Canyon Colors Photo Workshop

Nov 5-11, 2026 - 7 Days - Sold Out

Discover the magic of Utah’s canyon country at the height of fall color. Our Canyon Colors Workshop takes you deep into the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Zion National Park, where fiery oaks and golden cottonwoods light up sculpted sandstone walls. Designed for fit, adventurous photographers, this workshop ventures beyond the beaten path into remote backcountry wonders—rewarding you with stunning, crowd-free scenes and expert guidance to capture their beauty in unforgettable images.

Tuition

$2750
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Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

David Swindler
A.J. Rich

Physical Intensity

Canyon Colors Photo Workshop Coyote Gulch

Highlights

Trek into remote Grand Staircase–Escalante canyons with numerous waterfalls, gigantic arches, golden cottonwoods, towering walls, and sandstone cathedrals.
Spend a full day deep in the legendary Zion Narrows, perfecting your soft water technique with brilliant fall color accents.
Maximum 8 photographers for a more nimble and focused adventure.
Guided by two seasoned pro photographers for expert tips, creative inspiration, and hiking support.
Flexible, weather-savvy itinerary to chase the best light and conditions.
Built for fit, avid hikers eager to explore the rugged backcountry.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome & Orientation in Escalante

Arrive in the charming town of Escalante, Utah, and meet the group at 7 PM for a mandatory orientation. We’ll review the week’s exciting itinerary, discuss camera techniques for shooting in the canyons, and get prepared for the adventures ahead.

Day 2 – Epic Backcountry Canyon Adventure

We set out well before dawn for a rugged drive into one of our favorite canyons in the Grand Staircase–Escalante. This is our longest and most demanding hike, but we’ll keep a relaxed pace with plenty of stops to photograph hidden waterfalls, gigantic natural arches, and towering canyon walls glowing with fall color. Expect a late return to Escalante, tired but thrilled with the day’s captures.

Day 3 – Sandstone Cathedrals & Autumn Magic

Today we explore a pair of stunning canyons filled with sculpted sandstone formations and vibrant autumn foliage. If the previous day’s trek was especially demanding, we may opt for shorter, less strenuous hikes to balance rest and exploration while still delivering incredible photo opportunities.

Day 4 – Final Escalante Shoot & Journey to Zion

We’ll rise early for one last sunrise shoot in a location chosen by the group, then return to Escalante before making the scenic drive to Zion National Park. After checking into our new hotel, we’ll head out for a sunset session at one of Zion’s iconic viewpoints, capturing dramatic light over red rock cliffs.

Zion Fall Colors Temple of Sinawava Canyon Colors Photo Workshop

Zion National Park Photo Workshop Autumn Canyon Colors

Itinerary, cont.

Day 5 – Waterfalls & River Scenes in Zion

The day begins with an early morning shoot of a hidden waterfall, framed by brilliant autumn trees and rugged canyon walls. We’ll photograph several other lesser-known gems, then return to town for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll hold a group image critique and editing session before heading out for a beautiful sunset shoot along the Virgin River.

Day 6 – Full Immersion in the Zion Narrows

Our grand finale: a full day deep in the legendary Zion Narrows. We start early to enjoy this magical canyon before the crowds, capturing silky water textures, glowing canyon walls, and peak autumn color in the cottonwoods. If time allows after our hike, we’ll finish the day with a bonus sunset shoot before our farewell dinner.

Day 7 – Departure

No formal activities today. Depart Zion at your leisure, taking with you unforgettable memories and a stunning portfolio of canyon landscapes.

Logistics

Please arrive in Escalante, UT before 7PM on Day 1 for workshop orientation at the provided hotel. There is no public transportation to Escalante, so you'll either need your own vehicle or a rental vehicle to get there. Most people will fly into either Las Vegas or St George, UT and drive from there.

On Day 4, we will drive from Escalante, UT to Springdale, UT (all paved roads). On Day 7, you will depart Springdale, UT and start your return travel home. No workshop activities are planned on Day 7. Note that we provide all ground transportation for the workshop outings in our lifted 4x4 trucks.

Hikers special! This is a hiking intensive workshop and excellent balance, fitness, and mobility are a must. The longest hikes will be 9-10 miles with up to 1500ft of elevation gain/loss. Several days will have easier hikes to allow you to rest up in between.

When we go into the Zion Narrows, we won't be covering a lot of miles. But since we are walking almost entirely in the water, the pace will be slow and steady with lots of stops for photography. Be prepared to spend the better part of the day in the canyon.

Hiking in Utah's canyons requires footwear you can get wet. For the Escalante canyons, all you need is a pair of neoprene socks you can wear with your water shoes. You can hang your dry pair of shoes on your backpack when walking in the water. For the Zion Narrows, the water is very cold and cold water protection is essential. You can bring a pair of chest waders for the Narrows if you wish. But there are many outfitters in Springdale that will set you up with a cold water rental package for around $55 if you don't want to travel with all that gear.

For your convenience, we have pre-booked the lodging for the group, with 3 nights at the Canyon Country Lodge in Escalante and 3 nights at the Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites in Springdale. You will add your lodging package at checkout based on either single or double occupancy. See the Pricing Section for more details.

Temps can start getting cold in November, so make sure you bring some warm layers, a waterproof rain jacket, sturdy hiking boots, wool socks, and warm hat and gloves. Trekking poles are highly recommended for better balance when hiking in these canyons.

Pricing - 7 Days

$2750/Person + Tax

Trip Includes:

7-Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
All ground transportation for workshop outings in lifted 4x4 trucks.
Park entrance fees.
Pre-workshop zoom meeting
Post-processing and image critique as time allows per the daily schedule.
At checkout, a 6-night lodging package will be added to your booking. Cost is $750 for double and $1500 for single occupancy respectively.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Escalante and Springdale, UT.
Beverages, Meals, and Snacks
Gratuities for Photo Instructors.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due Jul 5, 2027.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
Become a Loyalty Member and get 10% off this workshop!
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Recommended Camera Gear

Mid-weight tripod and ballhead (travel tripods are NOT recommended)
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
Wide angle zoom lens such as a 14-24mm or 16-35mm. You can also make good use of an ultrawide lens if you have one.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Telephoto lenses can come in handy in case of wildlife encounters in Zion. However, in the interest of keeping your pack weight light, we don't recommend bringing them on the hikes.
Circular polarizer filters are a must. Bring any ND filters if you have them.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Comfortable hiking backpack that can carry your camera gear, tripod, lunch, drinking water, and extra clothing.
Laptop if you wish to backup or edit your photos (optional).
The places we visit are not drone friendly. Please do not bring one.

Personal Gear List

Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants.
Water shoes and neoprene socks.
Chest Waders or the Cold Water Rental Package from an outfitter in Springdale, UT.
A rain jacket and several warm layers since it can get cold in the mornings.
Headlamp.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Lip Balm.
Warm Hat & Gloves.
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Trekking Poles.

Grand Staircase Escalante Photo Tours Golden Cathedral

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras. He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.

A.J. Rich

Photography Instructor

Ever since he was young, A.J. Rich has had a passion for all things visual. Growing up on the edge of St. George, Utah, he often sketched his favorite sports players and designed logos for his youth sports teams. A.J. also spent countless hours around his childhood home climbing rock mesas and exploring the unknown, including at nearby Zion National Park.

Since graduating with a degree in graphic design and a minor in photography from Brigham Young University in 2001, A.J. has worked in graphic design for over 20 years and earned multiple national awards. In 2006, A.J. grew his photography portfolio as a contributor to Getty Images. In recent years, he continues to focus on his award-winning landscape photography—where his true passion lies.

Today the quest for the “timeless story” drives A.J. on all his outdoor adventures. While out in nature he seeks the ethereal and spiritual planes, and if he can capture them in a photograph, even better.

Currently A.J. works by day as a graphic designer and art director for BYU Brand & Creative, always dreaming of and planning for his next photography adventure.