Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

I’m heading to Arches and Canyonlands in Mid April, camping in Arches, for 5 days. I’ve read some photo shoot itineraries (one I really like from Ash at Dirt In My Shoes) and I’m looking for more folks insight on shooting from others as well. Thanks all for any input that you might have!
Brian

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I have been to both places. They are a delight. Plan early morning and towards sunset. My favorite places were:

Balanced Rock
Double Arches

Mesa Arch at sunrise in Canonlands

I used this site as a guide when I went.

https://www.jamesb.com/top-photo-spots-moab/

Have fun.

ltj123 Loc: NW Wisconsin

Delicate Arch is great, but involves a decent hike and depending on time of day parking lot may be full for this hike.

ltj123 Loc: NW Wisconsin

Also Dead Horse Point State Park by Canyon Lands is great for sunrise pictures....

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Mesa arch at sunrise is beautiful but crowded with tripods everywhere. Give it a try at sunset too. You won't get the sun through the arch which is what every body else is after but still some spectacular shots if you look around.

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

Thanks all, putting these in my travel notes.

patrick43 Loc: Los Lunas,NM

There is also a campground there, which would make it easier for sunrise photos if, as you mentioned, you are camping.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com is an excellent starting point

jtwind

Left there yesterday, Amazing place, very busy, places like Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch, the windows are very, very busy. Sunset at Delicate Arch usually has a 100 plus people hanging around! If you want photos without people you probably need to go in January. I'd start scouting other spots mid day and go back and shoot for that hour around sunrise and sunset.

jcsnell Loc: SW Ohio

Go to the visitors center in Moab, they have brochures that will give you suggested times (sunrise-sunset) for best photos in several areas of the Park . Make sure you take some of the trails, many are around a mile at the most and the walk is well worth it. I was there about 5 years ago and it was one of the most memorable times ever spent hiking and taking pictures.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Hi, Brian. Just got back myself and am in the middle of posting my series of images (Southwest Tour or Bust). Today I'll post shots from Arches. You will get lots of great suggestions from "the Hogs." All will be good. Main point, get there early. Even in mid-March, people were everywhere. So I hope to give you some "more practical" suggestions: Lunch at "The Love Muffin" in Moab. For dinner, Sunset Grill in Moab and Red Cliffs Lodge on Hwy. 128. Have a great time.

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

If you are a serious photographer, get a copy of Photographing the Southwest by Laurent Martres. A lifelong southwest photographer, he walks you through every point of interest, many that you will never see unless you like to hike and camp on two day trips or rent a Jeep.

Second, purchase the Lumos app for $4.99. This will give you the Sun's position anywhere in the world from a GPS location or address. If you want to get a shot like the one attached, it is important to set up on THE spot to avoid lens flare. Most people if they get there early will want to set up in the center of the slot. Depending on the time of year, this may be the worst spot possible. Notice that I set up slightly right of the slot sweet spot. Everyone in the center got lens flare. If you are there among the first, you can set the line of camera tripods from the arch.

Third, arrive at Mesa Arch by 5 AM, bring coffee, a folding chair, and wait. At 7:05 a MegaBus of Orientals will decend upon your positions like locusts, and you will thank me for this advice.

Fourth, if you really want to be assured that you come back with keepers, schedule 3 mornings for the Mesa Arch. Weather can snuff out a photo very easily with a cloud bank on the horizon.

Good Luck!

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

All the places mentioned plus in Arches hike the Park Avenue trail and in Canyonlands be sure to visit the Needles District which is separate from the Island in the Sky part of the park but equally amazing.

johnh1944 Loc: North Las Vegas

I am going late April, is there any recommendations for a person with limited mobility? I can't do hikes over 1/4 mile due to my disability.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

One of my all time favorite places. I did the Delicate Arch hike and it was fun. However if you do it at dusk take a flash light for the trip down! The hike is long but not too strenuous. Check with the visitor center and sign up for some of their hikes- they use to have one in "Fiery Furnace" which is a moderate hike. Also Dead Horse Park has some wonderful views - especially great if a thunderstorm rolls in. Arches will be getting hot and the snakes will be coming out if they haven't already so watch where you put your hands and feet. Take water with you. You can take a boat ride on the Colorado River and there is a sand dune outside the park that is worth a visit.