Photo Workshops at Coyote Buttes North by Action Photo Tours - Kanab

Photo Workshops at Coyote Buttes North by Action Photo Tours

Kanabmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have a moderate fitness level with the ability to hike over uneven sandstone terrain

Overview

Capture the vivid sandstone waves of Coyote Buttes North with expert guides from Action Photo Tours. Learn to master both shooting and editing in one unforgettable desert experience.

Details

Situated near Kanab, Utah, Coyote Buttes North is a strikingly surreal landscape famed for its wave-like sandstone formations and vibrant striated rocks that draw photographers worldwide. Action Photo Tours offers specialized photo workshops here, designed to maximize your time capturing these spectacular geological features under expert guidance. Known for their meticulous planning and personalized approach, Action Photo Tours crafts immersive one-day excursions and post-processing sessions that elevate both your photography skills and your experience of this remote desert gem.

Coyote Buttes North is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, celebrated for intricate Navajo sandstone shapes formed over millions of years. The Wave, a narrow ribbon of undulating rock, remains one of the most photogenic and challenging access areas in the American Southwest due to limited permits and rugged terrain. Action Photo Tours offers expert local guides who navigate these restrictions and terrain efficiently, ensuring more than just a snapshot — they provide tailored instruction on optimal lighting, composition, and hiking logistics.

Clients consistently praise the company’s emphasis on safety, comfort, and creativity in small group or private settings. Kevin, one of their skilled tour leaders, adapts itineraries to participant needs and abilities, letting visitors focus on framing the perfect shot without distraction. Beyond the onsite shoots, the addition of post-processing sessions with seasoned photographers tightens skillsets, offering practical editing insights that bring out the vivid textures and colors of the desert.

For anyone aiming to photograph one of Utah’s most ethereal landscapes with seasoned professionals, Action Photo Tours delivers a rare combination of expert knowledge, personalized service, and access to iconic sites often closed to casual visitors. This is not simply a photo tour but a chance to engage deeply with one of the Southwest’s most elusive photographic subjects.

Adventure Tips

Permits Are Required and Limited

Arrange your permit well in advance; Action Photo Tours handles the complex permit process for Coyote Buttes North to secure access.

Wear Protective Footwear

Rocky, uneven sandstone demands sturdy hiking shoes for traction and ankle support during longer photo hikes.

Bring Sun Protection

The open desert offers little shade; wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses even on cooler days to prevent sunburn and glare.

Prepare for Variable Weather

Desert temperatures can swing dramatically; dress in moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable from dawn shoots into the afternoon.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Tree Cave sandstone formations
  • Stud Horse hoodoos

Wildlife

  • Desert cottontail rabbits
  • Peregrine falcons

History

The area lies within lands historically inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans and later settled by Navajo and Paiute peoples.

Conservation

Strict permit limits and hiking guidelines help protect the fragile Navajo sandstone and reduce human impact on this sensitive landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Sunrise
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • The Wave itself
  • Stud Horse hoodoos
  • Tree Cave

What to Photograph

Abstract sandstone patterns
Desert flora
Dramatic skylines and rock shadows

Recommended Gear

Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential

Essential for traction and protection on rugged sandstone surfaces.

Wide-Angle Lens

Essential

Ideal for capturing the sweeping landscapes and curving rock formations.

Sun Protection Kit

Essential

Includes sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to avoid sunburn and glare.

spring|summer|fall specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Quick-drying layers adjust to fluctuating desert temperatures throughout the day.

all specific

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