John Fielder Photography Workshop, Gunnison Gorge

2010 TRIP DATE - MAY 22- 24  BOOK TODAY - THIS TRIP WILL SELL OUT EARLY!

Check out the John Fielder Photo Gallery.

Join acclaimed photographer John Fielder for a floating Photography Workshop in the Gunnison Gorge. The Gunnison Gorge, below Black Canyon National Park in western Colorado, is a 14 mile wilderness journey with spectacular canyon scenery providing unlimited photography opportunities. A mile hike down the Chuckar Trail brings us to the river and the narrow canyon carved through the polished Protereozoic schist and gneiss formations. Mild rapids punctuate the crystal clear pools on the first day as we enter this secluded retreat. Our isolated camp provides a peaceful refuge to enjoy a sumptuous dinner before our evening workshop class photographing the canyon in the evening light. This canyon combines narrow canyon passages with exciting pool-drop rapids. Depending on the water level, these Class III rapids demand either intricate maneuvering or a wild dash through boat swamping holes and waves. This three day trip allows plenty of time for class work and hiking to prime locations to photograph the stunning vistas at dawn and in the evenings. After the rush of whitewater on the last day, the Hall of the River King envelops us in a mystical silence prior to the canyon walls receding to rolling sage hills. Our lunch stop at the Smith Fork provides a fun opportunity to explore the waterfalls and drop pools of this side canyon. The trip concludes at the confluence with the North Fork.

The photographer with an interest in fly fishing will enjoy one of Colorado's finest Gold Medal fisheries dominated by Rainbow and Brown trout. Combining these activities will pack your day with action from dawn till dark.

Visit these links for Denver Post stories from the May 2008 trip.

Take your best shot by Kyle Wagner

A pro's tips on making photos click by Kyle Wagner

ABOUT JOHN FIELDER:  

John Fielder is a nationally renowned nature photographer, publisher, teacher and preservationist. In 1981, he founded Westcliffe Publishers, one of the nation's largest publishers of nature books and calendars. A former department store executive who turned an avocation into a career, he is the photographer of more than 30 exhibit format and guide books, most about his home state of Colorado.

Fielder has worked tirelessly to promote the protection of Colorado's open space and wild lands. His photography has influenced people and legislation earning him awards from most major conservation groups, including the Sierra Club's Ansel Adams Award. He is an original governor-appointed member of the lottery-related Board of Great Outdoors Colorado, and speaks to thousands of people each year to rally support for timely land-use and environmental issues. Most recently he led the 2000 citizens’ initiative to manage growth in Colorado. John often talks about the politics of the environment in his workshops. If you think you might be offended by his views, you might want to consider a workshop taught by a less committed photographer!

GROUP SIZE: Limited to 8 participants.

TRIP COST: $ 1395 per person includes a slide show and dinner on May 21, 2010. 

TRAVEL DIRECTIONS:
From Denver - take I-70 to Glenwood Springs. Go south on CO Hwy. 82 to Carbondale. Take CO Hwy. 133 to Hotchkiss and then CO Hwy. 92 to Lazear. Turn left to the Gunnison River Pleasure Park, watch closely for this sign. Approximately 240 miles and 5-6 hours driving time.

From Colorado Springs - Take CO Hwy. 115 to U.S. Hwy 50. Take 50 west to Delta. Take CO Hwy. 92 for 14 miles to the right turn into the Gunnison River Pleasure Park. About 270 miles and 5-6 hours.

DEPARTURE TIME: The group will depart from the GRPP at 7:30 am. You may camp or rent a cabin at the Pleasure Park the night before. Motels are also available in Delta. The GRPP may be reached at 970-872-2525.

PERSONAL GEAR: This trip requires special attention in you packing because all your personal gear is transferred into a waterproof pack with shoulder straps and carried by you down the Chuckar Trail, an easy 1 mile hike to the river. Pay close attention to our packing list. Please call if you have questions. Your waterproof bag is 16" in diameter x 33" high, the size of a medium capacity backpack. Tents and sleeping pads may possibly be consolidated into a group bag for these items only. Camera equipment needs to be stored in your waterproof cases. We can insure further protection with additional waterproof river bags.

* Photos by Clayton Durkeec from the 2006 Fielder Photography Trip.