The last week of this month, I hope to go from Sonora, México to Moab, Utah
The purpose of the trip is to take photos of various points in Canyolands and Arches National Park
The most important is a photo of Mesa Arches
I would appreciate a lot if any of you would like to share their experience and suggestions for best results when taking photos of this particular point (Mesa Arches)
Enrique, are you referring to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park?
This is an easy place to shoot. The parking area is only a ten minute walk to the arch. I recommend viewing a lot of other people’s photos before visiting in order to get some ideas. Most folks like to shoot the sunrise in order to get the popular glow on the arch. If possible, arrive the day before to experiment with various angles and focal lengths.
This is a very popular attraction for photographers and tourists alike. Arrive at the arch at least one hour before sunrise. The arch may be crowded with many photographers or even numerous tour bus loads of people. I was there December of 2011 and shot the arch three mornings. One of the mornings there were at least 20 photographers all arriving early and two tour bus loads of people. Typically the photographers will line up in front of the arch and by sunrise there is little if any room to move about for various angles or alternative compositions. Don’t be afraid to make friends with other photographers so that you may be able to swap positions during the “magic time” .
If possible, camp in the campgrounds that are a short drive from Mesa arch. This will make it easy to be first at the arch. I was fist at the arch all three mornings. Prepare your camera bag before you get the parking lot. That way you can start the short walk to the arch as soon as you park in the lot. This came in handy two of the three mornings. Upon arrival in the parking lot there were people sitting in their car. When they saw me pull into the parking lot they immediately got out of their car so as to start the walk before me. However they had to spend time preparing their gear before walking to the arch. I could overhear them saying to one another “hurry, that guy will get there before us and take the best spot” He he…. I could feel the energy as they loaded their gear in panic mode. It’s also relaxing to arrive first at the arch and set up your shot, or at least your tripod before others arrive.
I would also suggest going to Horseshoe Canyon and visiting the Great Gallery. It is well work the hike. There is/was a parking lot at the trail head we were allowed to camp in. At the time I went, 20 years ago, there were only 3 of us on the hike. Myself and my 2 kids. The ranger was great and allowed us to spend as much time as we wanted. If you go wear good hiking boots with support. It is one of the largest and oldest displays of petroglyphs in North America
Here is a link to some of the gallery. http://www.luminous-landscape.com/locations/the_great_gallery.shtml
It is not so difficult as it is long. My memory is fading but I am pretty sure we hiked for 1 1/2 hours to get there. However it was 95 degrees and we might have been taking our time. It is 7 miles round trip. None of us had any trouble with the hike. To give you an idea my daughter was 7 and my son 10 when we made the hike. We had a pop up camper and camped at the top of canyon, the night before and were well rested. Making sure you are prepared for the walk is the key. Water, hiking stick, hat, sunscreen, etc. I am a big proponent of good solid hiking boots and socks when hiking in the mountains and canyons of the southwest. You really do not want to twist or sprain an ankle that far away from transportation. With the heat the ranger got us started shortly after 7 am. That was perfect for us.
The path was sandy with rocks thrown in. There was a steep trail heading down into the canyon and then it was pretty flat. It was one of the highlights or our trip. Just being in the canyon where other people had camped, lived and created the gallery nearly a thousand years ago was really cool. But, I really like that type of history. The great gallery is a must see if you in the area.
I checked the NPS and see that they start hikes at 9 am now. It is a full day of hiking and photography.
Here is the link to the NPS site: http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/horseshoecanyon.htm
Mesa Verde and the cliff dweller is worth a stop also, if you have the time. We really like visiting old civilizations. The southwest is rich in history of Ancient civilizations. From Chaco Canyon, Canyon De Chelly, Mesa Verde, Aztec ruins, Canyonland and much more. You could keep going back and never get tired of hiking.
My wife and I are planning a visit this fall for 2 weeks. Sorry, to get winded but the southwest was one my families favorite trips.
Discussion
9 repliesThe purpose of the trip is to take photos of various points in Canyolands and Arches National Park
The most important is a photo of Mesa Arches
I would appreciate a lot if any of you would like to share their experience and suggestions for best results when taking photos of this particular point (Mesa Arches)
Enrique Vizcarra
This is an easy place to shoot. The parking area is only a ten minute walk to the arch. I recommend viewing a lot of other people’s photos before visiting in order to get some ideas. Most folks like to shoot the sunrise in order to get the popular glow on the arch. If possible, arrive the day before to experiment with various angles and focal lengths.
This is a very popular attraction for photographers and tourists alike. Arrive at the arch at least one hour before sunrise. The arch may be crowded with many photographers or even numerous tour bus loads of people. I was there December of 2011 and shot the arch three mornings. One of the mornings there were at least 20 photographers all arriving early and two tour bus loads of people. Typically the photographers will line up in front of the arch and by sunrise there is little if any room to move about for various angles or alternative compositions. Don’t be afraid to make friends with other photographers so that you may be able to swap positions during the “magic time” .
If possible, camp in the campgrounds that are a short drive from Mesa arch. This will make it easy to be first at the arch. I was fist at the arch all three mornings. Prepare your camera bag before you get the parking lot. That way you can start the short walk to the arch as soon as you park in the lot. This came in handy two of the three mornings. Upon arrival in the parking lot there were people sitting in their car. When they saw me pull into the parking lot they immediately got out of their car so as to start the walk before me. However they had to spend time preparing their gear before walking to the arch. I could overhear them saying to one another “hurry, that guy will get there before us and take the best spot” He he…. I could feel the energy as they loaded their gear in panic mode. It’s also relaxing to arrive first at the arch and set up your shot, or at least your tripod before others arrive.
Yes, I refering to Mesa Arche in Canyonlands National Park
How many minutes is appropriate these before dawn to reach a good place?
Message me if you need a place to stay over-night in Phoenix along the way to Moab.
Bob
I hope to arrive Nogales, then go from there towards Flagstaff or Kayenta, and continue the next day to moab
I appreciate much its hospitality, I hope we could take a cup of coffee on my return from Moab
NOTE: I do not how to send messages in this forum :)
Richard Hartmann
Thank you very much
Rodney Ninow
Yes, I will
Thank you very much
Here is a link to some of the gallery. http://www.luminous-landscape.com/locations/the_great_gallery.shtml
Jim Talkington
It looks very interesting,
That such difficult is the walk?
The path was sandy with rocks thrown in. There was a steep trail heading down into the canyon and then it was pretty flat. It was one of the highlights or our trip. Just being in the canyon where other people had camped, lived and created the gallery nearly a thousand years ago was really cool. But, I really like that type of history. The great gallery is a must see if you in the area.
I checked the NPS and see that they start hikes at 9 am now. It is a full day of hiking and photography.
Here is the link to the NPS site: http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/horseshoecanyon.htm
Mesa Verde and the cliff dweller is worth a stop also, if you have the time. We really like visiting old civilizations. The southwest is rich in history of Ancient civilizations. From Chaco Canyon, Canyon De Chelly, Mesa Verde, Aztec ruins, Canyonland and much more. You could keep going back and never get tired of hiking.
My wife and I are planning a visit this fall for 2 weeks. Sorry, to get winded but the southwest was one my families favorite trips.