Mesa Arch at Sunrise, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, United States
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In September of 2015 I drove to southern Utah and northern Arizona with my cameras.
I spent the night in Moab, Utah and set my alarm for 3:30 in the morning. I left Moab in the dark and drove north on hwy 191 for several miles passing the entrance to Arches National Park. Several miles further north I turned left on hwy 313 to enter Canyonlands National Park. Several miles down this road to the south is a fork. Turning left and staying on hwy 313 takes you to Dead Horse State Park. I continued straight onto Grand View Point Road which takes you to Mesa Arch and at the end of the road to Grand View Point.
I pulled off this road on a small dirt turnout, grabbed my tripod and camera gear and hiked to Mesa Arch
in the dark, using a flashlight. Scouting out this turnout the day before in the light was critical.
Arriving at the arch before sunrise is necessary to capture the correct light.
The rock below the arch is angled up and throws the sun's reflection brightly onto the top of the arch.
The Colorado River can be seen snaking along the ground, with Arches National Park in the background.
The interesting rock formation just to the left of the butte in the middle of the image
is called "The Washer Woman"
I spent the night in Moab, Utah and set my alarm for 3:30 in the morning. I left Moab in the dark and drove north on hwy 191 for several miles passing the entrance to Arches National Park. Several miles further north I turned left on hwy 313 to enter Canyonlands National Park. Several miles down this road to the south is a fork. Turning left and staying on hwy 313 takes you to Dead Horse State Park. I continued straight onto Grand View Point Road which takes you to Mesa Arch and at the end of the road to Grand View Point.
I pulled off this road on a small dirt turnout, grabbed my tripod and camera gear and hiked to Mesa Arch
in the dark, using a flashlight. Scouting out this turnout the day before in the light was critical.
Arriving at the arch before sunrise is necessary to capture the correct light.
The rock below the arch is angled up and throws the sun's reflection brightly onto the top of the arch.
The Colorado River can be seen snaking along the ground, with Arches National Park in the background.
The interesting rock formation just to the left of the butte in the middle of the image
is called "The Washer Woman"
Below is a detail from the image.
