Utah-So Many Choices!
The Moab Page
Moab is a small resort town at the center of one of the most stunning red rock landscapes on Earth and is considered the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Bryce Canyon NP
Famous for its unique geology of red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters.
How to get there: 
| I70/Exit 23 to US 89 | N38.6030° | W112.2422° |
| US 89/SR 12 | N37.7498° | W112.3770° |
| SR 12/SR 63 | N37.6928° | W112.1532° |
| Visitor's Center | N37.5850° | W112.4127° |
| SR 12/Hole in Rock Rd | N37.7245° | W111.5267° |
| Devils Garden | N37.5850° | W111.4127° |
From Grand Junction, CO. Take I-70 west to US 89 (exit 23), then go south to SR 12 (Scenic Byway, then go east to SR 63, then south 3.8 miles to the Visitor's Center. Total distance: 326 miles.
Photo Ops: 
| Location | Early Morning | Late Afternoon | Notes |
| Fairyland Point | Early morning is very colorful | Mid to late afternoon is also good | (Fairyland Amphitheater, Sinking Ship, and the Aquarius Plateau) |
| Sunrise Point | Morning, especially at sunrise | Courthouse Towers | Hike down the trail for outstanding shots of the hoodoos. |
| Sunset Point | Sunrise | All afternoon | Winter sunsets are spectacular. (Bryce Amphitheater, Wall Street, Thor's Hammer) |
| Inspiration Point | Early to late morning | Good all afternoon | (Silent City, Bryce Amphitheater) dramatic light in late afternoon |
| Bryce Point | Morning | Before sunset | Distant scenery is good all day with dramatic light in late afternoon. (Bryce Amphitheater, Paria Valley, Table Cliffs) |
| Agua Canyon | Early morning | All afternoon | Some of the best lighting and contrast in the park. (Hunter, southern plateaus) |
| Rainbow Point | Mid to late afternoon | (Vistas of the Colorado Plateau) | |
| Yovimpa Point | Late hours | Winter sunsets are spectacular. (Vistas of the Colorado Plateau) | |
| Natural Bridge | Early afternoon is best | Use wide angle lens to capture entire arch |
Trails
Trails wind around the hoodoos in all directions. Lighting along the trails is best during mid-morning and afternoon, and good all day. Early morning is best for the trails near Sunrise and Sunset Points.
| Trail | Best Photo Ops |
|---|---|
| Rim Trail | Between Fairyland and Sunrise Points; and between Bryce and Inspiration Points. |
| Queen's Garden | Variety of photo opportunities all day. Mid to late afternoon light is good. |
| Peekaboo Loop | West side has best views of the Wall of Windows. |
| Navajo Loop Trail | Wall Street. Douglas Firs grow from a narrow slot between the rocks. |
| Bryce Point to Hat Shop | Start hiking shortly after the sun rises to get the best shots. |
Devils Garden
Adjacent to Capital Reef NP, the Devils Garden is actually easier to reach from Bryce NP.
About five miles east of the town of Escalante, Hole-in-the-Rock Road begins its journey south toward Lake Powell. Along this graded, dirt road is a variety of dramatic photo ops, including Devils Garden. This compact area of incredibly colorful petrified sand dunes, sensuous arches, whimsical hoodoos and weirdly shaped monoliths is located 12 miles south of Route 12; its parking area brings you within an easy stroll of its diverse offerings
Capitol Reef NP
Capitol Reef National Park is characterized by sandstone formations, cliffs and canyons, and a 100-mile long bulge in the earth's crust called the Waterpocket Fold. Erosion has carved the rock into marvelous shapes.
How to get there:
| I70/Exit 149 SH24 | N38.9233° | W110.3765° |
| Visitor's Center | N38.2908° | W111.2623° |
From Grand Junction, CO. Take I-70 west to SH 24 (exit 149), then follow SH 24 south and west for 81 miles to the Visitor's Center.
Photo Ops:
The Scenic Drive is a 25 mile one way road featuring scenic vistas and ends in a narrow canyon.
Other scenic roads:
Cathedral Valley Loop (60 miles)
Start at the River Ford (11.7 miles east of the visitor center on Hwy 24), follow the Hartnet Road to the Caineville Wash Road and return back to Hwy 24 just west of Caineville (18.6 miles east of the visitor center).
Waterpocket Loop (125 miles)
Start at the visitor center and follow Hwy 24 east to the Notom Road; take the Notom-Bullfrog Road south to the Burr Trail Road; continue on the Burr Trail Road west to Boulder; continue north on Hwy 12 to Torrey; and then drive east on Hwy 24 back to the visitor center. Highways 24 and 12 and the first 5 miles of the Notom Road from Hwy 24 are paved. The Burr Trail Road from the park boundary west to Boulder is also a [paved] surfaced road.
Side trips can be taken south of the Burr Trail Road junction along the Notom- Bullfrog Road to short day hikes at Surprise and Headquarters Canyons (each is a moderate 2-mile round trip), or to the Hall's Creek Overlook, which may require high clearance or four wheel drive, for an outstanding view of the Fold and Brimhall Natural Bridge. Along the Burr Trail Road, a four-wheel-drive-only side road follows Upper Muley Twist Canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook, a colorful, bird's eye view of the Fold and the Henry Mountains.
Capitol Gorge, 1 ¼ miles one way, mostly level walking in narrow wash bottom with sheer canyon walls, Pioneer Register, and waterpockets or "tanks".
Grand Wash, 2 ¼ miles one way,
mostly level walking along narrow wash bottom with sheer canyon walls on both sides.
Sunset Point, 1/3 miles one way,
panoramic views of cliffs & domes; dramatic lighting at day’s end.
Hickman Bridge, 1 mile one way,
self-guiding nature trail leads to the base of Hickman Natural Bridge.
Zion NP
Most park facilities are located in the Zion Canyon area, and it attracts the most visitors. The Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace sections are good choices for travelers who want to see the park's backcountry.
All three areas feature Zion's trademark soaring towers and monoliths. The park is known for its incredible canyons, including The Narrows, which attract canyoneers from around the world.
How to get there:
| I70/Exit 23 to US 89 | N38.6030° | W112.2422° |
| US 89/SR 12 | N37.7498° | W112.3770° |
| SR 12/SR 63 | N37.6928° | W112.1532° |
| Visitor's Center | N37.6400° | W112.1700° |
From Grand Junction, CO. Take I-70 west to US 89 (exit 23), then go south to SR 12 (Scenic Byway, then go east to SR 63, then south 3.8 miles to the Visitor's Center. Total distance: 326 miles.