We’re continually blown away by the talent of Utah photographers. They produce some truly incredible photos of our favorite places all over the state, and if you’re a rookie who’s ever tried to get a good pic of a waterfall, starry sky, or river, you know just how difficult it can be to excel at the craft.
Whether you’re a photographer who’s new to Utah, or a long-time Utahn who’s new to photography, you might wonder where to start capturing Utah’s natural beauty. Though you’ll find interesting, engaging, picturesque subjects to photograph all over the Beehive State, we have a few suggestions. These 13 spots are all so gorgeous that photographers regularly flock to them. Take a look:
If you’re a photographer (or you have a loved one who is), you know that the most dedicated will wake up before dawn to get the perfect shot.
Rainer Kopp/EyeEm via Getty Images
They’ll sit patiently, waiting for the golden hour…
krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images
…and sometimes they’ll go to great lengths to get just the right angle for their shot. You’ll see photographers all over the Beehive State, and these are 13 of their favorite spots.
grandriver/E+ Collection via Getty Images
- Mesa Arch
kyletperry/iStock via Getty Images If you’re willing to get up well before dawn, you’ll capture a magical sunrise that lights up the red rock. Get there early to claim a spot for your tripod.
- Delicate Arch
Piera Marlena Buechler/iStock via Getty Images Speaking of arches, Utah’s iconic Delicate Arch is beautiful year-round, and photographers flock here to wait for the best lighting (and for tourists to get out of the way).
- The Narrows at Zion National Park
Lightvision/Moment Collection via Getty Images The narrows have an ethereal quality that makes for some magical photos.
- The Goosenecks Overlook
Lee Cohen/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images Take the short trail to the Goosenecks Overlook for a fabulous view. You’re looking at millions of years of erosion at work here.
- The Wave
oksanaphoto/iStock via Getty Images The Wave isn’t technically in Utah - it’s just over the border in Arizona, but you’ll get your permit at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center. Its deep orange colors, and wavy ridges make for some stunning photos.
- Bonneville Salt Flats
ablokhin/iStock via Getty Images The vast expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats calls to photographers, who capture everything from race cars to fashion models posing on the salty landscape.
- Turret Arch/South Window
Bob Pool/Photographer’s Choice RF via Getty Images A popular shot (and one that’s really cool), is to shoot Turret Arch through South Window at Arches National Park.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
David H. Carriere/Stockbyte via Getty Images The beauty of Bryce lends itself well to photos. For the best color, hit the golden hour at sunrise or sunset, when the whole amphitheater lights up with rich, warm colors.
- Monument Valley
Daniel Vine Garcia/Moment Collection via Getty Images Monument Valley is across the border in Arizona, but most of the photos you see of it are taken from the Utah side.
- Canyonlands National Park
Bobbushphoto/iStock via Getty Images Canyonlands National Park is our most remote park, and the least visited. Much of the park is accessed by dirt roads, and some require four-wheel drive. You’ll find yourself far, far away from people, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.
- Albion Basin
krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images While Utah’s photographers often gravitate to the southern part of the state, the canyons on the Wasatch Front are also picturesque. Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon, offers up lush, green forests, emerald lakes, and wildflowers.
- Lucin Sun Tunnels
Jason/Google The Lucin Sun Tunnels are waaaay out west, and they draw tons of photographers during the solstices, when the tunnels line up directly with the sun.
- Utah’s International Dark Sky Parks
Xavi Talleda - Photo Collection/Moment Collection via Getty Images Utah is home to the greatest number of International Dark Sky Parks in the world! With 15 parks currently holding the designation, you’ll have plenty of place to capture starry skies and the Milky Way. This shot was taken at Balanced Rock at Arches National Park.
Do you love to photograph Utah’s natural beauty? We’d love to see some of your photos in the comments! We also welcome photographers of all skill levels in our Utah Nature Lovers Group, so be sure to check it out!
Rainer Kopp/EyeEm via Getty Images
krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images
grandriver/E+ Collection via Getty Images
kyletperry/iStock via Getty Images
If you’re willing to get up well before dawn, you’ll capture a magical sunrise that lights up the red rock. Get there early to claim a spot for your tripod.
Piera Marlena Buechler/iStock via Getty Images
Speaking of arches, Utah’s iconic Delicate Arch is beautiful year-round, and photographers flock here to wait for the best lighting (and for tourists to get out of the way).
Lightvision/Moment Collection via Getty Images
The narrows have an ethereal quality that makes for some magical photos.
Lee Cohen/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images
Take the short trail to the Goosenecks Overlook for a fabulous view. You’re looking at millions of years of erosion at work here.
oksanaphoto/iStock via Getty Images
The Wave isn’t technically in Utah - it’s just over the border in Arizona, but you’ll get your permit at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center. Its deep orange colors, and wavy ridges make for some stunning photos.
ablokhin/iStock via Getty Images
The vast expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats calls to photographers, who capture everything from race cars to fashion models posing on the salty landscape.
Bob Pool/Photographer’s Choice RF via Getty Images
A popular shot (and one that’s really cool), is to shoot Turret Arch through South Window at Arches National Park.
David H. Carriere/Stockbyte via Getty Images
The beauty of Bryce lends itself well to photos. For the best color, hit the golden hour at sunrise or sunset, when the whole amphitheater lights up with rich, warm colors.
Daniel Vine Garcia/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Monument Valley is across the border in Arizona, but most of the photos you see of it are taken from the Utah side.
Bobbushphoto/iStock via Getty Images
Canyonlands National Park is our most remote park, and the least visited. Much of the park is accessed by dirt roads, and some require four-wheel drive. You’ll find yourself far, far away from people, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.
While Utah’s photographers often gravitate to the southern part of the state, the canyons on the Wasatch Front are also picturesque. Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon, offers up lush, green forests, emerald lakes, and wildflowers.
Jason/Google
The Lucin Sun Tunnels are waaaay out west, and they draw tons of photographers during the solstices, when the tunnels line up directly with the sun.
Xavi Talleda - Photo Collection/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Utah is home to the greatest number of International Dark Sky Parks in the world! With 15 parks currently holding the designation, you’ll have plenty of place to capture starry skies and the Milky Way. This shot was taken at Balanced Rock at Arches National Park.
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