These are the best photography spots in Arches National Park. Arches National Park is located in Utah, north of the Moab. This national park is defined by the thousands of iconic rock formations that fill the landscape. These massive geological formations offer the largest concentration of sandstone structures in the world. These red rocks will amaze anyone that visits and can be visited all year round. Here is a guide for the spots to be at to capture some of the best photos of the park.
Arches National Park Best Photography Spots
The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity. A wide-angle lens. 14-24mm or something similar. A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.
If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. It would be best if you also had a tripod.
The Best photography spots in Arches National Park in Utah
1. Arches Scenic Drive
This paved road into the Arches National Park offers some great photo spots of the arches. There are many pullout locations and parking lots along the road where you can stop to take photos. The stretch of road lasts 43 miles and can take around 2 to 3 hours if you plan on exploring the spur roads. The best time to shoot is during the day, sunrise, and sunset.
2. Park Avenue
Park Avenue is the first location you’ll come across after passing the visitor’s center. This area resembles New York City’s Park Avenue with its towering sandstone monoliths that stand at each side of the trail, similar to the skyscrapers in NYC. This impressive rock wall is a great way to get acquainted with the structures of the park. The best time to shoot is at any time. The best lens to use is a wide-angle lens.
3.La Sal Mountains
Head to the La Sal Mountains at sunrise to capture a 360-degree view of the park and some famous rock formations. You should be able to catch spectacular views of the rock formations against the famous La Sal Mouthans. You can also get a nice shot of formations such as Three Gossips, The Organ, and Balanced Rock, among many others. Early morning sunlight will coat the structures in a warm glow. The best lens to use is a zoom lens.
4. Courthouse Towers
The Courthouse Towers is best visited in the mornings due to the warm, red glow that hits the rock formations when the sun rises. The Courthouse Towers consist of a variety of rock formations, including Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, and The Organ. This is a spectacular view you can not miss. Bring your zoom lens to get close-ups of the rock formations.
5. Balanced Rock
Getting to Balanced Rock is a short round trip hike in Arches National Park. The rock formation features a ginormous boulder that balances on top of a triangular base. Balanced Rock is a popular park attraction that is great for sunset photography.
6. Delicate Arch
This geologic wonder is one of the most famous arches to visit in the park. This is a free-standing arch that has become the main attraction, especially as a sunset photography spot. This is our favorite of all in our list of the best photography spots in Arches. The best lens to use is a wide-angle lens. Come at night to shoot the stars.
7. Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace is made up of a maze of narrow canyons and peaks. This area can be explored up-close with a guided, ranger-led hike or from a distance at various lookout points. You can easily see the entirety of Fiery Furnace a short distance from the parking lot. The overlook provides breathtaking views of the fins, arches, and ledges in the rock formations. The best lens to shoot from a distance is a zoom. If you take a hike through the rock formations, bring a wide-angle lens.
8. Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch features a very narrow archway that comes to only 8 feet thick. This Arch can be photographed from many different perspectives, so be sure to walk around the area to find various views. There are usually no shadows on the Arch in the early to mid-morning.
9. Devil’s Garden
The Devil’s Garden is where a majority of significant arches in the world are found. A couple of arches to keep an eye out for in this area are the Navajo Arch, the Partition Arch, and the Double O Arch. You can easily venture along the trail or branch off on hikes that have more photo opportunities involving climbing, fins, and drop-offs.
Best Photography Spots in Arches National Park
10. The Windows
There is a North Window and South Window, also known as the Spectacles that you can photograph. While they are easily viewable from the parking lot, you’ll want to make the short hike over to the arches to get the best shot. Make sure to visit early as this area is a popular location to visit for many people.
11. Turret Arch
Turret Arch is a great place to visit at sunrise to get pictures of the light shining on the rocks as well as at night to capture the stars and planets in the windows of the arches. You are allowed to climb and walk all over Turret Arch to find the perfect perspective you need.
12. Double Arch
Double Arch is actually made up of two arches that share a home with the same foundation. There are a few interesting formations around Double Arch. Keep an eye out for the Parade of Elephants, which is a series of arches and formations that look like a herd of elephants holding each others’ tails. The best time to shoot is at sunset, sunrise, or night. The best lens to use is a wide-angle lens.
13. Sand Dune Arch
Sand Dune Arch is an easy hike and a great spot to visit during the later afternoon to catch some shade. This is a sandy area with lots of landscape and sandstone fins to explore. Besides the afternoon, early morning is also an excellent time to visit. Look around for epic compositions. The best lens to use is a wide-angle lens.
14. Broken Arch
Broken Arch has even trails and sloping sections that offer beautiful views of the park at all times of the day. Make sure you check out both the front and the backside of Broken Arch. Both sides offer different landscapes and views of the environment. The best lens to use is a wide.
15. Grand View Point
Grand View Point is a magnificent overlook that gives you a panoramic view of the park. The lighting in this area can be more challenging to work with. Winter is a gtooood choice for visits because the site is backlit by the morning sun.
16. The Organ
The Organ is a short walk away from the parking lot of the national park, but it’s best to circle around this rock formation to capture it from all different perspectives. There are millions of angles that you could shoot from so take your time when looking for the best shot.
17. Klondike Bluffs
Klondike Bluffs is a unique, isolated location to explore to find exciting views of the park. There are a few arches here like Tower Arch, which played a large role in the history of the park’s formation.
18. Redrock Formations
The Redrock Formations have over 2,000 stone arches to photograph. This area is concentrated in fins, pinnacles, and towering sandstone structures that provide plenty of inspiration and views to work with. Bring all your gear and comfortable shoes.
19. Skyline Arch
Skyline Arch is located right along the road, which makes it easy to get to. This location is best visited in the afternoon if you’re looking for good lighting against the rocks. The sunlight in the late afternoon makes the rocks glow a brilliant warm red color. The best time to shoot is anytime. Try a wide variety of lenses to get the right shot.
20. Mules Ear Wildflowers
Mules Ear wildflowers are commonly found in the park. These yellow flowers brighten up any shot, especially with the giant rock formations and beautiful blue skies in the background. Use your ultra-wide-angle lens to get them on the foreground of your images.
21. Night Photography
Arches National Park is also known as an International Dark Sky Park, which means it is the perfect place to practice some night photography and capture the Milky Way. Many of the rock formations you visit during the day are also great for stargazing at night.
22. Autumn Foliage
Trees in the national park turn into a beautiful landscape of yellow, orange, and red during the fall. One of the best places to capture photos of the autumn foliage is from the Moab area, which is located in the La Sal Mountains. Visit from mid-September to early October to catch the foliage change at its peak.