Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
5
Eco ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife ToursPhotography ToursDay Trips
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Backcountry Journeys presents a meticulously curated photography travel experience, thoughtfully designed to promote the pursuit of world-class landscape and wildlife photography. Our distinguished commitment to service excellence, coupled with intimate group sizes, ensures an unparalleled, personalized journey. Capture the world through your lens with Backcountry Journeys. Book your photography adventure today!
Flagstaff, Arizona
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
418 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
LENGELL
Chicago, IL46 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Unfortunately, there was no Firefall this year. Mother Nature was so fickle, she didn’t even grace us with snow in February. Of course this was disappointing, but our guides Kenton and PJ went out of their way to make sure that we saw everything else that Yosemite had to offer. The days were busy ( we even tried some astrophotography), the scenery was gorgeous, and the company was superb.
The Backcountry Journey trips are always well planned, with multiple contingencies in place for whatever comes your way. The food is great, the transportation / lodging is comfortable and the end result pictures are wonderful. If you want a lot of instruction, just ask, and the guides jump in with suggestions, help fine tuning a shot, or morale support. If you want to do your own thing and just be taken to both the iconic and off the beaten path spots - that works too. The BCJ team goes out of their way to be accommodating, while still efficiently and effectively wrangling the group.
The best part about these trips, (we’ve been on 3 so far), is meeting so many like minded people who, in some cases, turn into new friends. My husband and I take these trips together, but I would never hesitate to go as a solo.
If you are on the fence about one of the BCJ trips, jump off and sign up. You won’t be disappointed.
The Backcountry Journey trips are always well planned, with multiple contingencies in place for whatever comes your way. The food is great, the transportation / lodging is comfortable and the end result pictures are wonderful. If you want a lot of instruction, just ask, and the guides jump in with suggestions, help fine tuning a shot, or morale support. If you want to do your own thing and just be taken to both the iconic and off the beaten path spots - that works too. The BCJ team goes out of their way to be accommodating, while still efficiently and effectively wrangling the group.
The best part about these trips, (we’ve been on 3 so far), is meeting so many like minded people who, in some cases, turn into new friends. My husband and I take these trips together, but I would never hesitate to go as a solo.
If you are on the fence about one of the BCJ trips, jump off and sign up. You won’t be disappointed.
Written May 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Linda,
Thank you so much for this stellar review! You and Chris are great guests, and we love having you on our trips. While Yellowstone's weather didn't cooperate for true "winter" this year, I'm glad it was still an enjoyable trip!
Written May 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie K
21 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
The Smoky Mountains trip in late October was amazing. As always Backcountry did a top notch job of scheduling the trip, scouting locations, and being attentive to the safety of their guests. This was my third trip with Backcountry and I have two more scheduled. Their guides are professional photographers who are interested in helping their clients get the best shots and inteaching techniques.
Written December 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Third time's a charm! Thank you for being such a great guest, and returning for more adventures with us. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience traveling with us, and our guides will be happy to hear that you appreciated their efforts!
Written December 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy S
3 contributions
Oct 2020
I'm an amateur photographer and wanted a tour that focused on getting "the picture" as well as teaching you about your camera and getting those pictures. This group did exactly that. I went on Backcountry Journey's Ultimate Northern Lights 6-day trip in Oct 11-17, 2020. Had a fantastic experience! Our guide, Russ, was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and definitely wanted us to have a good photo experience. Ours was a small group (thanks to COVID), but he gave individual attention to each of us and was always ready to answer questions or help. Fortunately for our group, the weather, KP numbers, and solar wind cooperated and we got some incredible pics! Russ had several different sites picked out for us to view the Lights, and was flexible to make changes when the weather dictated to do so. They chose a very nice hotel and restaurants for us. They also had COVID rules that the group adhered to, making the trip comfortable under the circumstances. I would highly recommend the company and will travel with them in the future.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Cindy,
We were so happy that your group got to experience those KP levels, and come away with AMAZING aurora images! Having a good experience both behind the lens and otherwise is what we hope for all our guests - and we'll hope you'll join us again for another!
Also, we appreciate your mention of over Covid policies. Since we've enacted them to keep both guests and guides safe, it's nice to know they were valued.
Written November 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chanda B
Kansas City, MO16 contributions
Jul 2021
In July I went on the Bears Uncharted trip and in August I did the standard Glacier trip. While these two trips were completely different, the results were the same. Great photos, great people, great experience! The rugged beauty of the Bears uncharted put us tent-camping on a beach on Tuxedni Bay in Alaska. We experienced several bear sightings a day and while they got very close on a couple of occasions I never felt unsafe because we had a bear guide controlling the situation at all times. While in Glacier, we slept in a bed every night and changed locations constantly to chase the light.
In both experiences, Backcountry Journeys handled all of the details, e.g. meals, lodging, transportation, etc. In addition, the guides provided all we needed, whether it be photography instruction, entertainment, or a helping hand when we needed it.
Overall I would recommend taking a workshop with Backcountry Journeys. They are top rate and have a long history of guiding in great locations and excellent guides.
In both experiences, Backcountry Journeys handled all of the details, e.g. meals, lodging, transportation, etc. In addition, the guides provided all we needed, whether it be photography instruction, entertainment, or a helping hand when we needed it.
Overall I would recommend taking a workshop with Backcountry Journeys. They are top rate and have a long history of guiding in great locations and excellent guides.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Chanda, We're glad to hear you had a great time in Alaska and Glacier! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure having you on both tours, we look forward to traveling with you again!
Written August 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ysidro
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Mar 2021
Truly a great experience, from booking to pre-trip prep to accommodations to guides, these guys do an excellent job in making everything easy and stress-free. This is my second trip with BCJ and I've enjoyed both equally and highly recommend them. Our guide Ben was outstanding, his knowledge of the area got us to some of the best locations for night photography and daytime landscapes. He provided instructions regarding camera settings, composition and post processing that addressed a wide range of photography experience and made sure each in the group would return home with quality photographs. I have plans to take my third trip with BCJ very soon.
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, we're so glad you enjoyed your second experience with Backcountry Journeys, and your guide, Ben! Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We can't wait to have you travel with us again!!
Written April 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jann01
Cave Junction, OR241 contributions
Jul 2021
The" Bears: Uncharted" was our third trip with BCJ and we are booked with them for 4 more trips in both 2021 and 2022. Having repeat customers says much about a company! This particular experience was a new trip for BCJ and, like trips previously, it was well run and enjoyable. We were flown by bush plane into the remote area of Tuxedni Bay where we camped near a sedge meadow to observe and photograph non-habituated coastal brown bears. We were able to observe and photograph -in a safe and respectful manner - a nice range of bears going about their normal activities We believe any wildlife photography has to be focused on adjusting and adapting human behavior to eliminate or greatly reduce any impact on the natural behavior of the animal and BCJ follows this philosophy.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jann, thank you for sharing! Its always a pleasure traveling with you, and we look forward to the future adventures. Its great to hear you enjoyed your time with bears!
Written August 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tina M
Portland, United States34 contributions
Mar 2021
From start (booking) to finish ~ Backcountry Journeys delivered what they offered and more. Dealing with Covid cancellation challenges was a smooth sail working with Jillian who easily was able to switch trips around to make this happen. The host for the trip, Russell Groves was reliable, entertaining, informative, flexible, fun and knowledgeable. We entrusted him with driving us to remote places into the wee hours of the night and morning to make our photographs, and I always felt safe with him at the helm. This trip afforded a bit of flexibility to work with Mother Nature and I think I could not have been handed a better abundance of wildlife and night skies to photograph. The accommodations were great. Very comfortable and convenient and the folks at the hotel were friendly and helpful. The restaurants that Russell chose for our dinners were great too. Can't wait for my next trip with BCJ!
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tina, we're so happy to hear you had a great time and can't wait to have you on another trip! Thank you for taking the time to tell everyone what a great experience you had!
Written April 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
567camiller
6 contributions
Feb 2021
I started looking online for a photo-tour last year and discovered Backcountry Journeys. I took a leap of faith since I don't usually book trips with out personal recommendations from friends. I was NOT disappointed!!!! Despite the craziness of COVID - they truly delivered an amazing photo trip. The team was very fast and responsive with my gear and travel questions. Our guide Russell is an incredible photographer and he certainly found all of the spots that were teeming with birds and other animals. He helped improve my photography with just a few key tips. The other guests were also great travel companions. This was my first trip to the Everglades and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves wildlife photography! I am now trying to find time in my schedule for my next Backcountry Journey - and I"m having a really hard time picking which trip!!!!
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Camille, thank you so much for sharing about your trip! We're glad to hear you had a great photography experience in the Everglades. We can't wait to travel with you again!
Written April 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James W
19 contributions
May 2022
This is my 2nd trip with Backcountry Journies and the most unique I have ever been on. I have been looking to get into astrophotorgraphy for some time after getting a decent shot of the night sky in Zion. Zion and Bryce Canyons was my first BCJ trip with excellent guides, food and places to stay. This night skies matched that and more.
A little different that the usual landscape trip as we concentrated on the Mikly Way and star trails which had us shooting at night. An amazing expereince with a fantastic group of people. Ben our guide, explained the settings needed to capture Milky Way shots in an easy to understand fashion. This took what seemed like very difficult to magic inside our cameras. We also captured star trails which would have our cameras shoot a series of photos over an hour to an hour and a half. These sequenses were my favorite part of the trip. Laughing with the group and watching for shooting stars in the middle of the night at Joshua Tree National Park was an experience I will never forget. Every night was a differenct location, each very unique. Most felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.
When we were not out capturing images at night or sleeping in during the day we were learning to process our images. There is a good amount of skill involved to edit and process night images which again Ben explained well. I love the images that I was able to obtain and feel that I can confidently capture the night sky going forward on my own.
If there are 2 pieces of advice I could give to anyone thinking of going on this trip. Be sure to bring a sleep mask as it is difficult to try and catch up on sleep during the day in the desert. Secondly, if coming from the East Coast arrive a few days early to get used to the time change. Usually its not too bad for daytime activities but with most of the trip at night the time change could seem somewhat drastic.
A little different that the usual landscape trip as we concentrated on the Mikly Way and star trails which had us shooting at night. An amazing expereince with a fantastic group of people. Ben our guide, explained the settings needed to capture Milky Way shots in an easy to understand fashion. This took what seemed like very difficult to magic inside our cameras. We also captured star trails which would have our cameras shoot a series of photos over an hour to an hour and a half. These sequenses were my favorite part of the trip. Laughing with the group and watching for shooting stars in the middle of the night at Joshua Tree National Park was an experience I will never forget. Every night was a differenct location, each very unique. Most felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.
When we were not out capturing images at night or sleeping in during the day we were learning to process our images. There is a good amount of skill involved to edit and process night images which again Ben explained well. I love the images that I was able to obtain and feel that I can confidently capture the night sky going forward on my own.
If there are 2 pieces of advice I could give to anyone thinking of going on this trip. Be sure to bring a sleep mask as it is difficult to try and catch up on sleep during the day in the desert. Secondly, if coming from the East Coast arrive a few days early to get used to the time change. Usually its not too bad for daytime activities but with most of the trip at night the time change could seem somewhat drastic.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for your awesome feedback! We are so glad that you enjoyed your trip to Joshua Tree! It is great to hear that this trip was an experience that you will never forget, and that you were able to get some amazing photos. Thank you for sharing your experience, we look forward to traveling with you again!
Written June 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robbie R
2 contributions
Jul 2021
I participated in the Alaska Unchartered trip in Tuxedni Bay, Alaska. This was my first trip with Backcountry Journeys. Every aspect of the trip was amazing, including the van ride, the bush plane flight and the campsite. The guides went above and beyond to ensure that every guest was well taken care of during the trip. Our daily hikes to the sedge meadow to photograph the Alaska brown bears was above and beyond my expectations. Our guides put us in the perfect locations to photograph the bears without jeopardizing our personal safety. During the breaks between our photo outings the guides prepared delicious meals for our consumption. Alaska is a beautiful environment, the bears and other wildlife were a thrill to photograph and the staff of Backcountry Journeys were exceptional! I highly recommend this company to anyone that is looking for something outside of the norm!
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Robbie, thank you for sharing you experience! We're glad you had a great time in Alaska with the bears, group, and guides, and took home some wonderful photos as well. We look forward to traveling with you again soon!
Written September 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I see that at least some of the tours require a 500-600mm lens, did you actually go out and buy a $ 5,000-10,000 lens for the trip? I have a 100-400 with a 1.4 extender, which is ok except for low light, and a Tamron 150-600 version 1, but I’m not excited about its quality. I’m interested in the trip, but buying that expensive a lens is not really in the budget. Renting would even be like$800. Any other info you would like to pass on would be appreciated! Than you!
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Written January 17, 2019
It all depends on which trip you go on and what you want to focus on (pun intended), wildlife or landscape. I went to Katmai to photograph the brown bears fishing at Brooks Falls and in the river. For the classic bears catching salmon at the Falls I used a 100-400mm lens on a full frame Canon. Most images were taken at around 270mm giving a full frame shot of the bears. To get dramatic eye level shots it was necessary to get into Brooks River with the bears. Not recommended for the faint of heart. For those shots I used a 500mm prime lens to maintain some distance! One of my photos of bears fighting won the National Park Wildlife Photo of the Year 2018.
Written January 19, 2019
I'm looking to do this trip April 2017. How was the weather and temperature of the water?
Written December 3, 2016
My trip which was within a month timing had higher elevations still with snow and some of the passes closed. That being said it's the first time bears are coming out of hibernation and with new cubs and a significantly lower tourist count. Many of the days I needed to wear thermal underwear out hiking. Reach out to Russ on his listed email - he was awesome and can give you all pros and cons.
Written December 4, 2016
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