Trip Report: Canyons of Utah: Arches and Canyonlands - November 2023

Arches & Canyonlands: Full of Wonder

It's 5:15AM and still almost 2 hours until sunrise. There is a chill in the air, evident by the steam of our breath illuminated by the beams of light from our headlamps, and cold noses exposed out from under our zipped-up jackets and warm beanies pulled down snuggly. All this adds to the excitement and anticipation of being the first car in the parking lot as we are about to embark on our 1.7-mile hike to our shooting location. Co-guide Michael is expertly leading the way, route finding in the dark, on a “trail” that is mostly on slick rock.

On my workshops that I lead, I routinely talk to the guests the night before and fill them in on what the plan is going to be for the following day. When the guests heard the proposal from Michael and me for our last morning’s shoot from our recent Arches/Canyonlands workshop, there was a collective groan of disapproval. But we explained to them that the only way to capture the sunrise at Delicate Arch required a 4:30AM departure and a 1.7 hike almost entirely in the dark. The group mulled it over, and finally, guest Kevin broke the silence and stated, “Well, I came here to shoot Arches, so let’s go for it!”, after that, it became pretty much a majority that we would proceed with the plan to make the pre-dawn hike to probably the most iconic feature in Arches National Park.

BCJ’s Arches/Canyonlands trip is based in Moab and is in close proximity to both National Parks and Utah’s famed Deadhorse State Park. There are over 2,000 named arches in the aptly named, Arches National Park alone, and some of the most legendary desert and canyon overlooks in the world within Canyonlands and Deadhorse.  A recipe that cooks up incredible desert landscape images galore. During the workshop we visited the classics within Arches National Park, including Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch, Skyview Arch, The Windows, Double Arch, Parade of Elephants, and the grand finale, Delicate Arch. In Canyonlands National Park we embarked on hikes to the famed Mesa Arch, Grandview Overlook, and along the rim of Green River Overlook. In addition, we visited and photographed at the wildly scenic Deadhorse Point State Park overlook.

This trip is truly a breathtaking journey through the desert, where red rock formations rise majestically from the scorched earth, creating a surreal landscape that seems straight out of a dream. Canyons carved meticulously from majestic and remarkable rivers, the Colorado and the Green, add to the incredible vast landscapes of the region. As we traversed through these majestic terrains, it was impossible not to be captivated by the geology that unfolded before our eyes. Layers upon layers of sandstone create breathtaking arches meticulously sculpted by wind, water, and time – an artistry that defies comprehension and beckons adventurers from around the globe to witness nature’s craftsmanship firsthand. These natural wonders certainly captivated our senses, and our images, with their striking beauty and left us awe-inspired when painted with beautiful, alluring desert light, like we were blessed with on numerous occasions.

This area also is steeped deep in the tapestry of Native history that blankets the lands now known as Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. These awe-inspiring landscapes have witnessed countless generations of indigenous peoples leaving their indelible mark on the earth. The ancient tribes who once called this area home were intimately connected with every crevice and crag, drawing upon its bountiful resources to sustain their livelihoods. Fast forward to a pivotal moment in time - when these remarkable parks were established in 1971 and 1969 respectively, preserving not only the natural wonders but also honoring the deep-rooted heritage of those who came before us.

I am consistently asked if I would recommend trips, I have led.  Would I recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys photographing desert landscapes? If one is willing to put in a bit of effort, the answer is a resounding and enthusiastic yes!