Dragicon - Thanks for the advice on GC. We have a place inside the park, but we have two additional open days that we are trying to fill. North sounds like the move. Your shots are amazing!
Everything I'm reading pretty much confirms the point you made about Antelope, but it's something I can't not see.
Right on par with the other places you mentioned. We'll be at Monument Valley, Zion (two days), Horseshoe Bend as well. Any trail recommendations at Zion would be appreciated (PM or on this thread) - I'm in shape and am fine with heat & terrain, but I don't think I have the realistic trail experience for The Narrows or The Subway, unfortunately.
Did not win the online lottery to see The Wave, but going to try and enter the in-person lottery three mornings. Pretty wild (Not my photo):
Sorry man for not answering earlier. I would really try to do the narrows, and do it as a two day trip and try to get a camping permit. It is a really fun and easy hike (based on what you said of your fitness), and it is really easy to navigate. There are companies that drive you up to the ranch at the start, and you hike down from the top. I did it about 5 years ago, and it was awesome. I camped in one of the designated campsites (you need a permit), and woke up super early the next morning to go hiking through the actually narrows part. There was nobody but my friend and I in the area. It was fantastic. As we hike down through the narrows, and out, there was a constant stream of people going up the opposite way. By the time we had hike out (around 9-10AM), it was a circus at the trailhead, with people hiking upstream. I was so happy we had done it that way. The subway is a bit of a beast when it comes to hiking. It is exposed, and even though you are next to a stream, it is rather hot. After you hike to the subway, and then return back the way you came from, the final half mile is on a brutal uphill section that was most likely baking in the sun all day.
One of the "hidden" (I use that term loosely since the whole park is a madhouse from april - november) trails that I really like a lot is the overlook. The trailhead is right before the tunnel, if approaching from the east. It is also right after you exit the tunnel if approaching from the west.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/C...aebb57c3e26c6!8m2!3d37.2136106!4d-112.9434719
It has really impressive views from the top, and it is a good short 20 minute hike, one way.
There are the classics also, such as angels landing, and others. But those two are my favorites in the park.
Make sure to hit up monument valley at sunrise/sunset. During the middle of the day, there are just hoards of people, and the lighting is no where near as magical as it is during the early/evening hours.
Also, as a side note, my sister recently was in the area, and tried the lottery in person for 3 days. She said there were on order of around 75 people there for that early morning lottery.... Needless to say, she didn't get it. So I wouldn't go out of your way to try and get it. Don't plan for too many days in that area, as it is rather secluded from the rest.
