Great Western Tour

Tour Price: $2,795 (Standard) $2,950 (Deluxe view at the View Hotel)

*maximun 10 people, based on double occupancy.

(revised dates)

November 2-9, 2013 – This tour takes you to lands that look like something right out of an old western movie. You'll journey through the dazzling fall colors of western Colorado, Utah and northern Arizona where you'll see beautiful river scenes, cascading waterfalls, striking rock towers, majestic mountains and breathtaking canyons all in fall colors. Great fun and adventure are included, of course!!

Itinerary

11/2/2013 We will depart Denver 9 a.m., or meet you in Moab Utah mid-afternoon. On the drive from Denver we will cross over the fabulous Colorado continental divide. As we head down into in to the enchanting Vail Valley and the western slope, you will enter an extravaganza of vibrant fall colors that continue throughout the trip. We will follow the crystal blue Colorado River lined by striking gold and yellow oak, cedar and cottonwood trees. We will pass through the dramatic walls of Glenwood Canyon and catch views of the beautiful landscapes of Grand Mesa and Colorado Monument.

11/2 After we check into our hotel, the photography group and adventure group will take a late afternoon trip to Dead Horse Point State Park . This area has a long history of cattle ranching; before the turn of the century mustangs roamed the high mesa. We will explore the 2,000 ft rim that looks over the Colorado River as it curves and flows through the pinnacles and fantastically formed buttes of Canyonlands bathed in soft late afternoon colors.

11/3 The photography group will head out well before sunrise ( with any adventures who would like to join in) to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. We will explore the 1,000 ft sheer sandstone cliffs, searching for the perfect first light vantage points to photograph spectacular canyon landscapes of weathered eroded monoliths and canyons that stretch for over 100 miles. After a late breakfast, we will delve deeper into Utah's treasured landscapes on the Scenic Byway 12. We will skirt the edges of the colorful Dixie National Forest and pass the massive rock formations of Capital Reef and the Grand Escalante Staircase. This area defies description and must be seen first hand. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park. Carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, the frost wedging and powerful rainfall created unique geological formations of bizarre shaped pinnacles and slot canyons. Connie will lead fairyland nature hike through the remarkable limestone hoodoos. The photography group will follow Mike on a quest to capture some unique images at this fabulous amphitheater of thousands of multi-colored rocks in the soft late day sun. The light will lead the way as we look for both grand vistas and isolated scenes of rock formations.

11/4 The next morning before sunrise the photography group will head back to capture scenes with a completely different perspective from the eastern lighting. After breakfast the adventure group may join Connie on a visit to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center where you can learn about: the history of the canyon, the diverse habitat and how this whimsical Canyon and the surrounding geological wonders were created. You will want to see the 20 minute award winning film entitled "Shadows of Time".

In the early afternoon we'll head over to Zion National Park, an amazing landscape of massive multicolored sandstone cliffs and vast breathtaking canyons. We will scope out some late afternoon photo opportunities as we enjoy the scenery. Red rock walls contrast with the vivid fall foliage, creating the perfect palette for photography and sight seeing.

We will stay just outside the park and the photography group will go out for a late afternoon photo shoot.

11/5 The photography group will do both a early morning and late afternoon trip, and the adventure group will do full day trip starting after breakfast.

We will both explore the beautiful river scenes, cascading waterfalls, striking rock towers, and majestic mountains as we hike the breathtaking canyons all in fall colors.

We will grab lunch at the historic Zion National Park Lodge.

11/6 After an early morning photo shoot and breakfast we will all head out on the next leg of our journey to the awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon. On this scenic drive we will pass by the 3,000 ft spectacular sandstone Vermilion Cliffs and the southern reaches of the Grand Escalante Staircase.

After we check into the hotel in Page, Arizona the photography group (and any adventurers who would like to join us) will explore the western cliffs over Lake Powell to capture a photo of a grand vista of the vast colorful rock canyon walls contrasting against the crystal clear turquoise waters.

11/7 The next morning the photography group (and any adventurers who would like to join us) will take a short drive and hike to Horseshoe Bend. We will stand 1,000 feet above the horse-shoe shaped Colorado river as the first days rays of sun paint the surrounding multi-colored canyons in its illuminating light.

After breakfast, both the photography and adventure group will take a 2 ½ hour private tour through one of the most breathtaking and tranquil places on earth. November is one of the best times to visit Antelope canyon. The massive crowds of people are gone and the color saturation of the canyon walls is exceptionally rich. Led by Mike, we will enter a cathedral of perfectly sculptured corkscrew rocks bathed in colors only mother nature could create. We will look for unique shots that capture everything from beautiful isolated scenes of light and textured rock to full canyon shots of extreme depth of field, all in perfect exposure and focus. We will learn more about how the canyons were formed and the history of the region.

With your head still in a daze from all this light and color we will be crossing the rugged, beautiful high desert mesas of Northern Arizona and pass ancestral Pueblo Ruins. You feel like you're in an old American West film as the landscape begins to change. We will arrive in Monument Valley Navajo Park before sunset to photograph the enduring images of the isolated red buttes spread over the vast open desert.

For two nights we will rest and relax in the splendor of the View Hotel. It's the only Hotel located with in the park, and offers incomparable views of the magnificent valley. Carefully designed, the accommodations blend the environment with comfort. The sound of Native American flute playing enhances the adobe architecture and genuine Navajo art hanging in the lobby halls.

http://www.monumentvalleyview.com

11/8 Today starts before sunrise for the photography group. Led by Mike and a Navajo guide, you will photograph some very special areas where visitors cannot otherwise go. You will photograph some very distinct rock formations, and I will show you how to use the soft shadows of the wind blown desert designs as your foreground and greatly enhance your compositions.

After a delicious breakfast overlooking this wondrous valley from the stunning glass walled restaurant, the adventure group will head out on a private tour led by Connie and a Navajo guide. You'll explore this spellbinding valley full of sandstone masterpieces and magnificent colors. You will visit all the special locations and learn about its creation and it's Navajo history and culture.

Later you may choose to venture off and explore the trading post or take a sunset horse tour or just hang out and have a cocktail on the spectacular hotel overlook.

In the late afternoon, Mike will take the photography group on a trip through the park looking for special photographs framed by scenic clouds as the changing late day sun casts shadows on the amazing rock monoliths and the desert floor.

11/9 On the last photo opportunity, the photography group will head out early and photograph the sunrise over the valley. After breakfast we will head back to Denver, thinking about the rich variety of sights we've seen and memories we've formed. We'll arrive back in Denver in the early evening.

What is included:

• Ground transportation to and from Denver.
• Four and five star accommodations throughout the trip. Breakfast is included with the accommodations except for the View Hotel on 9/11 & 9/12; however, because of the nature of the photography workshops you will not always be able to take advantage of the provided breakfast.
• For photogrphers - Daily workshops with Mike David to explore and improve your photography.
• For Adventurers - Daily tour adventures with Connie David.
• Park entrance fees and guides included in the package.

What is not included:

• Additional room charges.
• Air transportation to Moab or Denver, baggage, medical & travel insurance (highly) recommended. My wife Connie can help you with this: cdavid@e-gia.com GIA Insurance 303-257-5557.
• Except for breakfast, food, drink, and entertainment are not included in the package. *Breakfast is included with most accommodations on this trip, however because of the nature of the trip you will not always be able take advantage of the provided breakfast.
• Taxis and other ground transportation during your free time, and any optional activities.
• Tips and gratuities to airport/hotel porters, drivers, guides, hotel staff, etc.
• Any airport fees, all optional extras/other activities.

**Accommodations are based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is $940 standard room - $1,050 superior room

BOOK NOW!

Booking Information

Please carefully read and fill out and sign the following forms:

1. Great Western Tour PERSONAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM - Click here to view
2. Great Western Tour Enrollment Information - Click here to view
3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT - Click here to view

*Adobe Acrobat is required to view pdfs

Return the above forms via mail and send a check for the required deposit. You may also e-mail or call your credit card number, expiration and security code to pay the deposit.

Mike David Photography
9850 Wolff Ct.
Westminster, CO. 80031

TEL: 303-618-0646
mikedavidone@comcast.net

If you have any question please contact Mike David