2,595 from Salt Lake City, Utah
		Deposit	$300
		Limit	32

Soaring multicolored cliffs, winding cottonwood-lined canyons, fluid sandstone sculptures, cool fir forests and flaming aspen groves—southcentral Utah is a land of dramatic contrasts and virtually unlimited photographic possibilities. This is the setting for a spectacular week of photography and instruction on the seldom-traveled scenic back roads of Utah’s incredible slickrock country in autumn.

Through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park runs the Waterpocket Fold, a vast formation of uplifted layers of rock hundreds of miles long. Along this line of soft sedimentary rock, erosion has created a geologic wonderland of beautiful rock forms painted in a rainbow of colors. In one of the Earth's most extraordinary landscapes, we'll find sheer towering cliffs, boldly patterned terraces, sparkling red and white domes, and deep twisting canyons whose walls dance with the reflected light that elevates simple rock into incomparable sculpture.

These formations stand as a striking backdrop for the delightful Fremont River that runs through the park. In this arid land, the river is an oasis of life, sheltering an abundance of plants and animals. And the river's presence adds to the visual diversity, which beckons to be discovered and recorded by the photographer. The flowing water and the gentle greens of cottonwoods soften the warm reds of the canyon walls. Along stream courses are reminders of the ancient peoples who came before us, their legacy recorded in the now silent pit houses.

At higher elevations in Dixie National Forest, we encounter cool, moist mountain forests of aspen and conifers. Our Focus Tour is timed so we should experience the changing of the seasons here, when the dark green of pines accents brilliant hillsides of shimmering golden aspen leaves.

Descending from the aspen groves, we'll visit the 1.7-million-acre Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Established in September 1996 by presidential decree, this vast expanse—the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined—is centered on the Escalante River. This little known and seldom photographed area is one of the last great wilderness regions remaining in the lower 48 states. Here, salmon, red and white sandstones swirl in fluid motion frozen in rock. We’ll be in place to meet the early morning light as it bathes these dramatic formations with a rich golden glow. Although there are some significant distances between the national monument’s most noteworthy features, their remoteness and virtual lack of tourists is part of their overall appeal.

We have reserved the entire Boulder Mountain Lodge for the exclusive use of our 32 participants. This exceptional lodge is the perfect home base for our daily photo explorations of this fantastic region. Jack Dykinga, Jeff Foott, Cliff Zenor and Jeff Vanuga lead the trip—four exceptional instructors who know the area extremely well. The incredible wealth of excellent photographic situations can be tailored to groups of differing walking abilities allowing us to provide shoots within easy walking distance of the road, or a bit more strenuous and adventurous for those who wish. This flexibility means we can cover a lot of territory to maximize and individualize our shooting and instruction time! Join our outstanding leaders on this special exploration of the back roads of the southwest’s remaining pristine wilderness. This trip can also be taken in conjunction with our Bryce Canyon National Park and Antelope Canyon tour October 10–16.

Day 1
Participants should make arrangements to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport. Contact our hotel by courtesy phone for their complimentary shuttle. We'll meet in the lobby at 6:30 PM for an orientation dinner. (D)

Day 2
We’ll depart Salt Lake City early for a leisurely drive to Boulder, Utah. On our way, we'll be greeted by our first views of the spectacular Waterpocket Fold and other outstanding geologic features. Strategically located between Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, our lodge is the perfect base for our photographic endeavors. The lodge itself is an intimate arrangement of buildings, beautifully set around a 15-acre lake. It is located near Highway 12, recently designated a “Great American Highway,” as well as one of the top ten scenic drives in America chosen by Car and Driver magazine. The quiet town of Boulder is considered one of the most remote settlements in the lower 48 states, and was in fact the last community in America to stop receiving its mail by mule train. Later this afternoon we’ll shoot in a nearby scenic location. (BLD)
Days 3–7
These five days will be filled with intimate exploration, and informative shooting tips, to capture great images of the inspiring panoramas in this spectacular region. Usually, after an early breakfast, the tour leaders will assess weather and light conditions and choose a shooting location which will provide optimum photographic success. One day will be set aside to photograph high elevation aspen forests on Boulder Mountain and the surrounding mountainsides on the edge of the Aquarius Plateau in Dixie National Forest. Our trip is timed to catch the beginning of autumn here in the high country, and the hillsides should be covered with golden-leafed aspens mixed with darker conifer-edged ridges. Competing with the hillsides for our attention will be breathtaking panoramas of Waterpocket Fold below.

In the national monument we’ll shoot the Devil’s Garden, capture sheer sandstone cliffs reflected in the languid Escalante River, and spend time along scenic Calf Creek. We'll venture up the historic Burr Trail through winding canyons flanked by awe-inspiring cliffs. Over eons, minerals leaching from the rocks have stained these cliffs with multi-colored patterns reminiscent of those woven into Navajo rugs. Erosion has also sculpted the cliffs, carving a matrix of intricate grottoes and crevices.

In Capitol Reef National Park, weather permitting, we'll venture into the twisting spur of Grand Wash, which takes us into new areas dramatically different from those we've explored so far. Bathed in warm, luminous light reflected from wall to wall, the massive 360-foot-tall cliffs of Wingate Sandstone loom overhead. Isolated plants clinging to the sheer cliffs accent the rock and provide focal points for our images. Along with landscape photography, we may also have opportunities to photograph mule deer in prime condition which, along with other animals, are attracted to the lush habitat surrounding the spectacularly panoramic views of Fremont Canyon, the Egyptian Temples and the Golden Throne. We will also search for those magic moments when the interplay of light and shadow bring the rocks to life. (BLD)

Day 8
After an early breakfast we return to Salt Lake City, arriving by noon. Participants should make arrangements for flights departing after 1 PM. (B)



	Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.