USA Canyonlands & National Parks 16-Day Tour (Private)
- Regular price
- $8,935.00 AUD
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $8,935.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
SFR 5170* | Euro € 5570* | US$ 5850 pp in twin-share (double occupancy)
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the American West, Deserts & Canyons. Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Yosemite are just some of the National Parks we’ll visit while exploring the full potential of your DSLR or mirrorless camera, build up your confidence & creativity. Gain the ability to plan ahead and understand the light, research your subject, what lens to use, set your exposure & how to frame your image in-the-field.
EXTRA BONUS: Our September 2025 itinerary has an extra day/night at Monument Valley at no extra cost (making it a 17-day tour) allowing us to experience and capture this amazing National Park at both Sunset & Sunrise !!!
ESCAPE THE BUSY TOURISTIC TRACKS AND TAKE A ONCE IN A LIFETIME PHOTOGRAPHY ROAD TRIP ACROSS AMERICA'S CANYONLANDS AND NATIONAL PARKS MOST ICONIC LANDSCAPES.
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USA CANYON & NATIONAL PARKS
Be ready to be blown away by the Grand Canyon iconic 180 degrees view! At 445 kms long, 29 kms wide and as much as 1,857 meters deep, the Grand Canyon is home of the mighty Colorado River. Enjoy two nights and a full day at leisure to explore ‘The City of Lights’ Las Vegas. LA’s famous Venice beach, Santa Monica, Palm Springs and San Francisco are also on the card.
A unique opportunity to explore some of the most picturesque National Parks and canyons on the West Coast of the United States.
We focus on providing personal and expert services that meets all your expectations and needs. All our photography itineraries are carefully put together with the help of local boutique tour operators - small group travel, in a safe and friendly environment, allowing you to experience a diversity of culture, landscape and lighting with other like minded travellers.
Highlight and Inclusions
This Exclusive small-group photographic adventure has been carefully put together, allowing you to experience a diversity of breathtaking American landscapes and iconic canyons. We guarantee a wealth of photography opportunities, including small group tuition, practical notes and one-to-one support tailored to your individual needs while on-location learning the importance of image composition, available light and night photography techniques.
- Experience a unique itinerary specially designed for photographers
- 15 cosy nights in 3 and 4 stars hotel or similar
- Twin-share room in specially selected accommodation
- Refer to 'Date & Cost' for single room supplement
- Daily breakfast and 3 dinner during the duration of the tour
- Comfortable air conditioned vehicle (incl. 2 water bottle pp p/day)
- Private driver guide (incl. tipping)
- Boutique tour operator with local knowledge
- All entrance fees to exhibits & locations that we visit for photography
- Welcome meal in Santa Monica, CA
- Night photography session at Joshua Tree & Death Valley
- Sunset & night photo session in the Grand Canyon
- A smorgasbords of photography opportunities throughout the 15 days
- Spectacular panoramic views over Monument Valley
- Traditional Navarro cooked meal in Page
- Private tour to Antelope Canyon upper level
- An array of iconic National Parks landscapes with plenty of photography time
- 2x 'FIREFALL' sunset photo session at Yosemite NP (weather permitting - February tour only)
- Short accessible walks to explore some of the best photo locations on tour
- Free night in Las Vegas to your leisure
- Star gazing evening with local guide in Sequoia National Park
- Evening meal in Yosemite National Park
- El Captain, Artist Palette, Refrigerator Canyon, Bad Water, Ghost Town, Colorado River are just some of the names on the list of places you’ll discover…
- Guided tour in San Francisco with sunset session – Golden Gate Bridge
- As it is our own personalised photo tour, we can stop when and where we want!
- Professional photography advise
- Fully escorted tour
- Photography group of 6 – 8 participants maximum
Dates
September 17th - October 3rd, 2025 USA Canyonlands & National Parks Photo Tour (Starts in Los Angeles and finishes in San Francisco)
EXTRA BONUS: Our September 2025 itinerary (17-day) include an extra day/night at Monument Valley at no extra charge !!!
Cost: AU$ 8,935 pp in double occupancy | single supplement AU$2450
SFR 5170.00* | Euro € 5570.00* | US$ 5850.00* Per person in twin-share
Private room & solo traveller supplement: SFR 1400.00* | Euro € 1500.00* | US$ 1575.00
(All pricing for this tour have been calculated in US$, exchange rates may vary between currencies)
Non Photographer companion welcome
Take 5% off of the total costs of any tours when you sign up for 2 or more tours. (*conditions apply, not valid with any other offers, applicable only for direct online bookings). Spouse, companion & non-photographer welcome.
Escape the busy tracks and experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to shoot dramatic scenery from sunrise to sunset, and capture the breathtaking night sky shining over some f the most iconic landscape in America. This 2025 USA Canyonlands & National Parks photo tour is offered as a stand-alone tour with option to add a pre – Los Angeles tour extension September (2-Day) or a post San Francisco & Napa Valley tour (3-Day Oct). It is a perfect tour to include a non-photographer companion
The only extra cost for non-photographers is US$3975 plus meals and transportation cost during the tour. (The single supplement fee also applies to the participant). Observers/ non-photographers companions can either tag along while you are out taking photographs, or do their own exploring of the surroundings and we’ll all meet up in the evenings to share a few stories of the day’s events.
Optional Activities
Palm Spring Aerial Tramway US$25 pp / 2hrs. (TBC)
Grand Canyon 25-30 minutes Helicopter Tour US$195 pp or 45-50 minutes US$265 pp (TBC)
A US$2000 deposit will secure your spot.
What is included?
- 15 nights accommodations in 3 & 4 stars hotel or similar
- Breakfast (15x) and dinner (3x) during the duration of the Tour
- Private transportation & local guide for the duration of the tour (including driver’s tipping*)
- All entrance fees to exhibits, national parks admission & locations that we visit for photography
- Photography coaching and guidance, image editing sessions
- Local boutique operator and professional photography instruction
Other Options Available
All prices have been calculated in US Dollars and may vary with the daily international exchange rates.
Level of physical difficulty: 3 out of 5
This 16-Day Tour starts in Santa Monica – Los Angeles and finishes in San Francisco. It is suitable for beginners and experienced photographers of all ages. A moderate level of fitness is required (some walking).
Please note that the February tour starts in San Francisco and finished in Los Angeles.
Itinerary
LOS ANGELES – EARLY ARRIVAL
Optional. To be organised at time of booking.
(TBC)
Arrival on own – checking from 3pm
Short Walk to Santa Monica Pier/ Venice Beach
Sunset Photography session on the Beach
Dinner in Santa Monica
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott or Doubletree*
(NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST)
DAY 01
PALM SPRING
Pick-up 8 am at the Courtyard by Marriott or Doubletree (TBC) Santa Monica
Transfer to Palm Spring
Sunset & Blue Light Photo Session at Joshua Tree
Accommodation: Hilton Palm Spring
Optional – PM (2hrs) Aerial Tramway-PSP/ Cost: US$25.95 pp
DAY 02
LAUGHLIN
Breakfast
Joshua Tree National Park
Landscape Photography Workshop
Intro to ND Filters & Post-Processing
Accommodation: Harrah’s Laughlin
DAY 03
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast
Transfer to Grand Canyon National Park
Sunset photo session at Hermits (Grand Canyon)
Nightscape Photography Workshop
Accommodation: Yavapai Lodge West
DAY 04
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast
Sunrise Photography session
Free morning at the Grand Canyon NP
Horseshoe Bend Photography session – PM
Post-Processing session
Accommodations Best Western Plus at Lake Powell
Optional Tour: 25-30min. Helicopter Tour US$195 pp* (not incl.)
Optional Tour: 45-50min. Helicopter Tour US$265 pp* (not incl.)
DAY 05
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast
Antelope Canyon National Park (Upper Tour)
Monument Valley National Park
Landscape Photography Workshop
Monument Valley Drive
BBQ Dinner/ Navajo Cookout
Accommodations: Best Western Plus at Lake Powell
DAY 06
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast
Transfer to Zion NP via Kanab Utah
Colorado River crossing Navajo Bridge,
Ghost Town Western Landscapes
Zion National Park
Accommodations: Best Western Plus Zion Canyon
DAY 07
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast
Zion National Park
Accommodations: Best Western Plus Zion Canyon
DAY 08
LAS VEGAS
Breakfast
Zion National Park
Refrigerator Canyon
Valley of Fire State Park
Downtown Las Vegas evening/ night tour
Accommodations: Luxor Hotel*
DAY 09
LAS VEGAS
Breakfast
Free leisure day
Accommodations: Luxor Hotel*
Optional: One-on-One Post processing hands-on tuition** (morning)
Optional: Private Lightroom/ Photoshop tuition** (morning)
Private & group critique session
DAY 10
DEATH VALLEY NAT’L PARK
Breakfast
Death Valley National Park
Badwater, Artists Palette, Devel’s Golf Course, etc.
Nightscape Photography Session
Accommodations:Hotel Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
DAY 11
DEATH VALLEY NAT’L PARK
Breakfast
Death Valley National Park
Nightscape Photography Session
Accommodations: Hotel Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel
DAY 12
SEQUOIA NAT’L PARK
Breakfast
Transfer to SNP via Kings Canyon (TBC)
Sequoia National Park
Stargazing with Park Ranger
Accommodations: Wuksachi Lodge
DAY 13
YOSEMITE NAT’L PARK
Breakfast
Mariposa Grove
Yosemite National Park
Sunset Session at Mercedes River (LTBC)
Dinner at the Lodge
Accommodations: Yosemite View Lodge
DAY 14
YOSEMITE NAT’L PARK
Breakfast
Sleep in optional
Sunrise Photography Session at Tunnel View (LTBC)
Full-day exploring the Park
Accommodations: Yosemite View Lodge
DAY 15
SAN FRANCISCO
Breakfast
Transfer to San Francisco
Sunset at Baker Beach (Golden Bridge)
Farewell Dinner
Accommodations: Hilton Union Square
DAY 16
SAN FRANCISCO
Breakfast
Departure on own – Checkout by 11am
OPTION TO ADD A COUPLE OF DAYS IN SF AT THE END OF THE ITINERARY
(NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST) To be organised with BTT at time of booking.
Personal Items & Weather Conditions
Temperature range for this time of year: 8C to 25C but it can get down to 5C
Average monthly rain for this time of year: 3
Be organized and pack smart on this Canyons & National Parks Photo Tour, as you will be on the go to fit as much photography session as we can and you will have to wheel your luggage from the bus to your hotel room during the trip. You will have access to your luggage at anytime during the trip, however I recommend to pack a basic easy to grab change of cloth (jacked or light weight rain coat, etc.) in a smaller backpack or in your camera bag for the overnight or in case the weather changes suddenly.
Two pairs of shoes: One sturdy pair for in the field that you can get wet if we have a rain day. One pair for evenings or the next day in case the first pair is not dry.
Light weight rain jacket and rain pants. You don’t have to go all out here, but it will also help you to keep warm at night. * I really suggest a rain jacket if nothing else, the rain gear will keep you dry when walking in the parks. I have a pair of Teflon rain pants & jacket, super light and perfect to keep in you camera bag in case of a sudden change in the weather.
A warm jacket, long trousers and a jumper or light jacket for those late evening and early morning shoots. It can get really cold at high altitude all year round, and specially at 4am as we wait for the sun to rise in Death Valley or Yosemite National Park.
Hat and sun screen protection.
Equipment
Camera Equipment.
Your favourite DSLR camera, a multi focal lens (i.e 18-70mm) or fix lens, the wider the angle the better (i.e 14, 18 or 20mm full frame camera and 10, 12mm cropped sensor camera), and a medium to long-range lens (i.e. 80-300mm), plenty of memory cards and fully charged batteries. A small steady tripod & cable release for long exposure is essential. Don’t forget to bring your camera manual if you are not 100% sure about your camera functions. Please note that for better results a recent DSLR digital camera is preferable (0-5yrs old) as technology changes. Polarizer filter, Neutral Density and grabs filters are not a prerequisite but are great tools to have for long exposure and colour saturation.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and advanced photographers of all ages, however a good sense of humour and minimum fitness is recommended. Sturdy shoes, suitable warm cloths, drink bottle, a head torch and a good camera bag… remember, you will be the one carrying your own photography gears!
Tour Extensions
A perfect add-on before your Canyonlands & National Parks Photo Tour is our candid 4 Day Los Angeles photo tour or after your Canyonlands & National Parks Photo Tour to join us on a 5 Day San Francisco & Napa Valley Photo Tour
Take 5% off of the total costs of any tours when you sign up for 2 or more.
City of Angeles Photo Tour | Los Angeles Photo Tour
September 17 to 19 | 2024 (2 to 3 nights options)
Napa Valley in the autumn | San Francisco & Napa Valley Photo Tour
October 4 to 7 | 2020 (2 to 3 nights options)
Cancellations, Refunds, Guides & Weather Policy
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation Policy: A 25 – 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat depending on the tour that you have selected - refer to individual itinerary. Seats to be paid in full at the time of booking or within 4 weeks of departure on all Australian tours except all extended tours; 8 weeks for Karijini, Exmouth to Broome, Golden Outback & Southwest WA, Margaret River, Kalbarri Coral Coast 5-Day and Wave Rock, and 12 weeks on all extended European & USA tours including: Paris, Zermatt, Venice, Tuscany, Italian Dolomites, Swiss & French Alps tour and USA Canyons & National Parks. Cancellations less than 30 days on day tours no refund; 12 weeks for all extended tours, including: Karijini, Exmouth to Broome, Golden Outback & Southwest WA, Margaret River, Kalbarri Coral Coast 5-Day and Wave Rock, it also includes all our international tours & workshops: Paris, Zermatt, Venice, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Italian Dolomites, Swiss & French Alps tour and all the North American tours. Deposits non refundable except tours cancelled due to sever weather, mechanical failure or minimum numbers not met; full refund will be given. Minimum and maximum numbers are at the discretion of the operator. Tours already commenced no refund. No refund for tours missed due to lateness & sickness. Travel insurance and public liability (in the even you accidentally damage someone else property) are mandatory on all our extended tours and highly recommended on day tours as well. Check-in 15 minutes prior to departure. Maximum 1 baggage* per person i.e. Camera bag water bottle jumper (Extra luggage* allowance on all extended tours (1 pp – personal effects) NOTE: We cannot guarantee that you will see kangaroos emus or any wild animals on our tours nor wildflowers as they are seasonal. For MasterClass workshops extended tours and international travel policy please check our website or individual tours.
Tour Guides
Our tours leader is Martial Fatton – Blue Tongue Tours Owner/ Operator, however we reserve the right to provide a photographer of our choosing, which we guarantee is competent of their position. Your assigned photographer might change from initial notification until the tour departure due to illness, engagements or any other reason deemed necessary by Blue Tongue Tours, not limited to the photographers listed on this site. While we do our best to match you with a photographer of your choosing if requested, for these reasons we cannot guarantee a specific photographer for an individual tour.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, before the tour commences, you have the option of a) continuing the tour as planned and we’ll do our best to concentrate the tour to areas sheltered from the elements. At prior request, we can provide an umbrella. Or b) rescheduling the tour at no additional cost (availability permitting).
Itineraries are subject to change depending on weather and other circonstances beyond our control. Changes in the itinerary are always made to provide the best possible experience and safety of our clients!
