In this guide, we uncover the top Utah photoshoot locations for your next adventure, from the majestic mountain ranges to the serene deserts. We'll also offer practical tips for traversing these landscapes.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking for the perfect shot or a hobbyist keen on capturing special moments, Utah's terrain offers a matchless setting.
Charge your camera batteries, fit your lenses, and prepare for Utah's most iconic landscapes.
First up…
This almost endless stretch of flat horizon offers a surreal backdrop that is particularly mesmerizing at sunrise and sunset. The Bonneville Salt Flats cover over 30,000 acres and are one of Utah's most unique natural features.
Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem with massive rock formations and wide-open views. Like the Temple of the Sun and Moon, these geological structures in the valley light up beautifully at sunrise and sunset. They cast long shadows and make the landscape glow.
This remote, serene setting is perfect for photographers seeking tranquillity and unspoiled natural beauty.
The Utah Badlands, with their moon-like bentonite clay hills, offer a unique, almost supernatural scene for enthusiasts.
The Badlands' hills shift from soft gray to vibrant red, revealing its full splendor during the golden hours as dramatic shadows emerge.
Goblin Valley State Park is a fantasy landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations, each unique in shape and size. Tucked away in a remote part of Utah.
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for soft lighting that accentuates the intricate details of these formations.
Zion National Park's massive sandstone cliffs range in color from cream to pink to red, soaring into the clear blue sky. Visit Angel's Landing or the emerald pools at dawn to enjoy serene solitude and the gentle morning light.
The park's diverse landscape offers endless photographic possibilities, from vast canyons to lush riverbanks.
Utah is a hiker's paradise, boasting some of the world's most stunning trails – Discover Utah's top hiking trails.
Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park is a surreal landscape photographer's paradise. The park's star attraction, Delicate Arch, presents a mesmerizing scene against the vast desert backdrop.
In the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, Arches National Park transforms, with the arches aglow in golden hues, creating vivid shadows and contrasts.
At the top of Canyonlands National Park, you'll have a bird's eye view of the deep canyons and huge flat-topped hills. This less-visited park offers tranquility, allowing you to take in and capture its beauty without the crowds.
A symbol of the American West, Monument Valley's towering sandstone buttes rise dramatically against the sky. This iconic landscape, featured in countless films and photographs, is best experienced on a scenic drive.
Snap your shots of the Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte during the golden hours as the lighting infuses the valley with a warm, luminous ambiance.
Valley of the Gods offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to Monument Valley. This scenic dirt road winds through buttes and towering rock formations, reminiscent of a mini Monument Valley.
This 16-mile drive through the Valley of the Gods is perfect for photographers who want quiet and untouched scenery.
Bryce Canyon, famed for its forest of hoodoos – irregular columns of rock – is a natural amphitheater of staggering beauty. The light and shadows make the orange and white rocks glow. This looks best when the sun is rising or setting.
Walk the Rim Trail or take the Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon for different views of this unusual place.
Near St. George, Yant Flats, also known as the Candy Cliffs, showcases a stunning array of swirling colors and patterns in the sandstone.
Yant Flats is most captivating in the early morning or late afternoon light.
As you set out to snap Utah's breathtaking landscapes, it's important to photograph ethically and mindfully. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
By following these tips, you'll have a great time taking photos and helping maintain Utah's beauty for others to enjoy.
Read this guide before exploring Utah's stunning landscapes – Day Hiking Essentials, What To Bring On Every Hike.
Remember, each photo is part of a bigger, more incredible story. Every location offers a unique spectacle, from the ethereal Bonneville Salt Flats to the towering cliffs of Zion.
When taking photos of these amazing places, be careful, respect nature and culture, and share responsibly. Your photos can inspire a deeper appreciation for these landscapes, encouraging others to explore and protect them.
With your camera in hand and the spirit of adventure in your heart, enjoy capturing one or all of these stunning landscapes. Appreciate every moment, and most importantly, have fun!