Thank you, Dale D. After receiving feedback about the transitions in the video, I replaced them with simpler transitions. Some day I may get around to more color and contrast correction. Here is the newer version:
I didn't get to Sedona, so I have no input there, but regarding places between Moab and Monument Valley, I would recommend:
- Castle Valley (near Moab) - few people there and stunning scenery. Also, locations along the Colorado River (such as Big Bend) to Castle Valley are terrific as well
- Thelma & Louse Point, Gooseneck Overlook and vicinity - I'm fairly sure this is BLM land and not state park. I wasn't able to get there last visit, but it's mostly dirt road. From Moab you take RT279 along the Colorado River out to Intrepid Potash, then pickup 142, which is a dirt road. You are in the canyon throughout
- Monticello, near South Canyonlands - if you take 191 from Moab to 211, the road will take you into the south access of Canyonlands. Prior to the park, it's all BLM land, including the Six Shooter Peak area (the second hyperlapse in the video). I could have spent all day there and saw 3 cars in six hours. The skies shift depending on where you are, providing nice variety of looks
- Valley of the Gods - if you get back on 191 south, eventually you come to 163, which heads to Monument Valley. But first, you come to Valley of the Gods, about 35 miles north of Monument Valley. There's a small sign along side the road marking its entrance from 163. It's all dirt road, and especially if it has recently rained be sure you have an offroad or 4x4 vehicle. I spent nearly 8 hours there and saw one car the entire time. It was a perfect place to fly. Like all of the places mentioned, depending on the time of day you get new and different looks at the monuments.
- Mexican Hat Monument - continuing along 163, you can stop by Goosenecks, but it is open to drones only until March. However, nearby is the Mexican Hat monument. A photographer in Moab (Tom Till) gave me a great tip and suggested that when driving on the dirt road down to the Mexican Hat monument, continue past it down to the San Juan River. In my video, the rock pattern at 2:05 is at that location.
I have since noticed so many accessible and flyable locations along the San Juan river than I'm anxious to get back and seek them out. It seems endless to think of the opportunities between Moab and Monument Valley.
Hope this helps.