Posted by Jack Garrett on February 13, 2009 at 1:27 AM
I'm going to Moab on Sunday for 3 days...never been there so I had a couple questions. First, I plan to shoot sunrises at Deadhorse Point one day and Mesa Arch the next day. I know Mesa arch is a very popular spot and I heard you almost need a reservation. Assuming sunrise it 7ish, what time do I need to be there to get a good spot?.....5? I plan to scout it the afternoon before to determine the best angle. Anybody have a good answer for me? Also, if you know of other spots to shoot let me know. My major goals are Deadhorse, Mesa and Delicate arch but I have lots of time during the day for other places.
Thanks,
Jack
Posted by Chris Rice on February 13, 2009 at 1:42 AM
Its a 10-15 minute walk from the lot, and this time of year you'll be the only one there, I can almost guarantee it.
Jack if you're staying in Moab allow 45 minute drive to CNY entrance and then 10 minutes to the Mesa Arch TH.
Have fun!!!
Posted by John Mumaw on February 13, 2009 at 7:39 AM
Sunrise will occur shortly after 7:00 AM and will be at about 105° azimuth. As noted, on a weekday in the winter you may very well have Mesa Arch to yourself. You should have some interesting weather patterns during your visit.
Sunset at the Green River Overlook at Canyonlands can be quite beautiful, and dramatic with the right weather conditions.
A late afternoon visit to the small Anasazi granary at Aztec Butte and/or the False Kiva ruin alcove can be nice, too. Both are short hikes in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on February 13, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Jack,
As Chris said, you might not have much company. I was there in Early November. I slept in the lot. I think sunrise was around 6:45 at the time. At about 5:30-5:45 I saw headlights from 4-5 cars heading over the hills and hustled out of bed and got my gear together. I headed out to the arch and staked my claim well before twilight, about 6:00 am or so. Turned out I shared the site with a workshop. I'd plan on being there 30-45 min before sunrise both to scout and adjust if you get to share.
There are good opportunities throughout sunrise, but as you probably know, you'll get the strongest glow once the sun has broken the horizon.
Have fun!
Posted by John Farmer on February 13, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Jack, Mesa Arch is actually quite small compared to what you'll see in Arches NP. There are a number of classic (icon) shots which will reveal themselves as obvious. If it is crowded (as it was when I was there last April) you won't have much room to move around for different shots. If uncrowded, just try as many different POV as you can. The glow doesn't last long. When I was there, there had been high winds for several days with a lot of dust in the air. Didn't get the classic glow. Good luck.
Posted by Cynthia Spence on February 13, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Hopefully, you'll have it to yourself...but get there early to get the prime spot...it's a small area...I also shared the site with a workshop once in May, and there was one guy there before me...then this mass of people showed up...luckily I had a front row, but space is coveted. Have fun...it's a great thing to see...and if you're not afraid of heights be sure to walk the top of the arch.
I was there this time a few years ago and was, literally, the only one there. The winters are very light with photographers compared to the rest of the year.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on February 13, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Jack, Just a suggestion. When your scouting the day before, find a good spot as close to Mesa Arch as you can. If anyone arrives after you they may try and set up in front of you if you leave to much room in front of the arch.
Posted by Bob Falcone on February 13, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I've shot Mesa Arch in spring and fall. On a fall trip (early October) there were only a few of us there on one day, and just a couple on the other. my spring trip (early May, I believe) wasn't much different.
My work schedule gives me time off during the week, and I rather shoot on weekdays than weekends, and that may be why I didn't have many people around.
Posted by Jack Garrett on February 14, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm hoping for some great shots and maybe even a few good clouds for fantastic sunrise/sunset pix.
Discussion
10 repliesThanks,
Jack
Jack if you're staying in Moab allow 45 minute drive to CNY entrance and then 10 minutes to the Mesa Arch TH.
Have fun!!!
Sunset at the Green River Overlook at Canyonlands can be quite beautiful, and dramatic with the right weather conditions.
A late afternoon visit to the small Anasazi granary at Aztec Butte and/or the False Kiva ruin alcove can be nice, too. Both are short hikes in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.
As Chris said, you might not have much company. I was there in Early November. I slept in the lot. I think sunrise was around 6:45 at the time. At about 5:30-5:45 I saw headlights from 4-5 cars heading over the hills and hustled out of bed and got my gear together. I headed out to the arch and staked my claim well before twilight, about 6:00 am or so. Turned out I shared the site with a workshop. I'd plan on being there 30-45 min before sunrise both to scout and adjust if you get to share.
There are good opportunities throughout sunrise, but as you probably know, you'll get the strongest glow once the sun has broken the horizon.
Have fun!
Check out this for some additional locations in Arches.
http://www.lesbarstow.com/LocationGuides/ArchesNP/tour.php
Another link
http://www.moab-utah.com/archesgallery/phototips.html
My work schedule gives me time off during the week, and I rather shoot on weekdays than weekends, and that may be why I didn't have many people around.
Jack