Arches & Canyonlands
National Parks

The curious landscapes of southeastern Utah seem as if they were created for the amusement of the ancient gods. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are home to one of the world’s largest arrays of colossal stone arches, soaring spires and balanced rocks. The naturally-sculpted Entrada Sandstone is so rich and varied in its landforms that early explorers believed the immense arches and towering monoliths were, like Stonehenge in England, the monuments of a lost culture.

Throughout the region, the effects of wind and water, extreme temperatures and underground salt movement can be seen. The geological features of this area provide the framework for five days of stimulating photography that focuses on the spectacular “big picture” scenics of Arches National Park, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District, plus Dead Horse Point State Park, Castle Valley and Fisher Towers. One goal of this trip is the search for panoramic images—using wide-angle lenses and 35mm cameras to their best advantage. This is a tremendous opportunity to learn about and use digital cameras for capturing the components for stitched panoramas!

In contrast to the red sandstone terrain, pinyon pines and gnarled junipers add a splash of green to the winter landscape. And snow on the crimson formations would be a spectacular added bonus! A multitude of other photo possibilities present themselves, including Anasazi petroglyphs, desert washes and the snow-covered La Sal Mountains.

Winter is a special time in southeastern Utah. There are very few visitors to the parks, which contributes to a feeling of true wilderness. Although much of this trip can easily be photographed from the road, several short hikes deliver us to areas of extraordinary photo opportunities.

A real plus to photographing landscapes in Utah at this time of year is that the days are much shorter than in the springtime—so you don’t have to get up as early or get to bed as late to catch both sunrise and sunset. We stay in one convenient hotel for the entire trip making moving and packing unnecessary. The tour begins and ends at the Grand Junction airport in Colorado where we pick you up for the drive to Moab.

Join us on a quest for fiery light on the land and photograph the incredible panoramas in this corner of the Colorado Plateau.