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Trip Leader(s)
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Moab, UT / Moab, UT
6 Days/5 Nights
Level 2 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.