Arizona Photography Itinerary
An Amazing, Incredibly Intense, Two-Day and 3-hour Photography Itinerary that Captures the Essence of Arizona … that I’ll Never Attempt Again!
Arizona is home to some of the most breathtaking and iconic landscapes in the United States, making it a photographer’s dream destination. This two-day+ photography itinerary will guide you through (and directly to) majestic red rock formations, deeply colored canyons, a great selfie cave, and captivating sunsets/sunrises at some of the state’s most photogenic spots.
That said, this itinerary isn’t for the faint of heart or intended to serve as a casual family excursion. This is for photographers willing to justify the pursuit of stunning shots for a somewhat insane and potentially stressful 48+ hours, where you’re sure to be annoyed by traffic and frustrated by the inability to stop for some amazing views along the way!
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a passionate hobbyist, this rapid road trip promises to elevate your portfolio with photogenic pics of Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Horseshoe Bend in Page, the “not so secret” selfie sand cave, Antelope Canyon, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Pack your camera(s), wide-angle lenses, clothes for all seasons, and a tripod—adventure awaits!
Day 1: Sedona’s Cathedral Rock / Red Rock Road and Horseshoe Bend
Cathedral Rock, Historic Water Mill & Barn at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Sunrise at Cathedral Rock, Sedona
This year, I started my Arizona trip landing at Phoenix International Airport around 9 am. Sky Harbor resides about 90 minutes south of Sedona, and I felt behind the proverbial 8-ball to start. For an optimal itinerary, I’d recommend beginning your photographic journey at a Sedona B&B or hotel. That way, first thing in the AM, before the coffee drip begins at the free buffet, you can head out on Red Rock Road for sunrise photos at Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks.
Towering over a stunning red rock landscape, dotted with deep green trees and framed by the colored cliffs of the Colorado Plateau, Cathedral Rock offers a perfect backdrop for sunrise photography. The soft morning light filters through the canyon and illuminates the rising spires, creating a magical atmosphere. You might even find yourself having a vortex moment!
TIP: If you can, scout shoot locations the night before and arrive early to capture the pre-dawn glow. If you cannot scout ahead of time, there are two great apps, PhotoPills, and SunSeeker, that will not only help determine sunrise / sunset and blue hour / golden hour times - but also have VR tools and maps that show the precise location of the sun’s rising point. Also, pack your gear the night before with the morning shoot in mind—have snacks, water, and a cold-brew (or two) ready to go.
There are two solid locations for sunrise photos along Red Rock Road in Sedona, Arizona.
- Coordinates: 34.843098852849025, -111.82583412687768
- Coordinates: 34.836980732953755, -111.82120963031805 (Lover’s Knoll)
These sites can also be used for sunset, though it’s worth noting that Lover’s Knoll is the busier of the two.
Cathedral Rock as Sunset Begins in Sedona
Taken from Lover’s Knoll during a previous trip. At this time of year (September) sunrise would illuminate the left side of the cliffs.
Sedona Mountain Range after sunset
Mountains of the Colorado Plateau Overlooking Cathedral Rock.
Tips for Shooting Cathedral Rock:
- Best Time for Photography: Sunrise provides a softer, golden light that enhances the vibrant red hues of the rock formations. During the afternoon, the light can be harsh and cast strong shadows (keep reading for a good mid-day spot). Sunset also provides wonderful views, though the shadows remain strong on the rocks.
- Gear Recommendations: Required: 24-70mm or 14-24mm. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the grandeur of Cathedral Rock. I personally used my 24-70 more as the distance from Lover’s Knoll supported the range. A 70-200mm can also add value for close-ups of intricate details once the sun has risen. A tripod is essential for stabilizing long exposure shots, especially if you want to capture blue-hour photos.
- Hiking Note: The trail to Cathedral Rock is a moderate 1.5-mile hike with some steep sections. Keep water and snacks handy if you plan to hike after the shoot. Coordinates: 34.825838613172344, -111.78842526286246
After taking sunrise pictures of Cathedral Rock, grab a quick breakfast in Sedona. Then, after some rest and a breakfast burrito, retrace your steps and drive along Red Rock Road for morning / blue sky images. There are numerous short hikes in the area and many roadside photo ops!
Around noon, it’s time for a formal shoot at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. One early tip: Google & Apple Maps weren’t great while driving here, so be sure to use “Crescent Moon Picnic Site Sedona AZ” when searching. These are the coordinates: 34.82666642288741, -111.80708170606373, and here’s the Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55286
Q: Why take more pictures of Cathedral Rock when there are other sites to see, such as Bell Rock? It comes down to water and structures. The images of Cathedral Rock from the middle of Oak Creek are awe-inspiring (and fun to take!), and photos of the barn with the cliffs in the background are also pretty cool!
Crescent Moon Picnic Site Photography Location Directions:
After you pull into the site and pay for parking ($12), you’ll want to drive forward to the farthest parking lot from the entrance. In front, you’ll see Cathedral Rock and the water mill / barn. This is shot #1.
After taking your pics, follow the path past the small barn / watermill toward the creek on your right. It’s an easy jaunt, and you’ll soon see a sandbar in the small river. If you’re up for it, and the water is safe, wade across the creek to the sandbar and take shots from the middle of the stream. The water getting to the sandbar ran about 2’-3’ deep, and other sections of the stream 3’-4’ deep. Fortunately, at the time, the water was slow moving. In front of you, a small waterfall cascade feeds the stream. I waded into the middle of the stream up to my chest to take a few extra shots with a higher water level.
There are two more shots if you’re up for a nice drying walk. Grab your gear, head back to the bank where you entered the water, and follow the path located next to the creek downstream and past the parking lots.
Follow the path until the paved section ends.
Then, follow a dirt trail until it dead ends at a small cottage. Turn around and enjoy the view of some small rapids and Cathedral Rock. You can also cross the stream and stand on the red rock plateau for extra shots. If you’re lucky, and it rained recently – maybe grab a reflection shot or two. A note of caution: in late September, the fields around the walking trail were full of red ant nests. This is not a spot to sit down for a picnic!
Gear for this shoot: Required: 24-70mm or 14-24mm. I used my 14-24 a bit more here, but you’re still fine with a 24-70mm. A tripod (one that’s cool with getting wet). Remote trigger / timer. Water shoes! Quick drying clothes or a bathing suit. A towel. Sunscreen!
You’re done! It’s now time to set your car’s destination directions for Page, Arizona, and Horseshoe Bend!
The path to Page follows Rt. 89 due north, and depending on the time of year, you’ll be racing to make sunset. Here’s the rub, Rt. 89 has gorgeous scenery and (unearthly?) rock formations. You will want to stop and take photos along the way.
For me, Rt. 89’s geography provided multiple “oh my God, we’re on a PLANET” moments. Specifically, Earth is more like Mars or Jupiter than we realize as we sit at home watching ESPN from our comfy couches. This drive is raw, stunning, and a bit overwhelming - enjoy the black domes, gorgeous pastel hills, desert landscapes, and rocketing red cliffs. If you’re lucky, depending on when sunset occurs, you may have a moment or two to take some roadside photos.
Three driving tips:
Depending on the time of year, Arizona has two time zones, and your phone may bounce back and forth depending on location. When you’re determining sunset and timing, be sure you’ve adjusted for Horseshoe Bend’s time zone. Otherwise, you could arrive too late!
About an hour outside of Sedona, there is little to no mobile service along much of Rt. 89. It might be worth checking into your hotel / letting them know you’re coming before you leave Sedona. You won’t have time to check in before arriving at Horseshoe Bend. Also, bring bottled water just in case your car breaks down – you might be on Mars!
Allow for at least: 30 minutes once you arrive at Horseshoe Bend to park your car and hike to the viewing platform. Depending on the time of year, you may need to add a few more minutes to park as it can get busy for sunset.
Sunset at Horseshoe Bend, Page
After the scenic three-hour drive from Sedona, you’ll arrive in Page, Arizona, home of the glorious Horseshoe Bend. Coordinates: 36.88046636382287, -111.51074916248716
As the sun sets, the colors of the canyon change dramatically going from golden brown to red and then to deeper shades while shadows creep across the mighty Colorado. The viewpoint at Horseshoe Bend is breathtaking, offering an almost 360-degree view of the river winding through the canyon.
Tips for Shooting Horseshoe Bend:
Best Location for Photography (sunset): Arrive an hour before sunset to secure a good spot and catch the sun’s rays as they slice through the clouds on the horizon. The golden hour leading up to sunset will give you the chance to capture the canyon bathed in warm, soft light. I found the optimal viewing stand location to be in the far-right corner. I went in late September and there were hundreds of people on the bend. Most took selfies as the sun set, and many of the ‘best’ non-platform locations were taken. That’s OKAY! You’re coming back for sunrise and will have the Bend to yourself (and maybe just a few other photographers)
Safety: Stay cautious when photographing at the edge of the cliff. Outside of the viewing stand, there are no railings, and the drop is about 1,000 feet! I saw numerous people backing up to the edge of the rocks with iPhones in front and no real look backward as they grabbed their selfies. Gust of wind, a loss of balance, a small stumble, and they were toast!
Gear Recommendations: A 14-24mm wide-angle lens or iPhone is a must to capture the entire curve. A 24-70mm comes close, but you will lose the bottom of the river. If you’re using Lightroom or other stitching software, you can effectively pano the scene in post.
Speaking of iPhones, these cameras do a GREAT job here. I would recommend getting a strap so you can hold your phone over the edge and not worry about your phone practicing Colorado River cliff diving.
Filters can help reduce glare from the water and enhance the blue of the sky.
A sturdy tripod is necessary as the sun fades.
If you’re staying through the blue hour, bring a headlamp with 400 lumens. Preferably, purchasing one with two levels of white light and a red-light option so as not to interfere with night sky viewing.
Be Patient: the selfie crew will jostle and bump you and your equipment on the viewing platform.
Bonus Shots: If you’re not too tired and are interested in astrophotography, check out the AR function in PhotoPills. This is a dark park, and you’ll see tons of stars and the Milky Way. Be super careful walking here at night and stay away from the cliff walls. The rocks are tricky, it’s very difficult to judge depth, and sections of the cliff cut in unexpectedly.
After sunset, head into Page for dinner and check into your hotel. You may want to download your pics from the day so that you have a backup on your CPU before you start shooting again. As with the first night, prep your gear, run ‘clean sensor’, grab cold-brews, and rest up for another early start!
Day 2: Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona
As the sun rises behind you, Horseshoe Bend emerges from the shadows in all its glory. Reaching the Bend at sunrise will give you the best light, free of the crowds I mentioned earlier.
Arrive early enough, and you may catch pink highlights in the sky that get absorbed by the walls of the canyon as blue hour fades. Soon, the soft light of dawn spreads across the Colorado River and textured Navajo Sandstone. Eventually, the sun’s rays deliver a warm, golden glow, and the iron oxide hidden in red rocks fires to life. If you’re lucky, the sky transforms into a stunning gradient of colors, which reflect off the river below.
Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend is a truly magical experience, offering a dynamic range of colors and shadow / light play that changes the scenery by the minute.
Tips for Shooting Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend:
Early Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunrise. You won’t (hopefully!) run into large numbers of people, and parking will be a breeze. Stay on the trail, lots of desert animals are around, along with rocks you can trip on when you leave the path.
Essential Gear: As from the night before. Also, it can be very windy on the Bend so a windbreaker or sweatshirt may be in order.
Creative Angles: You’ll have many more options at sunrise to better position yourself to capture the Bend from different angles. There are a few spots outside of the viewing stand where you can photograph the entire Colorado without parts of the cliff blocking the river. You can avoid taking the ‘exact same’ image you see on Instagram. If you're feeling creative, use a foreground element like rocks or plants to add depth to your shot.
To get these shots, I army crawled to the edge of the cliff on my belly with the camera strap around my neck. I then pointed my Z9 & D850 over the edge and braced the bodies between my shoulder and cliff wall for stability. These made for better, safer pictures than setting up sticks on the edge of the cliff. Plus, it was crazy windy that morning, and the tripod would have been mostly compromised.
After the light show, take some time to be in the moment. Horseshoe Bend is one of those spots where you don’t just capture the scene—you feel it. The morning, with so few people around, will give you those moments of peace and amazement.
Day 2: The Not-so-Secret Selfie Sand Cave behind the Shell Station and Big Lake Trading Post
Just a few minutes away from Horseshoe Bend you’ll find the Selfie Sand Cave seen all over Instagram and Facebook. Set your map for the Page Shores Amphitheater or the Page, Arizona Shell Station at Coppermine Road, and follow the directions below to access the sand cave. Coordinates: 36.89582975466292, -111.44460823910737
Step 1
You’ll know you’re at the right location if you pull into a Shell gas station with a broken-down covered wagon in the parking lot. Drive past the wagon in front of the Big Lake Trading Post toward the back of the lot and park.
Step 2:
There will be a barbed wire fence ahead of you / on the left. Follow that fence to the right until it ends. There will be a small opening with a ‘trash can’.
Step 3:
There is a small sand hill on your left and large rock on your right. A path runs slightly uphill between the two – follow that path.
Step 4:
After a 2-3 minute walk you will see a ‘cave’ in front of you. The path stays high leading into the cave while there are 10’-15’ drops off the dune on either side (not severe). Walk into the cave.
Step 5
Go to the very back of the cave and turn around. Voila! You have made it to the selfie sand cave photo spot.
Tips for Shooting the Selfie Sand Cave:
Gear Required: Tri-pod and remote trigger.
Take several photos: you may find that you’re not nearly as close to being in the middle of the cave entrance as you think!
Creative Angles: Shoot from a low angle to capture more of the textured cave ceiling.
Enjoy the (other) views: Yes, the cave selfie is the profile / Instagram shot everyone wants, but there are some cool rocks, textures, and flowers in the area as well!
Leave No Trace: As this spot has gotten more popular, trash in the cave has built up. Please be sure to leave nothing behind, and if you can, leave it cleaner than you found it.
Okay, it’s time to head into Page for breakfast, some caffeine, and recharge before heading a short distance to Antelope Canyon.
Day 2: Mid-Day Antelope Canyon
Known for its winding walls, rich colors, and ethereal light beams, Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s paradise. There are two canyons to tour, lower and upper. The most famous of the two, the Upper Canyon, captures the mid-day sun as it shines directly through the surface crevices. That light illuminates the swirling sandstone walls and creates the iconic beams Antelope Canyon is famous for.
IMPORTANT: For both canyons, a paid tour is required, and there are limited groups and times. I would personally recommend Navajo Tours. They excelled with communication, were very accommodating, and had excellent guides. If you want to capture the light beams, you need to book a tour during a time when the sun is directly overhead.
As you can see in these pictures, you will not be alone! I would suggest the following – ask to be in the first or the last tour group. This will give you a few more opportunities to take photos without people in all of your shots.
Other Tips for Shooting Antelope Canyon:
Best Time for Light Beams: Between 11 AM and 2 PM. When the sun is directly overhead, you’ll witness the light beams piercing the narrow canyon. Shoot fast! They can disappear as quickly as they emerge. Book a tour that starts before noon and take into account a 15 - 30-minute start from the time you depart in a jeep to entering the canyon’s first chamber!
Lens(es): Use a 24-70mm or 14–24mm wide-angle lens to capture the height and depth of the canyon. I have photos from both lenses on two bodies that I love. If you only have one camera to use, I would bring your 24-70mm – this will give you the ability to get more detail and frame better on location. You shouldn’t change lenses in the canyon – it is VERY dusty, and you’ll get spots all over your sensor.
Settings: the incredible dynamic range between the top and bottom of the cave walls creates the biggest photographic challenge of Antelope Canyon. Making matters more difficult, tours no longer allow tripods or monopods, so you need to handhold and brace your shots. No long shutter speeds here!
How did I solve the lighting issue? First, I mostly shot my Z9 at approx. 4000 – 8000 ISO and anticipated using Lightroom to denoise. I shot RAW and JPG and edited all final pics in RAW. Next, I set my camera to a 2-stop, 5-frame auto-bracket and slowed my shutter speed as much as possible in the given situation. In post-production, you can blend these images and ensure that you have highlights and, if you’re lucky, get some blue skies peeking through.
Leverage Your Guides! Antelope Canyon tours are fast-paced, so look online ahead of time for shots/areas that you’d like to shoot. Share those images with your guides and take advantage of their knowledge—they know where the best light and compositions are!
A common question I get is, “Where do those crazy colors come from? Are they real?” The short answer? Yes, they are a function of the light and shadows in the slot canyon reacting to minerals & iron oxide in the sandstone. The closer to the sunlight, the more yellow/orange the rocks appear; farther down, you’ll see the reds emerge, and when you get into the shaded parts, the rocks turn purple or blue. The time of year and day can also impact how they are showing.
When you take a raw, unedited photo from the canyon and simply boost the levels without touching color, vibrance, or saturation, you’ll start to see the colors pop. Then, when you look at the bracketed photos in a series, you’ll see how the colors in each frame change. I typically select one RAW image, adjust it in Lightroom, and, if necessary/possible, layer the correct highlight for the final composition.
One last note: the 15-minute ride to the canyon from the meeting area is VERY bumpy. If you have back issues that a bouncy car trip can trigger, or you avoid herky-jerky amusement park rides, think twice about going on this tour.
After immersing yourself in the beauty of Antelope Canyon, it’s time to hop back on 89 South, bemoan not taking more roadside pictures, and drive 2-hours to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Afternoon and Sunset at the South Rim, Grand Canyon
After a two-hour drive from Page, you’ll arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic photography destinations in the world. The South Rim offers endless opportunities for awe-inspiring panoramics and vast vista shots. There really aren’t any ‘poor’ spots to shoot sunset, so you’re fine pulling over at any of the main points. My suggestion, however, is to bypass all of the overlooks on the way in and park near the village transportation center. You’ll visit these lookouts tomorrow!
Farther up the rim, Hopi Point is a GREAT location to shoot sunset. To get there (March – November), you’ll want to take the Hermit Rest (Red) Route bus from the village transportation center to Powell Point. Note: you can drive there during the off-season. From Powell Point, walk the south rim trail for 3-5 mins to Hopi Point. I had enough time to take some photos at Powell with extra time at Hopi to relax (for a change!).
Tips for Shooting the South Rim:
A Good Spot for Filters: Depending on the day, you’ll likely find the canyon hazy. A good UV filter can help save you time in post-production. I had mixed results with my grad ND filter – I am guessing that’s due to the depth of the canyon and the scope of the horizon.
Gear Recommendations: I shot three lenses in equal measure: 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm for detail shots. The longer zoom allowed for interesting details, shots of the Colorado River, and, of course, rock formations. I hiked with a 400mm in my bag during the entire trip and didn’t use it until I stumbled on some elk leaving the park. You’ll want your tripod and remote trigger for post-sunset / blue hour photos.
Composition Tips: The Grand Canyon’s immense size can make it challenging to convey scale in photographs. To create depth, try including foreground elements like trees or rocks. Repeating rock / cliff structures and lines also help tell the story. For a great pano, take 5-7 photos covering the entire field of view and stitch together in post.
End your day by capturing the stunning colors of the sunset over (and in) the Grand Canyon. As the last rays of light disappear, the canyon blooms into a palette of pinks, purples, and deep blues. For those interested, there is a ‘clean-up’ bus that returns one hour after sunset. If you have a tripod and remote trigger, I would strongly advise staying that extra hour while the skies become bathed in glorious color.
Now, it’s time for dinner, checking into your hotel, and some rest! The final photo push ends in a few hours!
Note: I was a bit taken aback by the cost of hotels on the rim. I found this online service (AGOBA), which books large blocks of rooms in advance and sells them at a discount. My room was discounted by about 65% compared to booking directly from the hotel site.
Final Hours: Sunrise at the Grand Canyon, South Rim
There’s no better way to end your Arizona photography adventure than with a sunrise at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The first light of day reveals the canyon’s depth, texture, and vastness in a way that takes your breath away.
Well, your breath and the breath of a few hundred friends! Unlike Horseshoe Bend at sunrise, depending on your location, the Grand Canyon is a very popular early morning destination. You’ll want to arrive early to stake your spot.
NOTE: During the high season at sunrise, the Western points along the South Rim aren’t nearly as crowded as those east of the transportation center. That’s because you must hike the rim in the dark, and it takes significant time to reach them. Realistically, you’re hiking at 3 am to make your destination in time - Powell, Hopi, and Mohave are likely doable if you don’t need much sleep. If that’s your jam, have your headlamp ready and be careful; the trail is wide and safe, but there are no guardrails.
After some research, I chose Mather Point for sunrise, and while it was crowded, it offered an incredible view. Others recommend Yavapai Point. Both offer expansive views of the canyon and the Colorado River far below. As the sun rises, the canyon’s walls light up in yellow, with oranges, reds, and pinks emerging shortly thereafter. The colors create a jaw-dropping scene that no photograph can truly capture—though I tried anyway!
Tips for Capturing Sunrise at the Grand Canyon:
Timing: Arrive about an hour before sunrise to secure your spot and set up your gear. I found the canyon far too dark to shoot without a tripod and super long exposure. I also found that my best shots came several minutes after the “actual” sunrise as the canyon filled with light.
Gear: Same as yesterday. I did not use any filters in the AM. I also needed some heavier clothes as it was 38 degrees Fahrenheit in September!
Shoot Deep: The colors of the canyon will change dramatically over the next few hours. I was surprised how the purples and greens popped up in the base of the canyon as the sun highlighted the tops of the cliff walls.
Once the sun is fully up, put down the camera and take some time to soak in the view. If you’re hungry or need caffeine, at 8 am, the Grand Canyon Bicycle and Coffee shop opens up, and the last of your journey is about to begin.
Day 2: Leaving the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and If You’re Lucky, Photographing Elk
I’d mentioned earlier about seeing all of the inbound overlooks in the morning, and now is your chance. Each stop along the path of Entrance Rd and Desert View Dr. is worthy of pulling over and grabbing a few shots. In particular, I enjoyed Duck on A Rock, Grandview Point, Lipan Point and I LOVED Navajo Point.
Also, keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife! I found a few on my own and used other photographers as ‘spotters’ … or at least their car’s blinking hazard lights to identify some extra photo chances.
This two-day and 3-hour photography itinerary through Arizona will leave you with a portfolio full of diverse, jaw-dropping landscapes—from the towering red rocks of Sedona to the sweeping curves of Horseshoe Bend, to a cool sandy selfie, to the intricate beauty of Antelope Canyon, and the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.
Each location presents its own unique challenges and rewards for photographers, but with patience and the right gear, you’ll capture the essence of Arizona’s rugged, “unearthly” beauty. These locations are nothing short of breathtaking, and you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a landscape photography enthusiast or just seeking a memorable adventure with your camera, this Arizona itinerary pretty much guarantees unforgettable images. Make sure to leave time to reflect on the journey, soak in the beauty of nature, grasp and gasp at the geography, and most of all enjoy the creative process that comes with capturing these iconic locations.
Now, get some well-earned sleep!
