Sunrise Photography in Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park

Capturing the stunning sunrise at Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park is a must-do for any photographer seeking breathtaking landscapes. Led by expert instructors, this guided tour offers personalized guidance on composition and camera settings to ensure you make the most of the ethereal light. Short hikes lead to prime vantage points, allowing you to witness the dramatic shadows and reflections on the iconic rock formations. With vibrant colors and unique geological features, this photographic journey promises an unparalleled experience. Discover why this region is a true gem for sunrise enthusiasts.

Good To Know

• The tour offers guided photography of stunning landscapes at Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park during the golden hour of sunrise.
• Expert instructors provide personalized guidance on composition and camera settings to help participants capture breathtaking images.
• Short hikes to strategic viewpoints offer diverse photographic opportunities, including dramatic cliff edges and shifting shadows.
• An optional full-day extension allows for exploring the landscapes of Arches National Park, including iconic formations like Delicate Arch.
• The tour is suitable for photographers of all skill levels, with group sizes capped at six for personalized attention.

Tour Overview and Details

The sunrise photography tour in Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park typically caps group sizes at six participants to provide personalized attention.

Guests have the option to extend the tour to include Arches National Park for a full-day experience. Priced from $250 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

During the tour, an expert local instructor provides guidance on composition and camera settings.

While some short hikes of less than a mile are required, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and participants should have a moderate fitness level.

Photography Instruction

Expert local instructors provide guidance on composition and camera settings throughout the sunrise photography tour. Participants learn to improve their photography skills under the expert tutelage of the guide.

During the tour, the instructor offers personalized advice on composition, framing, and adjusting camera settings to capture the stunning landscapes at their best. Short hikes, less than a mile, lead to prime vantage points, allowing photographers to experiment with different angles and perspectives.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shutterbug, the photography guidance will elevate your skills and ensure you return home with stunning images from this breathtaking region.

Meeting and Pickup Information

At the Moab Information Center, located at 25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532, participants meet at 6:00 am, an hour before sunrise. Pickup is available for the first 4 passengers, while larger groups will need to carpool. During the tour, cold water and snack bars are provided to keep participants energized.

Pickup Information
Meeting Point	Moab Information Center
Meeting Time	6:00 am
Pickup Service	Available for first 4 passengers	Larger groups must carpool

The early start ensures participants can capture the stunning sunrise over Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour requires short hikes of less than a mile to access some locations.

The experience isn’t wheelchair-accessible, so participants need to be able to navigate uneven terrain.

While no serious medical conditions are required, those with heart problems should consult their doctor before joining.

The tour ensures safety by capping group sizes at six, providing cold water and snacks, and having an experienced local guide lead the way.

Exploring Dead Horse Point

The tour begins at the iconic Dead Horse Point State Park, where participants are treated to breathtaking views of the dramatic canyon landscape.

Perched on a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point offers a panoramic vista that’s simply breathtaking.

Photographers work closely with the guide to capture the stunning scenery, experimenting with different compositions and camera settings to make the most of the golden hour lighting.

Short hikes to strategic viewpoints provide even more opportunities to photograph the park’s natural wonders.

With the guide’s expert assistance, participants hone their skills and come away with stunning images that showcase the beauty of this remarkable destination.

Capturing Canyonlands Sunrise

After capturing the dramatic landscapes of Dead Horse Point, the tour then heads to the vast and awe-inspiring Canyonlands National Park.

The pre-dawn light paints the layered canyons and mesas in a soft, golden glow, creating an ethereal atmosphere ripe for stunning photography. The guide provides expert advice on composition and camera settings to help participants make the most of this unique lighting.

Canyonlands offers a multitude of photographic opportunities:

1. Dramatic cliff edges and overlooks provide sweeping vistas of the park’s iconic rock formations.
2. Intricate rock textures and patterns create captivating abstract compositions.
3. Shifting shadows and reflections in the park’s many canyons and drainage basins offer dynamic, ever-changing scenes.

Extending to Arches National Park

Those who wish to extend the tour can continue on to explore the iconic landscapes of Arches National Park. This full-day experience allows photographers to capture the stunning rock formations and dramatic lighting changes throughout the day. The optional Arches extension adds an additional $100 to the tour price.

Feature	Canyonlands	Arches
Highlights	Dead Horse Point, Pothole Point	Delicate Arch, Windows Section
Terrain	Canyons, mesas, buttes	Sandstone arches, fins, balanced rocks
Photography	Sunrise, panoramic views	Sunrise, sunset, night sky
Duration	Half-day	Full-day

Sum Up

Sunrise photography at Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park offers a transformative experience. With expert guidance, photographers can capture the stunning landscapes as the sun rises over the cliffs and canyons. This photographic journey is further enhanced by exploring the prime vantage points, ensuring you return with breathtaking images that encapsulate the essence of this iconic region. An unforgettable adventure for any landscape photographer.