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Jason HatfieldExplorer

Adventure and travel photographer based out of Denver, Colorado. I teach photography workshops and offer private guiding around the west. More at jasonjhatfield.com

This is a beautiful spot for sunrise and I had it to myself in the winter. The rocks can get pretty slick with ice, so if you'll be photographing sunrise here in on a freezing morning I recommend some traction and extra care. Update: I went back this winter season with a lot more snow. Most of the rocks were underwater so comps were a little less interesting but the mist and snow covered trees more than made up for it. There were about 15 other photographers on a Thursday evening so it's definitely gotten a lot more popular since my visit in 2012.

I just finished a winter backpacking trip here on XC skis, do yourself a favor and bring/rent the backcountry xc skis (metal edges). The trail was very icy in parts and classic track skis won't be able to slow you down on the long descents. Overall this was a fairly enjoyable and easy xc ski on a groomed road; if you're in shape and ski, you'll definitely have a great time. We went out on a Friday and only encountered a few people the second half of the trail. There aren't many views on the trail itself but the massive trees make up for it.

Uncrowded on a winter weekday and it had water access, what more could you ask for?

With a 90" base it was true winter camping this season. Dig yourself a snowpit and relax with one of the best tent views in the park. We spent a couple nights here and you'll never really get over how good the view is.

Depending on conditions the trail is likely closed in the winter due to rock/ice/fall danger. If you have micro-spikes and it's open it's worth checking out though.

This is definitely one of the iconic views of Yosemite. If you're here on a winter weekday you'll likely have it yourself or just with a few others, despite the 12-mile xc trip the weekends are still busy.

While there is some light pollution the stars are definitely bright over Yosemite Valley. Compositions with a good close foreground can be hard here but if you just frame the valley with Half Dome it looks great.

This is a great relaxing hike with plenty of big views and forest enchantment.

Stunning views of cholla, saguaro, and the Superstitions. Large campsites and showers. Only $15! If you're on the road a lot you realize what a great deal this is. I was able to capture stunning images only a couple minutes walk from my campsite the camping fee covers the park entrance fee too!

Late October and early November the cottonwoods turn yellow and provide great contrast for landscape photography.

This spot isn't quick to get to but it's more than worth it. I camped here in the fall and the temps were perfect, no snow but cool enough for a fire. If you're up for some risky scrambling the outcropping in the first photo is incredible spot for taking photos.

This year wasn't the best example but during a great season the fall colors here are unmatched in the Southwest. The vibrant reds and yellows along the canyon and cliff walls are stunning and make this hike worth doing more than once.

I visited after a recent rain but it wasn't enough for the falls to be flowing. While the size is impressive it definitely needs water to be photographic. The best time to visit is during spring melt.

This is a really beautiful canyon and definitely off the beaten path.

I've been right near this spot multiple times and never knew about its photographic potential! Once you get past Dance Hall Rock the variety of potholes and formations open up days of potential shooting. There's no camping in the parking lot but spots can be found up or down the road on off-shoots.

This is a great hike with lots of interest along the way. Depending on the route you take you'll have multiple river crossings and encounter some unique spots. The falls area is pretty big with lots to explore and the falls at the bottom has a 50 ft. cliff for jumping.

Since the falls here are smaller and it's further away from the campground you won't have as big a crowd as some other spots. The 20 ft cliff jump is fun but I recommend a guide to know where jumping is safe.

Overall the hike in and out isn't too rough, just boring until you get closer to Supai. I hiked it in the fall and the temps were reasonable in the 70s and low 80s, not so sure I would enjoy it in the summer. The campground can get pretty packed depending when you go so be prepared to share the amazing views with a few hundred other people.

This was definitely the most stunning of the falls and the most dangerous. The hike down is fairly easy if there aren't 200 other people all moving slowly down it with others trying to squeeze by you on the way up. Once down at the falls there's a lot to explore around it and some fun swimming spots.

This is an incredible place to visit year round. It can be busy with other photographers most of the summer but the crowds start to thin out in the fall.

The views here are some of the best in Sedona and line up perfectly for catching last light on the surrounding formations.

This is almost as incredible as the 4-Pass Loop in Aspen, if you time it right the wildflowers are insane. Ran the loop with the add-on to see Lone Eagle Peak again, definitely worth it. The lower elevations on the trail can get pretty hot but there's a good amount of water access to cool off.

Just getting to this beach can be a hassle and very muddy, but it's oh so worth it. Stunning scenery morning and evening, and even when it's busy you can find solitude. Few things have been as peaceful as sleeping here and listening to the waves crashing on the beach.

A really beautiful beach with an iconic shot. It was really busy with other photographers when I was there in December.