Zion Tour 2021 Info

Zion National Park - Adventure Photography

Adventure Tour - Hike The Narrows!
One Instructor, with a MAX of 8 participants. I am going to share my favorite Zion NP locations, along with awesome astrophotography opportunities and a Zion Narrows hike!* And, pack in an optional night of astrophotography just outside Las Vegas. 

Zion NP is gorgeous and wild and unlike any other park. Join me as we get away from the crowds and capture epic SW scenery in beautiful and peaceful locations. Transportation from Las Vegas to Zion NP is included. We will stay just outside the park. Amazing photographic opportunities right outside our door.  This trip is designed to minimize drive time and maximize our time capturing amazing photographs in a friendly and supportive environment. 

Please note that this is a much more active tour than typical Mckay trips - with longer & more strenuous hikes to beautiful destinations. See below for more details on the recommended fitness level for participants. 

*Conditions permitting

Adventure with me into the Narrows!

Join me along with a small group of workshop participants for an adventurous tour of one of my favorite national parks! 

I first ventured to Zion NP in 1999 and fell in love with the unique beauty and stunning sandstone formations. On subsequent tours, I have explored the nooks and crannies and want to share with you this incredibly beautiful park. 

This tour will explore the Narrows of Zion NP - one of the most EPIC hikes on the PLANET! That’s not hyperbole. You will hike in a narrow, stream filled slot canyon with sandstone walls rising thousands of feet above your head. Beautiful scenes around each corner. We will also explore some lesser-known corners of the park offering amazing photographic opportunities.

The Zion Narrows hike is weather and river flow dependent. This hike requires wading in cold water for hours but the rewards are simply amazing. We will rent appropriate shoes and walking sticks to make the journey safer. Waterproof bags for your camera gear will be available to rent too.

We will also take the time to hike to beautiful vistas providing awesome scenery and multiple photographic opportunities along the way.

Check out the images below and you will see why this is an incredible photography tour. 

A Photographic excursion for ALL LEVELS including

Beginner through Advanced!

I have experience teaching at all levels and will encourage and teach you at any skill level in a non-intimidating manner.  We become like family on these tours and you will find that the encouragement and learning environment is friendly AND fun! 

VERY LIMITED SPACE on this tour!  Because of the VERY small group, we expect this tour to sell out immediately!

ACTIVITY LEVEL There will be serious hiking each day. You should be comfortable walking several miles on uneven terrain and uphill at a reasonable pace. Some of the trails in Zion NP require wading and scrambling.  A certain level of fitness is required. That said - this will not be grueling, photography is our goal but some locations are not easy to access.  If any location is out of your comfort zone, you’re more than welcome to stop and shoot where you are, stay at the hotel and rest, or wait in the van until we get to another more comfortable location for you.  The one exception to this is the Narrows hike - we need to stay together as a group - our pace will not be fast and we will stop to take photos but it is important that you have a certain level of fitness. 

Registration and further details below. 

THE DETAILS:

• Max 8 students

• Price: $1595 (Early Bird Rate SPECIAL $1450 if paid in full by Feb 15, 2021 !) 

• Payment plans available for all budgets, just ask!

• Activity Level: Moderate

• Price includes:

  • Your instructor, Toby Gelston, personally educating, guiding, and teaching photography!

  • Small group size

  • 3 days of shooting with instruction, plus an optional Thursday night astrophotography

  • Transportation from Las Vegas to Zion NP and back - no rental car needed.

  • Boot and walking stick rentals for Zion Narrows adventure

• Price DOES NOT include:

  • Meals

  • Recommended trip insurance

  • Waterproof backpack rental for Zion Narrows - typically $10-20 (optional)

  • Hotel

    • We have secured a block rate at our host hotel in Springdale, UT. They have a limited number of rooms they are holding. After you register I will be in touch with more details.

    • We can help facilitate a roommate if requested

Base itinerary*

10/11 Monday - Day One - Arrive  Las Vegas - Evening meeting & optional astrophotography outside Las Vegas

10/12 Tuesday - Day Two - Depart for Zion NP - Afternoon hiking with sunset

10/13 Wednesday - Day Three - Hike Narrows, predawn start. Sunset and astrophotography will also be offered.

10/14 Thursday - Day Four - Sunrise Hike before departure for Las Vegas (fly home possible after 6 pm)

The trip is not confirmed until payment. Due to limited space, there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this and it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Toby with any questions.

*Base itinerary and instructors subject to change. This is never planned but based on unforeseen circumstances, can happen.  If the itinerary must change due to any unforeseen circumstance, alternate locations within the same general area will be chosen.