In the final week of January 2025, a great group of photographers joined Lauri and me on another Active Photo Tours photo adventure through the breathtaking treasures of Zion National Park, and surrounding area. Timing and careful planning are key, which is why we host our photo retreat and workshop during this tranquil season. During this time of year, Zion often feels like a private paradise. Although there are certain limitations on where we can venture as a commercial group within the park, we still discovered an abundance of incredible photo opportunities in the accessible areas.
Picture this: the iconic Zion Narrows, almost entirely to yourself. That was our experience. We hiked along the gently flowing Virgin River, its crystal-clear blue and green waters inviting us to capture stunning ice falls and other great features in ethereal canyon light. The opportunity to photograph untouched landscapes in the Narrows, free from the distractions of crowds, is a rare gift that winter provides. While encountering frosty air that created mesmerizing ice falls around Mystery Canyon, the temperature was just right for us to focus on expanding our creative boundaries with landscape photography.
Our stay at Nama-Stay was nothing short of idyllic – a serene retreat set on six acres, with a peaceful wilderness vibe. It is conveniently located within walking distance of local shops and eateries, making it the perfect base to relax, edit and reflect on our photographic adventures.
While Zion itself offers endless creative inspiration for a week-long exploration, the surrounding landscapes are equally captivating. We experienced an unusual weather pattern, resulting in minimal snow around Zion. However, just 50 miles to the east, Buckskin Canyon was blanketed in fresh snow, and we seized the chance to hike six miles and photograph this stunning area, once again enjoying the solitude of winter tranquility. Our intrepid group even navigated a chilly, icy, and muddy crossing, but once we reached the other side, the canyon afforded even more solitude and grandeur. We returned with cherished memories and a bit of mud on our clothes and gear – a true sign of a successful adventure!
I have a deep love for this part of the Southwest. While crowds can sometimes be a challenge, strategic timing and a willingness to explore off the beaten path can lead to hours of peaceful solitude and endless creative inspiration for capturing unforgettable images. We are excited to announce that we will be returning for another winter retreat in 2026. This is truly an ideal time of year to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of one of our most scenic national parks.
“The Winter Wonders in Zion photo tour was incredible. Michael and Lauri knew just where to go in that vast park to get great sunrise, sunset and everything in between shots. The Narrows hike alone was worth the trip! Their knowledge, warmth and guidance were superb.
Could not ask for a better experience. Can’t wait for another tour!”
Doug H. (New York)