I have a new favorite part of Arches

It's called Klondike Bluffs. I've been there in the middle of the day a few times. Today was my first sunset trip. Oh my oh my, I have been missing out. I'm going back again tomorrow night.

Here's one from tonight. Not even close to being my favorite, either.

5D2, 17-40mm lens, 2 stop GND

Here's the photo.

Wow, this is KILLER! I love those clouds, really strong comp, just all in all a great photo. I started out that dusty road once many years ago, but turned back, telling myself there couldn't possibly be anything worthwhile way out there in the middle of nowhere, away from all the arches.

Todd: You really, really, really have to venture out here again some time. I'll take ya to some ridiculously cool places and would dig seeing what kind of masterpieces you make out here in the desert.

Looks great Bret. I've never been out to Klondike Bluff either but had thought about it more than once. The trouble with Moab is that there are too many cool places to shoot.

Nice shot. Yes, Klondike Bluffs is one of my favorite areas too. I've spent my last few trips to Arches exploring some of the less-visited spots and there's lots of cool stuff that not many people see. The Fiery Furnace is another one of my faves, now that they let you in w/out a tour group. There's tons to explore in all the little passageways.

Terrific shot. I havent been there in years but have always loved Klondike Bluffs. Maybe we'll take Veronica there when we see you out there this year!

RichieV

I like everything about this. The comp is strong, the color variations and that sky really do it for me. The weathered sandstone in the foreground is pretty cool too.

Looks like a cool area, Bret. let's see some more!!

I love the comp, but the light seems a bit harsh to me, looks like a great location!

There is a nice arch in the Klondike bluff area called "Tower Arch". Also Eagle Park in the Northern part of Arches has many small arches and interesting rock formations. And the newest addition to Arches NP, Lost Spring Canyon, is worth visiting. It is accessed from the Poison Strip and the Yellow Cat region.

Is this the road that goes north from Balanced Rock and goes past Eye of the Whale arch? If so I've never ventured past the Eye, it looks like the road is not something to try unless you've with another vehicle due to the sand.

Stan: I think the light is a little deceiving because it's not sidelit. This image was made approximately 5 minutes before sunset.

Don: Yes, this is that road. It's best to approach from the Devils Garden side, though. Coming in from Balanced Rock forces you to ascend a deep sand hill that many vehicles just can't do.

Ray: Tower Arch is visible in this photo. I'll have to look into Eagle Park, too. Thanks for the tip!

Nice shot, Bret! I've meant to get into that area several time but just didn't. I've always planned on coming in from the north off Hwy 160, have you tried that road?

I really like the comp here, Bret, but the lighting looks really harsh to my eye. It doesn't have that usual Bret Edge quality to it. Maybe web compression? Fantastic location.

I can't figure out why some of you are seeing harsh light. Could be web compression, I guess. This was literally 5 minutes before sunset. Maybe it's the angle of the sun?

This is a wonderful shot, Bret. I'll have to get out there someday.

Nice shot! It too am wondering about the "harsh" light. Do you think that the rock is perhaps a bit overexposed? The orange color has a flatness to it that looks perhaps like it may be overexposed (also by the the way that the yellow is coming through in the highlights). How about easing off on the exposure (assuming you shot RAW) then playing with the curves instead to try to get more tonal range in the oranges?.... just an idea and pure speculation. Please keep in mind I am being *extremely* nitpicky in these comments; it is a nice shot regardless.

Jack: I think you might have nailed it. I'll play around with it a little more and see if some additional adjustments might make it better. Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm planing on spending a long weekend in Moab in April...might have to check Klondike out. Looks like a place with lots of potential.

There is a lot of potential, Bob. Bring your 4x4 for access to the area - you'll need it!