Imagine standing under a blanket of stars, the Milky Way arching magnificently over rugged red rock landscapes. The perfect photograph is within your grasp on our exclusive photography trip to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The combination of striking natural formations and the brilliance of the night sky in these parks creates unforgettable photographic opportunities. Join Backcountry Journeys on this night skies adventure, and discover how you can create breathtaking photos that showcase the splendor of the cosmos!

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks both hold the prestigious designation of being an "International Dark Sky Park." This means minimal light pollution and exceptional visibility of celestial phenomena. Our expertly crafted itinerary harnesses the unique orientation of the Milky Way in the spring, and we've carefully planned around the new moon to help us create stunning desert Milky Way photos.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah near the town of Moab, is a geological marvel renowned for its stunning natural sandstone arches, unique rock formations, and breathtaking desert landscapes. Covering over 76,000 acres, this park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest density of natural arches in the world. The park's iconic arches are primarily made of Entrada Sandstone and Navajo Sandstone. These formations were created through a combination of natural forces, including erosion, weathering, and the gradual wearing away of softer rock layers. In addition to arches, the park boasts pinnacles, balanced rocks, and towering spires, all sculpted by millions of years of geological activity.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park, also located near Moab, is a vast and rugged landscape known for its dramatic canyons, mesas, buttes, and river gorges carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The park spans over 337,000 acres and is divided into four distinct districts, each offering unique geological features and recreational opportunities:

• Island in the Sky: This is the most accessible district, offering breathtaking panoramic views from high mesas over the surrounding canyons.

• The Needles: Named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, this district offers a more rugged and remote experience.

• The Maze: The most remote and least accessible district, known for its labyrinthine canyons and challenging terrain.

• The Rivers: The Colorado and Green Rivers wind through the park, creating stunning gorges and offering water-based recreation.

Venture into the depths of these iconic parks where you'll encounter not only the darkest skies on Earth, but also a diverse array of landscapes that lend themselves beautifully to night photography. Capturing the Milky Way in both of these parks is a truly magical experience because these parks both hold the designation of being an "International Dark Sky Park." Our expertly crafted itinerary harnesses the unique orientation of the Milky Way in the spring, and we've carefully planned around the new moon to help us create stunning desert Milky Way photos. Don't miss this chance to master the art of night sky photography in some of the world's best dark sky locations.