I love being a snowbird! For the past 7 years I’ve left the grey and rainy pacific northwest behind in late fall to follow the sun down to the American Southwest to explore and photograph the stunning landscapes until spring.
I’ve seen some truly remarkable places, but to become an all-time favourite, a location has to meet a few criteria:
- The most important thing is that there must be room to explore. I love to hike around and find unique subjects and perspectives. If a location only has one or two shots, it wont make this list.
- I have to be able to get there in my truck (which is not a 4 wheel drive high clearance vehicle) or on foot (and I’m not an athlete). If you have to have a 4 wheel drive, or be a rock climber, then I haven’t been there.
- I like to be able to camp nearby or right in the location. There are lots of places that are worthwhile day trips, but if I can’t camp there, it’s not likely to be a favourite. That means I also have to be able to tow the RV there (so if there is ice or freezing temperatures, it’s not an option).
- I hate crowds. And cities. Especially crowded cities. Wilderness is my thing. If a place gets crowded, then it only makes my list if it’s possible to go in off-season. Believe me, I’ll never make the mistake of trying to visit Zion and not being aware of spring break ever again!
These are in the order I would likely visit them during my snowbird trip from November to the end of April. I start in the southern most locations since that is where it is warm during November – January. Then, depending on the weather, I like to move up to higher elevations if it’s possible.
1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
I never run out of places to explore in Joshua Tree. There is a lot to see including a cholla garden, massive piles of interesting boulders (jumbo rocks), hidden valleys and of course the famous Joshua Trees.
This is one of the best locations to see an incredible desert sunset.
Where to camp: Belle Campground is a gorgeous spot, big enough for the RV, and puts you right in the action for sunrise.
2. Salton Sea, California
This is a love it or hate it place. I love it or it wouldn’t be on my list. Some people are put off by the layer of dead fish on the beach and the fact that what appears to be white sand is really barnacles. But it’s so unique, there are tons of birds to photograph, and it’s another location where you can count on amazing sunsets.
Where to camp: Corvina Beach or Salt Creek.
3. North Algodones Sand Dunes, California
On one side of the road is Imperial Sand Dunes where all the duners go. Its fun to watch them, but of course they leave a ton of tracks on the dunes. On the other side of the road is North Algodones Sand Dunes which is a wilderness area that is closed to ATVs. That’s where you want to photograph.
Where to camp: You can stay in Glamis, but there will be a lot of people with ATVs who like to party all night. I prefer to stay on BLM land on Ogilby Road, which is about a 30 minute drive.
4. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
A small but stunning wildlife refuge that is the winter home for flocks of snow geese and sandhill cranes as well as many other species of birds. The snow geese tend to all fly at the same time, filling the sky a few times as day as they move between the field and the pond, cackling all the while. It’s quite the sight! The only drawback is that you have to stay in your vehicle which makes it a little more difficult to get a good angle on the action.
Where to camp: BLM land right across the street from the visitor’s centre.
5. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
The most lush desert I have ever seen and one of the only places you’ll find the Organ Pipe Cactus in the USA. The park has lots of hiking opportunities, but make sure you carry a comb or some tweezers for your inevitable encounter with the cholla cactus.
Where to camp: Twin Peaks Campground in the park. Or, there is BLM land outside the park at Gunsight Wash or Ajo Scenic Drive.
6. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
An otherworldly location with hoo doos, “dinosaur eggs” and other remarkable rock formations. It’s very easy to get lost here so make sure you take a GPS. I actually bought an eBook about this place that directed me to go down a private road, ignore some no trespassing signs, and scoot under a fence to get to the best photo locations. Bullocks!!! Just go to the main parking lot. You can walk to the very best stuff in 20-30 minutes, but it will take you longer because theres a lot to photograph along the way.
Where to camp: We asked a ranger. Yes, you can camp right in the parking lot.
7. Zion National Park, Utah
Stunning scenery, incredible hiking, mountains and river, Zion has it all. That’s why it’s so popular. The only time I would go here is in early March before spring break (or before if there is no chance of snow and I can tow the rig up there). From mid-March to mid-April, it is spring break in one of the nearby states and there will be tons of people in the park which sucks the magic out of it.
You don’t have to be one of the photographers that stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the bridge for the iconic shot of the Watchman. There are plenty of opportunities for unique images elsewhere in the park.
Where to camp: Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park about half a mile out of the park.
8. Whitney Pocket, Nevada
This little known treasure has recently become part of the new Gold Butte National Monument, so I expect it to get more popular. But hopefully the long bumpy road will still keep the crowds away. I love to just wander off into the wilderness to find interesting rock formations with amazing colours.
Where to camp: Free BLM camping.
9. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
I’ve never seen such colourful rock as what you will find in this incredible park. There are some named rock formations that you will find on the park map, but you can also just wander around and find some really cool things of your own.
Where to camp: There is a campground in the park or there is free camping about 20 minutes away on BLM land known as Snowbird Mesa.
10. Alabama Hills, California
Another one of the otherworldly landscapes that make you feel like you’re on another planet, there is a lot to explore here and many hiking trails. I could easily spend months exploring this gorgeous landscape.
Where to camp: Free BLM camping.
As you can see, there’s nothing I like more than stunning wilderness landscapes with very few people and free camping. What more could you ask for? The sun? It’s there too 🙂
If you want more information about exactly where to camp or logistical details about any of these locations, visit Ray’s blog at loveyourrv.com.
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I am so jealous!! What a beautiful area to take photographs. Thanks for sharing.
It really is a gorgeous part of the world. I hope you get a chance to see and photograph it too, it’s well worth a trip. Thanks for your comments.
Outstanding shots on the American Southwest! I show several shots from there in class lesson plans along with the exposure triangle I used to get the shots. I didn’t see the upper or lower slot canyons in you top 10 but that is one of my favorites. Anyway great work as per usual Anne!
Much appreciated Kris! I have been to the Antelope canyons, and I love my photos from there, but the experience was a lot different than what I was expecting. They push a lot of people through quite quickly. The photo group moves slower than the other groups, so there are always people passing and when I was there, there were some extremely annoyed photographers who got really angry when a tourist ruined their long exposure by using their flash. Seriously, people were screaming “NO FLASH!!” the whole time. Which I get of course, it ruined my shots too, but it was hardly the peaceful place that the photos might make you think it is. I heard that they no longer allow tripods in the lower canyon, so that might be the end of long exposures anyway. I’m glad I went when I did. It was probably 10 years ago. If the situation ever changes, I’d love to go again. It would be amazing to shoot down there if there were no other people or at least a lot fewer people.
Hi Anne
Thanks for your list. Now on my bucket list! I wanna try some sand dunes!
I’m going to Moab and was hoping you’d have a tip or two beyond the usual photo spots. Too many people so not good on your list?
Thanks again.
You got it! Waaaay too many people at Moab. It was May when I went there and it was insanely busy. Maybe it’s not as bad this time of year, although it is spring break in a lot of places for the next month or so, so all the national parks are busy. I much preferred Capitol Reef and in between the two is Goblins State Park, which is awesome. I hope that helps Mark. Thanks for your comments.
Once again I am so incredibly inspired Anne! I have been to several of these areas that are on your top ten list. You make me want to pack up the trailer and get back on the road!
Thank you!!
Hi Debbie, that’s great, I hope you do!! I love the RV lifestyle. Thanks for your visit and comments.
Thanks for all the great comments! I’d love to know if you guys would like to see more location guides like this to help you plan your own adventures?
Please do.
Thanks Scott!
Hi Anne, it looks like you had a great winter. Love your work and really appreciate the location guide. More would awesome. Soon I’ll be doing some winter planning. Love to have more of your insight.
It was 84 on the Skagit today. Better hurry home.
Hi Vaughn, Getting pretty close to home now! We really enjoyed some nice weather in Oregon, but now the rains have come back 🙁 I’m looking forward to summer in BC though! Thanks for the feedback about the location guides.
Hi Anne,These shots are incredibly beautiful. You are so inspirational. Please keep sharing your favourite spots. I am in Australia but hoping to get over there sometime. I am an enthusiastic beginner and your shots, quite take my breath away!
Hi Urlys, thank you so much for your very kind words about my photographs, I really appreciate that. It means a lot to me that my work can inspire others. I hope you do come over to North America, there are a lot of beautiful places to explore here. Likewise I’d love to go to Australia and do some RVing and photography down there. Thanks for your feedback and comments.
I love seeing the pictures you post. The new way is ideal for people like me to see if there is anything of interest before driving all that way for a disappointment. I follow you and Ray on his you tube channel. I follow you through your newsletters. Keep up the great work! If you ever get near Walla Walla, WA., let me know. I would like to talk with both of you, in person. Maybe a cup of coffee or something.
Hi Tom, thanks for the feedback about the location guides. I’m thinking it will help people like you plan your trips so you hit all the best spots. There are some parts of the states we have explored in depth, and other parts we haven’t seen so much of, and one of those is Washington. I guess because it’s so close to BC and therefore quite similar in a lot of ways, but also when we travel through on our snowbird trips it is either November or April so it’s usually raining. Since we only get 6 months in the USA, we don’t usually come here in summer. So we’ve never been over to your part of Washington, but we might switch it up sometime and spend a summer down here instead of winter. Thanks for the offer, it would be great to meet up if we get the chance.
Absolutely live this latest endeavour. Great photography. Should you be near Gibson’s BC in June, I will be there. Would love to meet you.
Hi Irene, was I talking to you about Gibsons last year? I think that was you. You must have enjoyed it if you are going back! It’s pretty over there. I will be just across the straight. My Dad lives in Nanaimo and we can see Gibsons from there. I haven’t been to Gibsons for years, but if I do make it over I’ll check to see if you’re there. Thanks for your visit and comments 🙂
Hi Anne, It may seem like a year to you but it is only a matter of months. I have not been yet but will be at the Blackbird Cottage in Gibsons from 6 June to 7 July. Looking forward to it. Love your photographs
Oh! Okay. I was thinking it was last summer. Well, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Gibsons. It’s a cute little town and Howe Sound is gorgeous so I hope you get a chance to explore it by boat.
Yes please, Anne!!! I really enjoy your newsletters. Much appreciated.
Andrew
Great, thanks for the feedback Andrew! It sounds like lots of people are interested in the location guides, so I have more planned already.
Lovely Photography! I keep following your posts as best as I can. When I am ready to travel here in Uganda I shall certainly use the tips demonstrated in your posts!
Thanks Kenneth, I appreciate that.
Hi Anne. You are my favorite blogging photographer and nomad. I have chosen “Adventurer” for my title now that I too have tossed aside my traditional career. I would very much appreciate seeing more articles like this. Thank you for sharing your insights, talent and art. Lynda
Wow, thanks Lynda, I am honoured to be your favourite photography blog! I really appreciate that 🙂 And congratulations on the new chapter in your life. I’m excited for you! I think being an adventurer is the ticket to an exceptional life. At least that’s been my experience!!
As in the UK I’m unlikely to get to any of your favourite places. However, I do enjoy your travel posts, engaging writing and great images!
Thank you Brian, I appreciate that 🙂
Thanks, Anne. I just changed some of our RV travel plans to route them to your sites. I’ve never been to Valley of the Fire or Bisti so those will be new to us.
Hi Pat, that’s great. You are going to love those locations!! Bisti is in northern New Mexico, so you’ll probably want to wait until it warms up a bit to go there. Glad to be of help!
love your beautiful pictures. I hope to one day be able to take them like you. Keep them coming. Lucile
Thank you for your very kind comment Lucile!
Hi Anne,
I LOVE your location guides and would like to see more! I plan to explore the Oregon Coast and also the Southwest, both due to your great newsletters. I have been retired for less than a year and your newsletters have been very inspirational to me. Today I purchased a travel trailer and I hope to follow in your footsteps.
Wow, thank you so much for your fantastic comments John. I’m so happy to hear that you are finding the location guides helpful and I really appreciate you saying that my work has been inspiration to you 🙂 Congratulations on the new travel trailer, you’re going to love it! It’s awesome to be able to travel around and see all the beautiful things while at the same time having your own bed and kitchen. Perhaps our paths will cross on the road.
Hi Anne the guide is great and would love to see more, we are currently planning our first winter RV trip and it is a bit of a challenge to figure out the best places to stay, We are coming from the east coast (Canada) but are planning on seeing the Midwest so this is helpful, Since we will be traveling across the southernmost states (not Florida) it would be nice to have more info on nice places to see along this neck of the woods.
Keep up the good work I enjoy reading your blog and Rays videos
Thanks for your feedback Paul, glad you enjoyed the post. We have travelled along the southern part of Texas and found many great places there, so I’ll put that one on my list to do.
Those dead fish are tasty tilapia https://saltonseasense.com/2015/07/22/salton-sea-food-tasty-tilapia/ They were put into the Salton sea because experiments showed that they could live in the high salt concentration and survive under high temperatures. But they do die by the millions when it gets to 120°F or so. However, because there are so many of them and because their high nutrients return back to the sea, an equal number or more are born right back to replace the dead, so they will not die out.
I love the place and have camped there a couple days, avoiding many bones and corpses. The history of the Salton sea is amazing and well worth the read. It is just a little over 100 years old. Even a fiction book was written about its creation after the big Colorado River flood in the early 1900s.. Also a lot of water is stolen from Mexico each year to keep the Salton sea from drying up. https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2003/jul/17/imperial-valley-floods-1905-07/
Hi Roger, The Salton Sea is a truly fascinating place. Thanks for sharing this information. I sure hope they find a solution to the problem of the sea drying up. I’ve been following a documentary project about it you might be interested in: http://www.breakingpointdoc.com/