Shooting Fallen Roof Ruin? Other Moab tips...

Hey Utah experts! I am going to be in Moab for a job Sun-Weds, coming from So Cal. My goal is to head home via the southern route and hit the Falling Roof Ruin on the way home.

When is the light best at the ruin? Just trying to figure out what time I should leave Moab to get there for best light.

Any tips for Moab besides the typical? I know about Mesa Arch and Canyonlands, already have my killer shot from there. I have spent quite a bit of time in Arches too, so I am looking for that secret spot near Moab that you might suggest.

Thanks!

Ok, once I actually spelled it right, I did find some posts. I have found that it faces dead west and is in shade till around 11 am. Any other tips for the area? How far is the hike to the ruin?

Still interested in tips for other secret Moab spots. Thanks!

If I told you about my secret spot, it wouldn't be secret anymore

It's a 2.5 hour drive (+/-) from Moab to Cedar Mesa and about a 45 minute hike (+/-) to the ruin.
The ruin does not face 'dead west' but is south facing like most Anasazi ruins in order to capture more sun in the winter and less in the summer. A word to the wise...it's monsoon season here now and if it rains out that way, you will not be able to drive in on that road at all either entering or exiting, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive.

Thanks, good tip about the road. I will keep an eye on the weather and stick to pavement if rain is eminent.

There are tons of "secret" spots around the Moab area but I doubt you'll find too many photographers willing to reveal their own prized locations. My suggestion: Grab a couple topo maps of the area before your trip, lay 'em out on a big table and dig in. You'll be surprised how many amazing locations you can find this way. I do it all the time and have found some of my best "secret" locations this way. It's either that, or I see a dirt road and turn down it.

If you're interested in some good resources, here are a few I recommend:

Laurent Martres Photographing the Southwest - Utah
Robert Hitchman's Photograph America newsletter for the Southwest
John Annerino's The Photographer's Guide to Canyon Country
Finally, you might be interested in my e-book, The Essential Guide to Photographing Arches National Park

Maybe not exactly what you asked for but this should get you moving in the right direction. Have a great trip!

Ditto on Bret's remarks about the books....all have helped me. Let me also give an extra shout out for Bret's Essential Guide of Arches.....it saved me bunches of time in researching location and times and yeilded several great results for my portfolio...value for the money.
Joe Rogers

Thanks for the tips guys. My first goal is to my client, after I get the shots they want, then I can concentrate on my own stuff. So who knows how much time I will end up with for myself, we shall see.

Had a good trip, thanks for the help.

Oh yeah, if you want to see photos from my trip, check out my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RodneyNinowPhotography