cdayton

Lots of great views from roadside and with short walks. Bring long lenses - I’ve used my 18-200 on a D300 (crop) with good results (I also send my much more able wife out on hikes for me but that’s another story). Also, heed the advise about late afternoon shooting times - colors are often badly washed out during the day.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

So agree- Early morning and late afternoon, dawn and dusk are the absolute best times to get the color of the rocks.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

If you're planning a late afternoon, sunset excursion{the best time IMO} be sure and take a good flash light that puts out considerable coverage. Night time return can be adventurous.

Bob Boner

I read someplace that Mesa Arch is the most photographed place in the world. If you plan to go there for sunrise, go very early (in total dark) or you may end up in the 3rd or 4th row. Also, go to the arch the day before in daylight. I didn't do that and it took almost an hour to get there. My partner and I were the last 2 to get in the first row (still in total dark).

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

Judging from my four trips to Moab, I would say you are out of luck. Most all of the sights require demanding hikes up and down difficult terrain. Even though my wife works out daily at the gym, Delicate Arch and Fishers Towers were very difficult for her. Balanced Rock and Dead Horse Point would be possible.

williejoha

A good wide angle zoom like the Canon 24-70 2.8 as a starter.
WJH

utbaker

Now that Easter and most Spring breaks will be over this week things will settle down a little especially mid week, weekends will always be a little busy. I second Park Avenue, also other arches outside the park like Morning Glory Arche. And if interested in after dark photography, you’ll usually have the place to yourself.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

You might consider a hot-air balloon ride over Arches. I did it and it was fun. Photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/sets/72157630939382276/. There are also canned tours of Arches and Canyonlands available for those who can't do much hiking.

nhastings Loc: Telluride, CO

If you have the time, drive south from Moab to the Needles area of Canyonlands. Take the paved road until it ends and start hiking. Totally different than Arches but still really good. As with anyplace in SE Utah, your best shots will be early or late. However if you are lucky to get weather (anything but cloudless skies) you can get great shots all during the day. Look for pools of water and the reflections in them. Above all, have fun and just absorb the wonder and beauty of this magical corner of the world.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

I have been to Moab and Canyon Lands. My advice, especially the hike to Delicate Arch, is to make sure that you hydrate with plenty of water before and during the hike.

Moab National Park and Canyon Lands Monument are amazing places to shoot. Enjoy.

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

I have a reservation at Devils Garden Campground and plan to commute to Canyonlands.

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

That sounds like good advice! I am reminded by that frequently by my wife. When I’m out by myself, I find it wise to follow that advice.

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

Remember you are at high altitude. Unless you live in Denver it is easy to get winded. Most of the arches require a 2-4 mile hike. As said before take plenty of water and know your limits.

clickalot Loc: Chicago area

We went to Moab and these two parks about a year ago. Go late in the afternoon for best light on Delicate Arch. There will be many people there. It is about a 3 mile round trip hike with significant up elevation on the way. I sat on a rim that looks down towards Delicate Arch (where you first get a view of it coming up the trail); set up a small tripod and took a series of images spaced in time over a 10 minute interval, all at the same exposure. You can then clone out the people and make a composite of just the Arch, if that is your desire. I left in my final processed image in one lady who was standing back from the Arch taking a photo of her girl friend who was under the Arch. It gives a nice sense of scale. If you like, you can search UHH and look at my posting of some images taken there.

Canyonlands was also nice, but for my taste, Arches was number 1. I went to Mesa arch a few hours after sunrise and got some nice shots, with a lot fewer people there. The ranger laughed when I asked if many came at sunrise for the shot. He said there was a steady stream of car headlights coming for that spot starting well before sunrise.

Enjoy.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

I was a Park Ranger --and designated park photographer-- at Arches N.P. from 1993 thru 1999. Subsequently, until the time I retired in 2012, I was a Park Ranger at Canyonlands N.P., or more accurately I was a backcountry trip planner for all four of the park's districts (Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the River District), and worked out of SEUG (Southeast Utah Group, which includes Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep) Headquarters in Moab. I still live in Moab because why would I conceivably want to live anywhere else. I've assisted literally thousands of first-time and return park visitors with itineraries, so I may be able to assist you as well. You've received some good information so far, but you've also been given some inaccurate and potentially misleading info, too. I'll PM you with my phone number in a short while; feel free to call any evening.