Photographing Mesa Arch at Sunrise
Canyons, mesas, two rivers, deep gorges — baby boomer travelers won’t know where to look first at Canyonlands National Park. Four distinct areas, Island in the Sky, Needles, Maze and the rivers, both the Colorado and the Green, provide adventure combined with photographic opportunities galore. Situated in Southeastern Utah on the high desert of the Colorado Plateau, Canyonlands offers a rugged landscape with rewarding views in an isolated setting.
Alan and I visited Canyonlands during a photo workshop with Exposure36. Using Moab as headquarters, our group ventured into the national park for sunrise and sunset shots. At Island in the Sky, the most accessible portion of Canyonlands, we spent an early morning at Mesa Arch, capturing the iconic shot of the arch glowing orange from the rising sun, then moved on to explore the Green River Overlook. On a sunset shot, we stopped at various overlooks before reaching the end of the road at Grand View Point where we hiked the rim trail before setting up camera tripods to catch what little sunset drama could be captured on a cloudy day.
Sunset at Needles Overlook
Another afternoon, we drove 50 miles to the Needles Overlook to hike the trail that provided views of the Needles Section. From our vantage point, we looked out onto land that once comprised a ranch larger than the state of Rhode Island. Dirt tracks criss-crossed the undulating canyons and rocky buttes beckoning us to come explore on another day.
Next time we go exploring in Canyonlands, we’ll book a float trip on the Green River or take one of the rugged 4wd roads near Island in the Sky. Alan already has one mapped out. But of course he really dreams of the Maze District where exploring requires long rides on rocky, rugged 4wd drive trails and nights spent camping out under the stars.
Since Moab is located near Canyonlands and Arches National Park, baby boomers can see both parks in the same trip. Allow several days, exploring the area requires miles of driving. But the hiking, rafting, mountain biking and 4-wheel-driving is worth it.
Have you been to Canyonlands National Park? Post a comment to share your favorite adventure. We’re always adding to our list.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks like a beautiful park. I have not had the opportunity to visit National Parks in the western US yet. I did spend Sunday in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is awesome.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 16, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Thanks, Rich. Yes, I agree spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is beautiful. When I lived in Knoxville, I took many trips to the Smokies. My favorite was a sledding session on an early spring day in March. Canyonlands is a totally different environment, for sure. Nice to be able to appreciate them both.
Canyonlands is indeed gorgeous! I took a 10 day trip down the Green many years ago, and it was the best trip of my life. I also suggest you plan a trip to Lake Powell, Arches, and Zion. Gorgeous, gorgeous country!
Canyonlands is indeed gorgeous! I took a 10 day trip down the Green many years ago, and it was the best trip of my life. I also suggest you plan a trip to Lake Powell, Arches, and Zion. Gorgeous, gorgeous country!
How lovely, Donna! The Mesa Arch, Unbelievable!
How lovely, Donna! The Mesa Arch, Unbelievable!
Wow,Donna, your photos and information is great! I appreciate reading your travel blog and look forward to following your adventures.
Canyonlands and Arches National Park are two of my favorite Parks in the Southwest.
During a meeting our Grand Circle Association had last December in Moab, at Red Cliffs Lodge, I hiked to Delicate Arch and Upheaval Dome in each of the Parks. Also did the Winter Sun Run 10K in Moab. That little town is fun any time of year, even better in winter when there’s less people.
Thank you for all your great information, looking forward to following you and sharing info!
Wayne
Wow,Donna, your photos and information is great! I appreciate reading your travel blog and look forward to following your adventures.
Canyonlands and Arches National Park are two of my favorite Parks in the Southwest.
During a meeting our Grand Circle Association had last December in Moab, at Red Cliffs Lodge, I hiked to Delicate Arch and Upheaval Dome in each of the Parks. Also did the Winter Sun Run 10K in Moab. That little town is fun any time of year, even better in winter when there’s less people.
Thank you for all your great information, looking forward to following you and sharing info!
Wayne
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 22, 2009 at 12:34 am
Wayne, you have a great blog about the Western U.S. I enjoy reading it.
Great article & pics (also the one about the Arches National Park). I’ve linked to both from http://navigationz.wordpress.com/homepage/national-parks/united-states/utah/
Great article & pics (also the one about the Arches National Park). I’ve linked to both from http://navigationz.wordpress.com/homepage/national-parks/united-states/utah/
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 16, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Thanks, Rich. Yes, I agree spring in the Great Smoky Mountains is beautiful. When I lived in Knoxville, I took many trips to the Smokies. My favorite was a sledding session on an early spring day in March. Canyonlands is a totally different environment, for sure. Nice to be able to appreciate them both.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
April 22, 2009 at 12:34 am
Wayne, you have a great blog about the Western U.S. I enjoy reading it.
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