WEEKLONG EXCURSION WILL TAKE YOU TO REGION’S MAIN SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

One of the most-often photographed areas of the United States is the Southwest, where you’ll find towering cliffs, deep canyons, diverse plant and animal life, and the uninterrupted beauty of unparalleled geologic wonders.

See it, feel it and photograph it all during the “Photograph the Southwest” tour, sponsored by the Pillar Institute of Learning and the National Park Society. This eight-day adventure will take you to the breathtaking best of the national parks of the southwestern U.S., with an emphasis on capturing some exceptional photographs  while exploring the color, texture and light of this photographer’s paradise.

Highlights include the sand castles of Zion, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the sandstone bridges and domes of Capitol Reef, the greatest density of natural arches in the world in Arches, the towering red sandstone spires of Monument Valley and the unsurpassed beauty and magnitude of the Grand Canyon.

The tour begins and ends in Las Vegas, Nev., May 18-25, a wonderful time to be in the high desert, with brilliant azure skies, wildflower blooms, warm days and cool nights. With certified international tour manager Kent Taylor as your tour guide, you’ll learn all about the geology, history and culture of the area — and have an awe-inspiring experience in the process.

Founder and director of the National Park Society, Taylor is a former park ranger and college professor, and he is a regular instructor and tour guide for PILLAR. He’s also a professional photographer, has authored books on the national parks of the U.S and Canada, and is a contributor to the best-selling book “The Experts’ Guide to Doing Things Faster: 100 Ways to Make Life More Efficient.”

You should know how to use your camera before starting the tour, but Taylor will teach composition and lighting techniques, taking you to his favorite photo spots in the most favorable lighting conditions. But really, you don’t have to know anything about photography — nonphotographers are welcome to enjoy the scenic drives and light hiking, as well.

You’ll stay at the new View Hotel, the only lodging property in Monument Valley Tribal Park, offering exceptional views of the major rock formations of Monument Valley for the best sunset and sunrise photography. You’ll also enjoy a stay at the new property at Bryce Canyon, the Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Another highlight of the tour will be overnighting at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, inside the park, just a short walk to the incredible views.

For the travel adventure of a lifetime, and to learn photography tips from one of the best, don’t wait to book your journey, as Taylor’s trips fill up fast.

IF YOU GOPrice of the “Photograph the Southwest” tour is $1,995 per person, double occupancy, and includes all ground transportation, lodging, leadership and instruction by Taylor, all breakfasts, two dinners, airport transfers, baggage handling, taxes and park admissions. A deposit of $500 is due upon reservation, with full payment due April 3. PILLAR will assist you in finding a roommate if you like, or book as a single for $2,495.

For a day-to-day itinerary and list of hotels, visit www.nationalparksociety.com (click on “Photograph the Southwest”), or contact Kent Taylor at 322-5694 or info@nationalparksociety.com.

OY HARPER, THE GAZETTE

The Zion Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah Photo by National Park Society