Sunrise to Sunset Photography Day in Moab: Arches, Dead Horse Point & Canyonlands
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–11 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness—short hikes under 1 mile with uneven footing and some scrambling are possible.
Overview
Spend a full day chasing light across Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands’ Islands in the Sky and Arches National Park. This guided photography tour pairs location scouting with hands-on composition and camera guidance from sunrise to sunset.
Sunrise to Sunset Photography Day in Moab: Arches, Dead Horse Point & Canyonlands
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The day starts before dawn with a thin cold line on the horizon and a line of parked cars behind the Moab Visitor Center. You move quietly with the group—tripods like slow metronomes—toward a canyon rim where the first light slants across sculpted sandstone and the La Sal Mountains throw a blue shadow in the distance. For a few minutes at sunrise the world simplifies: fins and spires take on hard edges, colors sharpen, and every angle looks like a postcard waiting for the right crop.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive before dawn
Meet an hour before sunrise behind the Moab Visitor Center to secure parking and catch first light at Dead Horse Point.
Timed entry permit included—keep it handy
Your Arches timed-entry permit is provided; have it accessible on your phone to avoid delays at park entry.
Hydrate and pack calories
Carry 2–3 liters of water and energy-dense snacks—the day is long and shade sparse between stops.
Tripod etiquette
Use a compact tripod for stability but be mindful of space on busy overlooks and avoid blocking official viewpoints.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Golden eagles
History
The canyonlands preserve rock art from Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont cultures; later Euro-American settlers grazed livestock and mined the region in the 19th century.
Conservation
Rising visitation strains fragile soils and petroglyph sites—stay on trails, carry out waste, and follow park rules to protect archaeology and cryptobiotic soils.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses
Wide lenses capture sweeping arches; a short telephoto helps isolate rock details and distant peaks.
Sturdy, compact tripod
Essential for low-light sunrise/sunset shots and longer exposures.
3 liters water and electrolyte drink
Heat in summer makes hydration critical; bring more than you think you'll need.
summer specific
Layered clothing and sun protection
Mornings can be cold and afternoons hot—pack layers, a hat and sunscreen.
spring specific