carolv

Myer, thanks for the photo tips. I think we'll bring a 35mm and the digital (my son will use one). I'll see how the tripod packs up - I also have a monopod, but that may not be stable enough. Your photos really seem to capture the amazing lighting - I can't wait to go!

dwooddon

Myer - A great report and superb photos. I'm glad you had a good trip.

bailey6325

bookmarking

Way_North

Myer, I finally finished reading your great report. Thanks for all details and fabulous photos. I hope to be as lucky as you and experience so many amazing places but need to wait four more months.

caligirl56

myer,
How long before sunset does the glow shine on Cathedral Rock in Sedona?

When we were at Bryce Canyon last year, it seemed that the best color came maybe even a full hour before sunset.

We'll be in Sedona at the end of April. I think sunset is officially at around 7:15 then. What time should we plan to arrive at the Crescent Moon Picnic Area?

Myer

caligirl,

I was there on June 9th so I'm sure even the angle of the sun is different in addition to the timing.

I arrived more than an hour before sunset.

The person at the entrance told me where the spot I was looking for is located. She didn't give me the correct info.

It took me quite a while to find the spot I was looking for. There's no sign indicating "this is the spot".

I tried climbing back and forth over the stream a few times. Having found what I wanted, it should have been easy to find.

When you drive thru the entrance, the parking is in front of you to the left. You walk to the right towards the creek to find a good spot.

I set up my tripod and two other people saw me there and joined me.

I'm not sure if it was because of June and a Saturday evening or the fact it's a Vortex (if you're not familiar with this, Google Sedona Vortex) site but there were 3 weddings taking place in different spots. They definitely had a different flavor.

One photog was taking pictures of a Bride & Groom less than 15 feet from where I set up. She was a friend of the bride so using her camera I took a few that included her. The used Cathedral Rock as the background.

I took photos every minute or so.

As you can see by the photos I used on my web site, the light goes from ordinary (?) light to bright orange and then on the last one you can see the shadow creeping about halfway up the rock.

I didn't wait until it got dark as the colors became less interesting as the shadow worked its way up.

I hope some of this helps.

caligirl56

myer,

Thanks so much. You've been a big help.

Your photos on your site are wonderful. I really enjoyed looking at them.

By the way, why didn't you like Airport Mesa at sunset?

Myer

caligirl,

The view from the was "ok" as far as sunsets go. However, Cathedral Rock and many other places are spectacular.

This is the sunset view from the airport.

http://www.travelwalks.com/back/airport_view.jpg

caligirl56

Thanks Myer. Actually the view from airport mesa looks lovely. But, I think we will take your advice and go with Cathedral Rock this time!

Myer

caligirl,

As I wrote, get there early as you'll have to find a spot with a spectacular view.

Too bad they don't have a map with views laid out.

There are several good views. But if you want the reflection off the creek you have to find it. It's not always an obvious location.

Maybe we should get USNR (who lives there) to stake it out.

USNR

Of course, views are highly subjective. As others have pointed out, midday is not a good time for photos -- colors are richer, more vivid an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, give or take.

Sedona's richest photo spots (and easiest to reach) include:

Red Rock Crossing, down where upper Loop Road comes to the creek. Best site: from the entry and parking lot, head directly to the north bank of Oak Creek, look toward Cathedral Rock. Watch the light and shadows play on the butte.

Airport Mesa: sunrise or sundown, facing north and northwest.

Doe Mesa: a 360-degree panorama. Take Dry Creek Road, drive past entry to Enchantment Resort, watch for parking lot on north side of road, climb Doe Mountain, a mesa that provides views in all directions. Caution: hang a handkerchief on a bush where you have stepped onto top of mesa, otherwise you may lose the place where you can descend. Take your handkerchief with you when you leave, please.

Soldier Pass Road: late afternoon shots of Coffee Pot Rock, and/or to the east toward Sharks Tooth and the Wilson Mountain. Especially during monsoon season when late afternoon showers produce spectacular rainbows.

Schnebly Hill Road: rough road leading up to the east, spectacular panorama, especially toward sunset. Road begins at Oak Creek bridge & Hwy. 179.

Oak Creek Canyon: especially within Slide Rock State Park -- falls of the creek in red rock & forest setting.

Village of Oak Creek -- drive about two miles south of village where Bell Rock forms a dramatic accent to the backdrop of the red rocks; best late in day.

Chapel of The Holy Cross -- panorama shots, best early in the day with sun at one's back.

Myer

USNR,

Darn you!!!! Now I have to come back again!!!!

Thanks for the list.

I had some difficulty finding the spot I was looking for in the Crescent Moon Picnic area.

That late day reflection of the sun on Cathedral Rock with the reflection on the Creek. Spectacular!!!!

USNR

Sorry about that.

The Crescent Moon Ranch area was devastated by a flood in 1993. Huge cottonwood trees alongside the creek were ripped out and taken downstream. Only recently has the area's vegetation regrown. A few cottonwoods remain, however, and if you frame your shot of Cathedral Rock using one of those trees, you will be more than satisfied.

Farther out Loop Road -- reached either from the Upper or the Lower branch -- lies Red Rock State Park. Ask for trail maps at the main building. The Eagle's Nest trail takes you to the highest point in the park. Marvelous photo ops along the way. Make sure to get pix of House of Apache Fires.