Southwest Monsoon: Arches & Canyonlands                
This Year’s Weather Has Been Wild—And Monsoon Season Could Be Next!
Monsoon Madness
Special Event
Three Brand New 2025 Monsoon Departures 

What if this monsoon delivers the most epic storm shots yet? Will you be there?


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Southwest Monsoon: Arches & Canyonlands

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
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Southwest Monsoon: Arches & Canyonlands

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$550.00
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  Deposit: $2,000.00  
Start/End

Moab, UT / Moab, UT

Length

6 Days/5 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 2 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 7 Guests

Highlights
  • Dramatic Weather Effects: Monsoon storms bring thunderheads, rainbows, and fleeting waterfalls, creating a dynamic and ever-changing desert landscape.  

  • Iconic Landmarks in New Light: Capture images of Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Mesa Arch illuminated by soft post-storm light or framed by dramatic skies.  

  • Unique Water Features: Temporary pools, streams, and reflections transform the red rock terrain into vibrant, one-of-a-kind scenes.  

  • Unpredictable and Thrilling Conditions: The constantly shifting light, weather, and scenery make every moment unique, offering endless opportunities for creativity and adventure.   

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Join Backcountry Journeys for an unforgettable photography expedition through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, where the monsoon season transforms the red rock landscapes into a dynamic masterpiece. From July to September, powerful afternoon storms sweep across the desert, creating a spectacle of towering thunderheads, sudden waterfalls, and electrifying light shows that provide unparalleled photographic opportunities.

In Arches National Park, iconic formations like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows come alive under the moody, fast-changing skies. The soft, diffused light after a storm accentuates the textures of the sandstone, while ephemeral puddles mirror the fiery hues of the terrain. Imagine capturing a lightning strike over Balanced Rock or the golden glow of sunset breaking through dark storm clouds—it’s the kind of magic photographers dream of.

Canyonlands National Park offers an even wilder, more expansive thrill. Mesa Arch at sunrise becomes an ethereal experience as storm clouds churn in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the vast canyons below. In Island in the Sky, light and shadow dance across the sculpted mesas, while the more remote Needles and Maze districts reveal hidden streams and water-filled potholes, adding striking reflections and textures to your compositions.

Beyond the national parks, we’ll explore the dramatic cliffs of Dead Horse Point State Park, where the Colorado River carves deep into the canyonlands, creating an awe-inspiring vista, particularly under the shifting moods of the monsoon sky. We’ll potentially venture to Fisher Towers, where jagged sandstone spires reach skyward, offering an incredible contrast against stormy backdrops—a must-shoot location for any landscape photographer.

The true magic of this adventure lies in its unpredictability—every storm, every rainbow, and every beam of light creates a fleeting moment that may never be repeated. If you’re ready to elevate your portfolio and experience the American Southwest at its most dramatic, don’t miss this rare opportunity to photograph these legendary landscapes at their absolute best.

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • All activities during the workshop

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Transportation to and from Moab, Utah

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monsoon season can be unpredictable, so the exact itinerary for this trip will be determined by the weather. We will carefully map out each day's activities based on the best conditions in each park. The following is a sample itinerary of what we can expect to see throughout the week:

Day 1: Arrival and Sunset at Arches National Park (D)
We’ll start our adventure by arriving in Moab, Utah, and settling into our accommodations. After getting our gear ready, we’ll head into Arches National Park to catch the sunset at the iconic Delicate Arch. With the golden hour light and monsoon-season skies, this breathtaking scene will set the tone for the week ahead.

Day 2: Sunrise and Storm Chasing in Arches (B,L,D)
We’ll rise early to photograph sunrise at the Windows and Turret Arch, where the first light dances across the sandstone. Midday, we’ll explore quieter spots like Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch, keeping an eye out for temporary waterfalls or reflections left behind by passing storms. As the afternoon heats up, we’ll chase dramatic skies near Balanced Rock or Landscape Arch, ready to capture rainbows as the storms subside.

Day 3: Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky (B,L,D)
We’ll greet the day at Mesa Arch for sunrise, where the glowing underside of the arch and the vast canyon views will take our breath away. From there, we’ll move to Grand View Point and Green River Overlook, photographing the sweeping vistas under moody monsoon skies. As evening approaches, we’ll wrap up the day with sunset at Shafer Canyon Overlook, watching the golden light transform the rugged canyon walls.

Day 4: The Needles District (B,L,D)
We’ll venture into the Needles District for a more remote and adventurous experience. Towering sandstone spires and vibrant formations will be our focus, with short hikes to spots like Pothole Point and Cave Spring Trail providing plenty of opportunities for unique compositions. In the evening, we’ll capture the warm light of sunset at viewpoints like Wooden Shoe Arch or Big Spring Canyon Overlook.

Day 5: Creative Compositions in Canyonlands (B,L,D)
In the morning, we’ll explore fascinating geological formations like Upheaval Dome or Whale Rock, experimenting with creative and abstract compositions. Midday will be a chance to rest, review our shots, and plan for our final evening session. As the sun dips low, we’ll photograph storm clouds rolling over White Rim Road or create dramatic long-exposure images of the vast desert landscape.

Day 6: Final Shots and Departure (B)
On our final morning, we’ll revisit a favorite spot—perhaps Mesa Arch or Delicate Arch—for one last chance to capture the magic of sunrise. With our memory cards full and our hearts satisfied, we’ll pack up and head out, reflecting on the unforgettable scenes and moments we’ve experienced in this incredible desert landscape.  

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.


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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.

Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.

BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.

I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.

The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.

They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.

We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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