Photographers Trail Notes

12/07/2024

08/06/2024

One of my favorite places to photograph in the summer is the Grand Canyon during Monsoon season. Good friend and fellow PTN contributor Rob Stain is hosting a MONSOONS & THE GRAND CANYON PHOTO WORKSHOP from August 7 to 11, 2024.

Details on the workshop can be found at https://www.robstrain.com/monsoons-the-grand-canyon

I will be there with my long lens, lighting trigger, and running shoes.

18/06/2023

GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE
Near Canyon Village Yellowstone, WY

Until I came to Yellowstone, I thought the only Grand Canyon was in the southwest. Well, I was wrong. This Grand Canyon is 20 miles long, up to 4,000 feet wide, and 1,200 feet deep. But what makes this location special is the combination of the pink, yellow, and orange colored walls, and the massive 300 ft Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - of all the many great photographic locations inside of Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone provides the most breathtaking views and infinite compositions. There are several great vantage points to take pictures from (on both the south or north rim). The classic shot is from Artist Point on the south rim. However, I think the best shots are taken from north rim. The shot above was taken on the south rim just off of the main parking lot.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/grand-canyon-of-the-yellowstone-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

09/06/2023

DUNLOUP CREEK FALLS
Near Thurmond, West Virginia

Image and location summary by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com

Dunloup Creek Falls, located near Thurmond, West Virginia, is part of one of the United States' newest national parks, New River Gorge National Park. Dunloup Creek empties into the New River just below Thurmond. The 20-foot tall waterfall is a beautiful roadside attraction, requiring minimal hiking to reach, despite being located a bit out of the way.

The falls are a bit isolated, located 8 miles from US-19 on Thurmond Road. The best vantage point is from the creek bed itself, a short scramble down the rocky banks. The near-ghost town of Thurmond is located just over 4 miles down the road, and is worth a visit as well.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/dunloup-creek-falls-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

04/06/2023

BASS HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE
Acadia National Park, ME

The Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most famous landmarks of Acadia National Park and is perhaps the most photographed lighthouse in the state of Maine. This classic brick structure (built in 1858) looks over the southern most point in Acadia (just south of the town of Bass Harbor) and is a must see when visiting Acadia National Park.

This is a wonderful place to visit and photograph. However, like many iconic places, this location can be challenging as the spot upon which you must stand to get the shot is rocky, slippery, crowded and directly next to the ocean. For sunset - arrive early, be patient, bring only the minimum equipment needed and enjoy the majesty of this great place.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/bass-harbor-lighthouse

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

02/06/2023

BALANCED ROCK
Arches National Park, UT

Balanced Rock is found in the Arches National Park, just a few miles north or Moab, UT. This unique rock formation is one of the most popular features in the park and is located right next to the park's main road.

The total height of Balanced Rock is about 130ft., with the balancing rock 55ft. above the base. From a photographic standpoint, it is easy to make a great image. The shape and profile of the rock changes based on where you stand. The rock is made from red sandstone, which glows beautifully as the late sun touches it.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/balanced-rock-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

26/05/2023

ARCHANGEL FALLS
Zion National Park, UT

Archangel Falls are a series of cascading crimson steps fed by the North Creek coming from the iconic Subway, which is just a few hundred yards away. The falls are a fossilized bed of Kayenta shale and are surrounded by red Navajo sandstone towering over 500 feet on either side.

When the conditions are right, these simple falls can provide one of your best photographic opportunities in Zion National Park. However, like most great things, this shot is not easy to come by. The Archangel Falls are located toward the end of a grueling 4 mile hike (Left Fork North Creek - Subway) through the Kolob Terrace in Zion National Park. The hike is not for the weak or the faint of heart, but at the end you are rewarded with 3 GREAT photographic opportunities (Archangel Fall, the Crack, and the iconic Subway).

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/archangel-falls-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

19/05/2023

RAINBOW FALLS, WATKINS GLEN
Watkins Glens, NY
Image by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com

Watkins Glen State Park is located in New York State's Finger Lakes Region. The park's highlight feature is a 400-foot deep narrow gorge cut by Glen Creek. The park features three trails you can use to climb or descend the gorge.

The Southern Rim and Indian Trails lead along the wooded rim of the gorge. The trail you want though, is the Gorge Trail, which leads you over, under, and along the 19 waterfalls located in the park. The park opened as a private resort from 1863-1906, when it was purchased by the State of New York.

The Gorge Trail is only open from May through November, while the other trails are open year-round.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/mp-watkins-glen

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

14/05/2023

THE OVERLOOK
Near Hanksville, UT

Utah is one of the most photographically fertile areas in the American southwest - with ever ending abstracts, buttes, formations, striations, and jaw-dropping vistas. And this location, overlooking the astonishing badlands near Hanksville, UT is just another example of the amazing natural beauty this area has to offer.

The area west of Hanksville, UT (seen by many as lifeless and barren badlands) provides for some of the most unusual topographical abstracts found anywhere in the American southwest. And from this location (sometimes called the Moonscape overlook) you have a grand view of the unlimited extraterrestrial like terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/moonscape-overlook-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

12/05/2023

ELAKALA WATERFALL
Blackwater State Park / Davis, W.Va.
Image by Darron Franta @ www.frantaphotography.com

Within West Virginia’s Blackwater State Park there are numerous, beautiful waterfalls to visit, explore and photograph.

Elakala Falls, named for a love-sick Indian princess who, according to legend, threw herself over the falls, is the second most popular set of falls in the park and is a series of four distinct waterfalls along Shays Run as it descends into Blackwater Canyon.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/elakala-waterfall

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

05/05/2023

PEMAQUID POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Pemaquid Point, ME
Image by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a popular spot on Maine's midcoast for photographers, with the lighthouse set atop a rocky shoreline overlooking Muscongus Bay to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The brick tower was built in 1835, replacing the original tower, while the keeper's house was built in 1857. This location is unique for photographers in that you can photograph a full 360º around the lighthouse, making it an excellent location for both sunrise and sunset. While it is a popular spot for photographers, because of the many angles available, there is always plenty of room to work.

The lighthouse is perched 79 feet above sea level on a sloping, rocky promontory that marks the western entrance to Muscongus Bay. Because of its height above the water and being set back on the top of the promontory, it is difficult to get crashing waves in photographs, but the dramatic rock and multitude of available angles to photograph from make this a must-see on Maine's coast.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/pemaquid-point-lighthouse

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

28/04/2023

THE SUBWAY
Zion National Park, UT
Image by Darron Franta @ www.frantaphotography.com

The Subway is one of the most remarkable places you will ever visit and is one of the photographic gems of the American Southwest. It is located at the end of the grueling 4.5-mile hike, but when you finally arrive at the tube-like slot canyon, you find yourself completely mesmerized.

This place is simply amazing, and the turquoise pools and the glow on the florescent red walls are absolutely spectacular. For many, this is their favorite hike in the entire southwest.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/the-subway-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

21/04/2023

MORMON BARN (NORTH)
Jackson Hole, WY

Mormon Barn (North) - the historic old barns on Mormon Row are some of the most photographed barns in the country. The Mormon north barn and the T.A. Moulton Barn (South) are only about ¼ mile apart on the same road.

The north barn has a different look than the south barn and is popular with photographers. It has an old rustic western look with the Grand Tetons sitting right above the peak of the barn. There are tons and tons of ways to shoot the north barn: wide angle, from the side, way back, a compression shot, sunrise, midday, in the spring, or with snow.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/mormon-barn-north-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

16/04/2023

EUREKA DUNES
Death Valley, CA

The Eureka Dunes are located in a remote section of the northern part of Death Valley. In my opinion, they offer the best dune photographic opportunities in the southwest.

The dunes run about 3.3 miles long (north to south) and 1 mile (east to west), with the highest point 700 feet above the base—making them the second tallest dunes in the country. This location is very hard to get to, but provides many great curves, texture, abstracts, windstorms, and footprint-free dunes compared to other places in the park. Both sunset and sunrise offer great opportunities here, and the relative isolation of the Eureka Dunes makes it a very appealing location for creative thought for many photographers.

Eureka Dunes is a good location for 2-3 days of landscape photography. But, before considering shooting here, know this place is way off the grid and there is nothing—and I mean nothing—anywhere around. So make sure you bring plenty of food, water, and shelter, as you will be lucky to see more than a handful of people each day.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/eureka-dunes-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

14/04/2023

BANDON BEACH
Central Oregon Coast
Image by Mark Brodkin @ www.markbrodkin.com

Bandon Beach is probably the most popular beach on the Oregon Coast for photography. The beach is easy to access and enjoys some wonderfully shaped sea stacks. You could easily spend several hours to several days walking up and down the beach finding unique coastal compositions.

The main area for photography is a 1-mile stretch just south of the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. There are several great sea stack shapes, with Merlin’s hat and Face Rock being the most famous. Weather conditions on the southern Oregon Coast are unpredictable, so you sometimes have to wait for the perfect sunset. But when it happens, it is simply amazing!

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/bandon-beach-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

09/04/2023

COAL MINE CANYON
Near Tuba City, AZ

Coal Mine Canyon is another of the unique places in the American Southwest that seem to appear out of absolute nowhere. About 20 miles south of the small town of Tuba City, AZ in the middle of a barren, and seemly lifeless desert appears this magical oasis of shapes, formations and color.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/coal-mine-canyon-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

Certainly, one of the coolest places you have never heard of, this jaw-dropping canyon provides endless photographic opportunities and leaves you wondering how it all happened. The most intriguing feature of Coal Mine Canyon is the vivid magenta and yellow striations that seem to pop out of the rocks. At sunset, canyon’s glow can provide for a spectacular vista.

07/04/2023

PORTLAND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Elizabeth, ME

This iconic landmark is, in my opinion, the most picturesque lighthouse in the United States. I would consider this a must-visit if you are a photographer in the Portland, Maine area. Even though only 5 miles from Portland, the surrounding 90 acres and rugged coastline that make up Fort Williams Park make it feel very far removed. Built-in 1791 this is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and still an active navigation aid for vessels in the Gulf of Maine.

There are no bad angles here and with numerous trails to explore, photogenic rocks and the unpredictable open ocean a photographer could come here almost every day without ever getting bored. Of course, you will not be alone especially midday and for the best light opportunities have to be watchful of the park’s closing hours. I prefer this location for sunrise for multiple reasons but photographically you can take wonderful pictures here at sunset or throughout most of the daylight hours.

Photos and location summary by Matt Reynolds @ mattreynoldsphotography.com

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/portland-head-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

02/04/2023

MONUMENT VALLEY
Utah/Arizona Border

Monument Valley is one of the truly iconic places to visit and photograph in the American Southwest. The magnificent landscapes are filled with never ending mesas, plateaus, and enormous sandstone monuments (known as buttes). It’s a landscape photographer’s playground.

The most famous monuments in the valley are the mittens (east and west), which you have seen many times in stunning landscape images, movies, and TV shows. The mittens themselves are worth the visit, but there is so much more in this sacred Navajo valley.

The mittens (which stand about 1,000 feet from their base), when viewed from the south, appear to be two gigantic mittens with their thumbs facing inwards. This can make a great photograph for both sunrise and sunset.

This summary is specific to the shot above. I would suggest spending several days in the valley and explore the 5-10 other great photographic opportunities that exist here (both sunrise and sunset).

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/monument-valley-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

31/03/2023

SENTINEL JAY
Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Joshua Tree National Park is a favorite location for photographers due to its many shapes and the silhouettes of Joshua trees against the early and late day sky. Jumbo Rocks Campground is a favorite among all these locations. Many of the rock formations are in attractive shapes. Unlike many of the locations around Joshua Tree NP your compositions are unlikely to include rock climbers.

This simple to get to location is right in the campground. White Tank Campground is six miles away. There you will find Arch Rock, a great foreground for your night sky shots. As you drive around the park, look for Joshua trees with personality. You will want to come back to these when time permits.

Photos and location summary by Rob Strain @ www.robstrain.com

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/sentinel-jay-joshua-tree

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

26/03/2023

DELICATE ARCH
Arches National Park, UT

In my opinion, Utah is the most photographic state in America - with countless opportunities to view unique shapes, arches, mesas, buttes and vistas. But only one scene was chosen to be on the license plate of the state of Utah – Delicate Arch.

This 60ft tall arch is one of the most famous arches in the country and is one of the most iconic symbols of the American southwest. And as famous as Delicate Arch is, it is even more impressive in person. After the strenuous 1.6 mile uphill hike, you will find yourself wondering how this perfectly shaped arched (perched by the edge of a cliff) happened. This is truly a special place to visit and photograph.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/delicate-arch-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/sentinel-jay-joshua-tree

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

24/03/2023

HOT CREEK GEOLOGICAL SITE
Near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Hot Creek Geological Site is a wonderful set of natural springs found near Mammoth Lake, CA. This location (sometimes called Brees Lookout) provides an impressive view of a winding creek, boiling hot springs, and a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevadas in the distance.

This unusual place is popular for trout fishing, swimming, and sitting in the hot springs. But for a photographer, under the right conditions - this location provides a great opportunity to capture a stunning representation of the southwest in all its glory.

The above image was taken by Joshua Snow @ www.wildlightexposures.com

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/hot-creek-geological-site

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

17/03/2023

BRISTLECONE PINES
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, CA

Home to some of the oldest living trees in the world (some more than 4,500 years old), the ancient Bristlecone Pines offers both fantastic photographic opportunities and many great adventures.

These magnificent trees exist in one of the most inhospitable environments in the American Southwest. Found between 10,000 and 11,400 ft in the White Mountains, near the little town of Big Pine, CA these warrior-like survivors have endured brutal temperatures and gale force winds back to the time of the Pyramids. As a result, their shapes and statue provide great possibilities to photograph everywhere you look.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/bristlecone-pines

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

10/03/2023

THE WAVE
Coyote Buttes North, AZ

The Wave is one of the most intriguing and sought-after locations to visit and photograph in the American Southwest. And for good reason, this natural wonder is truly unique and like no other place in the world.

I have visited many fascinating places in my life, but only a few are as mesmerizing as this little sandstone bowl in the middle of nowhere. When you first arrive at the Wave, you will spend several minutes taking in the wonder of the place, trying to reconcile how it ever came to be. And the memory of the many times you tried to get a permit, the cost and effort of the trip, and the butt-kicker of a hike it took to get there are washed away.

And yes, it is worth it!

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/the-wave
Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

06/03/2023

BADWATER BASIN
Death Valley, CA

Beauty can be found almost anywhere if you know where to look. The Badwater Basin in Death Valley is 282 ft below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America, and is entirely void of any foliage, structure, or water (most of the time). However, this unique location can provide great photographic opportunities if you look for them.

This unworldly salt flat, with endless polygon-shaped formations, is one of the most popular attractions in Death Valley. You would be remiss not to visit this unique experience while visiting the park. This is also home to one of the hottest places on earth.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/badwater

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

03/03/2023

WAHWEAP SUNRISE
Near Big Water, UT

The ghostly white Wahweap Hoodoos are some of the most fascinating hoodoos found anywhere in the American Southwest. This unique location was made famous by Michael Fatali's (known now as Light Hunter) masterpiece "Stone Temples," and it does not disappoint.

The location is sometimes also referred to as "Towers of Silence." Regardless of what it is called, this place is simply magical! Just witnessing this natural event is incredible - but being there when the first light hits the hoodoos and frames this glowing scene is almost unbelievable – leaving you wondering, "how did this happen."

Once again, the American Southwest provides some of the most beautiful nature scenes found anywhere.

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/wahweap-sunrise

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

A comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

11/09/2022

Our COLORADO FALL COLORS GUIDE provides GPS coordinates, directions, and shooting details to 30 of our favorite locations.

It also includes - area summaries, best times to go, towns and communities, and roads and areas to photograph.
Fall is one of the best times to visit Colorado and Colorado is one the best places to visit during the fall.

During this time of the year, the state's beautiful landscapes come alive with golden aspens, glowing underbrush, and snow-covered mountains. Fall color season in Colorado is a delight for photographers and others wanting to enjoy the beauty of “America’s Great Outdoors.”

A detailed photography guide for the 2022 fall color season in Colorado - including directions, GPS, detailed information, best times, and how to photograph some of the favorite locations in Colorado - America’s Great Outdoors.

19/08/2022

Mt. Wilson
Near Telluride, CO

Colorado, during the Fall colors season, can provide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Snow-covered peaks, golden aspens, and crisp mountain air can renew your soul and take you back to a simpler time.

The areas around Ridgway and Telluride provide some of the very best vistas and landscape opportunities in southern Colorado. And this location - standing at the base of Mt. Wilson may be the most beautiful of all. It is truly a jaw dropper!!

To find out more information on this location – visit us at https://photographerstrailnotes.com/mt-wilson-photographers-guide

Trail Notes is a comprehensive guide for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts to find and shoot some of the best landscape photography locations in the country.

Photography guide for Mt. Wilson. We provide GPS coordinates, driving directions nuances of shot, and the best times to be there. We'll guide you on how to get the most stunning photos possible.