Southern Utah is a photographer’s dream come true. It has numerous exciting geological features such as deep canyons, deep red dirt, high arches, and an endless horizon. The interplay between the sun and the landscape makes for a great photograph every time.
There are also multiple national parks in the area, and each of these parks is famous for attracting numerous photographers from across the United States. These parks have become such favourites because of the high-contrast compositions and print-worthy shots that they offer.
In this guide, we’ll talk about some of the most photographed places in Southern Utah that you can visit and make your own.
Mesa Arch (Canyonlands National Park)
Mesa Arch is home to one of the most famous optical phenomena in landscape photography. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, so you will be sharing the canyon ledge with a row of tripods, but the payoff is legendary.
The shot that most photographers love is when the sun rises from the horizon and shines a light on the underside of the Mesa Arch. This deep red glow on the underside of the arch, combined with a distant deep orange sun over the horizon, creates an iconic look that most landscape photographers are familiar with.
You can bring your own creativity to the shot, and you can also explore numerous other geological features in and around Canyonlands National Park while you’re here.
Canyon Overlook (Zion National Park)
While the main valley floor gets incredibly crowded and requires relying on the park shuttle system, the Canyon Overlook Trail on the upper east side offers an elevated, sweeping alternative that you can access via your own vehicle.
For this shot, you’re basically standing on the edge of a high precipice, looking down at a vast expanse known as Pine Creek Canyon. On both sides of the canyon, you can find high walls that have been deeply stratified over the centuries. It’s Zion National Park at its most majestic, since the horizon seems to be endless miles away.
You can get some great photographs while experimenting with the colour and light. You can also capture the overlook from different perspectives, each of which has its own charm.
Sunset Point (Bryce Canyon National Park)
Yes, it’s called Sunset Point. However, the best time to come here is within the first thirty minutes of sunrise. As mentioned earlier, most of the mileage from photographing Southern Utah can be gained from using the sun and its interplay with the endless landscape. And Sunset Point is the most obvious example of that idea.
When you reach Sunset Point, you’re looking down into the Bryce Amphitheater that reveals thousands of bizarre, intricately carved rock spires called hoodoos. As the morning sun rises behind you, it acts like a giant spotlight, transforming the orange look into something that seems more alive and even dynamic.
You can play around and experiment quite a bit while you’re here. You can either aim to capture the entire amphitheatre, or you can focus on single structures. Believe it or not, some of the more famous structures even have a name, such as Thor’s Hammer.
Delicate Arch (Arches National Park)
Believe it or not, Delicate Arch is one of the most famous arches in the US, and its right here in Southern Utah. It’s a bit of a hassle reaching its vicinity. You will have to trek for 1.5 miles while carrying your equipment. But most photographers say that the hike is worth it.
At the end of the trail, you can spot the delicate arch, which, true to its name, is a small and delicate arch that has such a unique look that it has captivated audiences for decades.
The arch stands in front of a backdrop of several hills that provide the perfect counter to the delicacy of the arch. You can use the backdrop as a counterfoil to highlight the geological variation of the landscape.
Planning Your Trip with Utah Luxury Tours
If you’re looking to make your trip across Southern Utah something to remember, then consider using bespoke travel planning services through Utah Luxury Tours. We provide end-to-end support with all your travel needs, which includes helping you plan your trip (we know the best spots), booking the cheapest/most comfortable travel, along with your accommodation.
We have a wide network in Utah and have insider’s knowledge into every hotel and every destination within the state. We can help ensure that your trip doesn’t just go smoothly, but that its everything that you hoped for.
Wrapping Up
Photography can be the most rewarding hobby for those who also have a penchant for travel. You can combine these two activities to build a life that’s worth remembering. Southern Utah photography can be a great way to test your photography skills as you try to make great art out of the endless red rock landscape that the state offers.
If you want help with your trip, just give us a call.
