Itinerary and travel time help, Please!

Question

Greetings All,

Any help will be greatly appreciated! I will be traveling solo to visit family in Tucson. I have a new camera and want to go to the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon to do photography. Could anyone please let me know if my travel times look realistic! This is what I have planned:

March 3, Depart Tucson 9:00AM drive to Grand Canyon, stay at Bright Angel Lodge (Cabin 1 Queen with Partial View and Fireplace). Explore area after check in.

March 4, Explore viewpoints, maybe a short scenic hike ( my gear is a little heavy, so light hike will be best!)

March 5, Depart 9:00AM to Page, I have a 1:15 Lower Antelope reservation. Late afternoon Horseshoe bend. Staying at Country Inn & Suits.

March 6, I have a 10:00 AM reservation 3 Hr. Canyon X photo tour.... Any suggestions for other photo ops. in the area? Possibly the Petroglyphs, or try to nab a later afternoon Upper Antelope? All ideas welcome!

March 7 Depart 9:00AM for a 3:30 flight to Phoenix to include rental car return.

Many Many thanks in advance for your time, help and comments!

Answer

Your itinerary looks very well thought out, especially for photography purposes. Here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions for your travel times and photo opportunities:

March 3 – Tucson to Grand Canyon:

The drive from Tucson to Grand Canyon Village is about 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Departing at 9:00 AM should get you to the Grand Canyon in mid to late afternoon, allowing some daylight for initial photos.
Check-in at Bright Angel Lodge early if possible, so you can drop off your gear and catch the light near the Rim for golden hour photography. The nearby viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point are easily accessible.

March 4 – Grand Canyon Exploration:

Focus on light hikes like the Rim Trail (South Rim) for photography. It’s mostly paved or smooth trail and offers multiple viewpoints without steep elevation changes.
Sunrise and sunset are prime times for photography. Hopi Point, Yaki Point, and Mohave Point are excellent for sunrise shots if you can get an early start.
Consider using the shuttle system to access viewpoints that are slightly farther away without taxing yourself with heavy gear.

March 5 – Grand Canyon to Page:

The drive from Grand Canyon Village to Page is approximately 2.5–3 hours, leaving enough time to make your 1:15 PM Lower Antelope Canyon reservation.
After the tour, Horseshoe Bend is perfect for late afternoon photography; the lighting is often excellent around 3–5 PM, depending on the time of year.
Staying at Country Inn & Suites is convenient for easy access to nearby photography spots in Page.

March 6 – Canyon X and Other Photo Ops:

Your 10:00 AM Canyon X tour is a good choice. Morning light can enhance the slot canyon colors.
Other photography options in the Page area:

Upper Antelope Canyon: Consider a late afternoon tour for the changing light and beams if available.
Petroglyphs: The Navajo Village Heritage Center or nearby petroglyph sites can add cultural and historical elements to your shots.
Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell: Especially nice for wide landscape shots or sunset photography.

March 7 – Page to Phoenix:

Plan for about a 4.5–5 hour drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor, leaving around 9:00 AM should give you plenty of buffer time for rental return and airport check-in for a 3:30 PM flight.
Early departure is recommended to avoid any delays or traffic along US-89 or I-17.

Additional Tips:

Carry a tripod for low light situations, especially for sunrise/sunset photography at both the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon.
Bring filters if you want to manage the harsh midday light in slot canyons.
Consider scout locations ahead of time using maps or Google Earth to optimize your photography workflow.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks; both the Grand Canyon and Page area involve some walking with gear.

Overall, your travel times are realistic, and the itinerary balances photography, sightseeing, and manageable travel distances effectively.