UTAH
Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Moab, Arches, Monument Valley
UTAH
ARIZONA
GRAND TETON
YOSEMITE
BANFF
Discover a Desert Utopia in Utah.
Join our 10-day Utah Photo Tour and Landscape Adventure and be prepared for some of the most breathtaking and recognizable scenery found anywhere in the world. Towering sandstone cliffs, arches, domes, mesas, and buttes are just the start of the geography that is found there. Just imagine the eye-popping hues that saturate this landscape: the deep-crimson canyons of Zion National Park, the delicate pink-and-orange minarets at Bryce Canyon, and the swirling yellow-white domes of Capitol Reef. This relatively small section of land is so spectacular that it encompasses three national parks.
Starting in Utah’s capital, Salk Lake City, we will head to the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, their warm morning alpenglow providing a welcome contrast to the stark desert sunlight we will experience in other areas. Our cameras will capture the fading of winter, where only the highest peaks, such as Mount Timpanogos maintain their snow, yet the verdant green pastures below portray Utah’s seasonal awakening. Spring will also be in full bloom at Arches National Park, where resilient wildflowers burst forth from the arid land. Pink globemallows and yellow evening primroses decorate the landscape, as do the majestic sandstone sculptures and natural arches we will be shooting.
In Bryce Canyon National Park, we will be hiking around the rim and deep into its most iconic feature: its amphitheater canyon, which is so awe-inspiring that no words could do it justice, although our photography might. This is a bowl-shaped valley of epic proportions, where spire rock formations known as “hoodoos” slope down into the canyon like the rows of seating in a theatre. We will be photographing this dramatic spectacle at Sunrise and Sunset Points at different parts of the day. Zion National Park is the epitome of an oasis in the desert, offering red Navajo cliffs, fresh waterfalls, and emerald pools. We will venture to the Virgin River which snakes through this tight gorge known as the “narrows” – super slender slot cannons with high vertical walls.
Canyonlands will provide us with some of the best panoramic views during our photo trip. We will snap the incredible vistas from Dead Horse Point of the Colorado and Green Rivers that run through Canyonlands, and beautiful serpentine meanders carved deep into the eroded canyons below. The “Island in the Sky” district of the park sits on top of a flat-topped, elevated platform with steep sides. Looking up from the canyon below, it looks like it’s floating, hence the name. We will use our cameras to play with these perspectives.
This 10-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.
Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. With its diverse landscapes, soul-stirring desert beauty, and dramatic lighting, you will walk away with a body of work that encapsulates the heart of Red Rock Country. Your visual odyssey starts here!
Please note: Our photography guide will always be on the look-out for interesting images during our photo adventure and for this reason, our itineraries are always subject to change. Weather plays a major role in capturing the best images possible. Changing light and weather conditions will always be assessed and changes in the schedule will be made accordingly. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure are key to having a great time and capturing stellar photographs.
Springtime will offer both perfect temperatures for desert hiking, as well as catching the wildflowers blooming in many of the locations we will visit.
Starting in Utah’s capital, Salk Lake City, we will head to the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, their warm morning alpenglow providing a welcome contrast to the stark desert sunlight we will experience in other areas. Our cameras will capture the fading of winter, where only the highest peaks, such as Mount Timpanogos maintain their snow, yet the verdant green pastures below portray Utah’s seasonal awakening. Spring will also be in full bloom at Arches National Park, where resilient wildflowers burst forth from the arid land. Pink globemallows and yellow evening primroses decorate the landscape, as do the majestic sandstone sculptures and natural arches we will be shooting.
In Bryce Canyon National Park, we will be hiking around the rim and deep into its most iconic feature: its amphitheater canyon, which is so awe-inspiring that no words could do it justice, although our photography might. This is a bowl-shaped valley of epic proportions, where spire rock formations known as “hoodoos” slope down into the canyon like the rows of seating in a theatre. We will be photographing this dramatic spectacle at Sunrise and Sunset Points at different parts of the day. Zion National Park is the epitome of an oasis in the desert, offering red Navajo cliffs, fresh waterfalls, and emerald pools. We will venture to the Virgin River which snakes through this tight gorge known as the “narrows” – super slender slot cannons with high vertical walls.
Canyonlands will provide us with some of the best panoramic views during our photo trip. We will snap the incredible vistas from Dead Horse Point of the Colorado and Green Rivers that run through Canyonlands, and beautiful serpentine meanders carved deep into the eroded canyons below. The “Island in the Sky” district of the park sits on top of a flat-topped, elevated platform with steep sides. Looking up from the canyon below, it looks like it’s floating, hence the name. We will use our cameras to play with these perspectives.
This 10-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.
Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. With its diverse landscapes, soul-stirring desert beauty, and dramatic lighting, you will walk away with a body of work that encapsulates the heart of Red Rock Country. Your visual odyssey starts here!
Please note: Our photography guide will always be on the look-out for interesting images during our photo adventure and for this reason, our itineraries are always subject to change. Weather plays a major role in capturing the best images possible. Changing light and weather conditions will always be assessed and changes in the schedule will be made accordingly. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure are key to having a great time and capturing stellar photographs.
Springtime will offer both perfect temperatures for desert hiking, as well as catching the wildflowers blooming in many of the locations we will visit.
Group Size
4-8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
- Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
- All cameras and camera phones are welcome
- Moderate schedule
- Travel by car or minibus
- Moderate elevation changes with moderate amounts of hiking
- (non-photographers also welcome)
Weather | Sun
April – Temps 61/43 F 16/6 C Sunrise 6:34 | Sunset 8:17 (20:17)
September – Temps 71/51 F 22/11 C Sunrise 7:05 | Sunset 7:35 (19:35)
Includes
- Travel, landscape, nature and wildlife photography
- Professional photographer | guide
- Photo walks, hikes & discussions
- Small group size (4-8 guests)
- Premium hotels (except in remote locations)
- Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- National Park Permits
- Local transportation
Travel Information
Arrival Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah (SLC) – Transfer time to hotel 30min
Departure Airport: Las Vegas International Airport, Nevada (LAS)
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to iVisa to find out.
Accommodations
Salt Lake City – The Grand America Hotel or similar
Moab – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab or similar
Monument Valley – Goulding’s Lodge or similar
Torrey – Capital Reef Resort or similar
Bryce Canyon National Park – Stone Canyon Inn or similar
Bluff – Desert Rose Inn & Cabins or similar
Utah Prices & Dates
Adventure | Price | REGISTER |
---|---|---|
From: $7,995 | ||
From: $8,395 |
Photographer Leader
Jerry Adamo
April 19-28, 2025
April 18-27, 2026
*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.
ITINERARY
UTAH 10 DAYS
Day 1 | Salt Lake City - Antelope Island State Park
We meet at our hotel in the late morning for our first lunch together as a group. Afterward, we will go over PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. After a short break, we head out to Antelope Island State Park to photograph bison and the sunset over the Great Salt Lake.
Day 2 | Wasatch Mountains - Moab - Castle Valley
We check out of our hotel and head into the nearby Wasatch Mountains to take advantage of the morning light. The North Fields in the Heber Valley will be our first stop. In the distance towering above the lush green farmland is Mount Timpanogos which will still be covered in snow. In the meadows, we’ll have horses, old barns and perhaps sandhill cranes as possible subjects to photograph.
Leaving the Valley we head east and then south on the remote back highways to Moab. After checking into our hotel and taking a brief rest, we will take a drive deep within a canyon along the Colorado River to visit The Fisher Towers, Castle Rock and other fantastic formations in and around Castle Valley. If conditions are right we’ll fine-tune your sunset shooting skills including instructions on how to capture the details in the darker regions of the canyons as well as the brilliant colors in the sky.
We’ll enjoy our “Welcome Dinner” in Castle Valley along the Colorado River prior to our sunset shoot. (B) (D)
Note: Each night during your adventure we’ll assess the weather conditions and for those interested, there may be a late night or very early morning wake up call to head out to do some night sky photography. Timing will be determined by the position of the Milky Way.
Day 3 | Moab - Canyonlands - Arches National Park
We get an early start with a drive into Canyonlands National Park to one of the scenics overlooks high above the Colorado and Green Rivers. Dead Horse Point State Park may be taken in as we explore the “Island in the Sky” region of the National Park”. A breakfast picnic may take place since we will not be returning to Moab until afternoon.
For a view from below the cliffs, we’ll be taking a drive down the Shafer Trail and possibly along part of the White Rim Trail, “roads” once used during the uranium mining boom of the 1950s. Looking high up on the surrounding cliffs you’ll be viewing the spot where we photographed from earlier in the morning.
We return to our hotel for lunch, rest up and possibly do a review of your images to date. Later we’ll head to Utah’s best-known scenic attraction, Arches National Park. In the spring wildflowers will make for a great foreground with massive sandstone buttes everywhere you look. This is a wonderful time of day to capture Balanced Rock, the Three Gossips and the Courthouse Towers. When we arrive back in Moab we’ll have dinner before retiring for the day. (B)
Day 4 | Arches National Park
We return to Arches National Park to photograph the early morning light as the sun appears over the La Sal Mountains. The famous Turret and Double Arch formations in the Windows District will be the main subject this morning with the snow-capped La Sal Mountains as a spectacular background and a dramatic contrast to the red-rock desert landscape before us.
Your guide and instructor is always there to point out composition and camera setting options. Small adjustments in either case or both, can make a big difference in the quality of your photographs. Identifying and understanding possible options and fine-tuning these skills is the goal of PWA, along with having a wonderful time! There are many easy to reach photographic opportunities within the Park and we’ll cover as much ground as possible but the emphasis here, as will be the case during the entire adventure, is to capture quality images, not quantity.
After our morning in Arches, we return to Moab for breakfast. The destination for photographing sunset will be determined by what we’ve managed to capture so far and as always by the weather conditions. You won’t be disappointed! (B)
Day 5 | Moab - Valley of the Gods - Monument Valley
A chance to sleep in… kind of! We will have breakfast at the hotel before checking out as we leave Moab behind and make our way south towards Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
We’ll have lunch along the way before driving on a short distance to a seldom visited area called Valley of the Gods. Here we will have freestanding sandstone pinnacles towering above us rising hundreds of feet from the desert floor. If our timing is right and Mother Nature cooperates we should also have wildflowers to work with as a foreground to your images. We can perhaps practice macro photography but that will be an option and technique considered during the entire workshop.
We check into our hotel then spend time photographing sunset around the Navajo Tribal Park before dinner. (B)
Day 6 | Monument Valley - Capitol Reef National Park
We have a very early start today as we join a local Navajo guide for a private tour into a restricted area of the Park for sunrise. Our native guide will be happy to answer your questions and help educate us on the landscape as well as the traditions and life of the Navajo people.
We return to the hotel, have breakfast then check out before we start our journey back to the North then West with the destination of Capitol Reef National Park for the night. If time permits, we make take a drive to The Goosenecks which shows the power of the San Juan River as it winds its way through the desert far below. Hold On! Where’s the road?! Hidden in the sheer cliff walls east of Valley of the Gods appears a steep switchback road, an incredible feat of engineering called the Moki Dugway. As we climb higher and higher along this gravel road rising above the desert floor we’ll stop to take in the view, take a breath and of course to take some photographs.
Continuing our journey we enter the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area as the road crosses over the Colorado River just before it enters Lake Powell. The water level of the lake has dropped quite dramatically in recent years exposing the once submerged twist and turns of Glen Canyon. We’ll take time here to wander around exploring this amazing landscape before continuing our journey towards Capitol Reef National Park. A
fter a drive through the National Park, we arrive in the small town of Torrey which is located right at the west entrance. We will check-in to our hotel and after resting up, we return to Capitol Reef for sunset at Panorama Point or some other appropriate location depending on lighting conditions. We then return to Torrey and enjoy a much deserved night’s sleep. (B)
Day 7 | Capitol Reef National Park - Bryce National Park
We start this day retracing our way through Capitol Reef to photograph sunrise around the lunar-like landscape of Factory Butte within the Caineville Wash. There are many options for photography and your guide will help in determining where the best locations to the head might be.
After checking out we once again turn to the South making our way along what to many is the most scenic highways in the United States to our next destination Bryce National Park. Along the way, we cross through the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument with several vistas showing the twist and turns of the water carved sandstone canyons far below.
We check-in then have dinner before heading to the nearby rim of Bryce National Park to photograph the delicate formations below-called Hoodoos at Sunset and Sunrise Point. (B)
Day 8 | Bryce National Park - Zion National Park
The morning starts at Sunrise Point for what else, sunrise! Breakfast snacks will be provided as time is short and the light changes rapidly. Next, it’s over the rim and into the canyon we hike. Going down is the easy part. It’s the climb back out that’s more difficult as we are at a deceivingly high altitude of 9,000 feet. The effort is well worth it and we will never be in a rush. Should you decide not to join the hike there’s plenty to see, photograph and enjoy along the rim of the canyon.
We’ll check-out of our hotel, have “brunch” and move farther south to Zion National Park. As we drive from the east entrance of the Park to the west, we’ll make stops along the way to take in the view and make some photos. At the opposite end of the park is our lodge in the town of Springdale. After checking in we’ll make the short drive back to the Park somewhere along the Virgin River to photograph the sunset illuminating the steep red canyon walls that surround us. Dinner back at our hotel. (B)
Day 9 | Zion National Park
No visit to Zion is complete without venturing deep into the canyon where the Virgin River exits the world famous “Narrows”. A shuttle will take us to end of the road where we’ll get out and walk first up the narrow canyon before returning downstream to capture some of the other dramatic landscapes the Park has to offer.
Photographing in these very narrow canyons can be a challenge and we’ll show you the tricks to capturing the stunning scenery before you. There is plenty to see and photograph within the Park. As always, we’ll assess the conditions and adjust the itinerary accordingly to get you to the best locations for the given light so you have the opportunity to return with spectacular images.
Lunch will be in Springdale where afterward you’re free to rest up and or explore the small town. Next, we’ll return to the Park for the late afternoon light. The high red rock walls streaked by “Indian varnish” seem to glow in the light late in the day and we’ll explore locations along the Virgin River to capture this spectacle.
We’ll return to Springdale for our “Farewell Dinner” then retire for much needed and deserved rest. (B) (D)
Day 10 | Zion National Park - Las Vegas
On our final day together we’ll enjoy a nice breakfast in the town of Springdale. During that time we’ll have a discussion about our trip, answer any questions and trade contact information. After checkout, we’ll head west to Las Vegas and either drop you at the airport or at your hotel, where we’ll bid you farewell.
We urge you to extend your stay in Nevada and make good use of everything you have learned on our photo adventure. (B)
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion
May all who come as guests... leave as friends®
OPTIONS AND BENEFITS
Pricing
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.
Private Guided Adventures
We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.
Travel Insurance
We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.
The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.
Rewards Program
Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!
How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.
ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.
GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.
Additional Gold Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).
Additional VIP Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
- Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
- Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*
Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.
THINK ORANGE Magazine
Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!
Gift Cards
Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.