Discover San Juan
34 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Explore Monument Valley
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park offers iconic red sandstone buttes, sweeping desert panoramas and dramatic silhouettes—perfect for classic Western-style landscapes, storm and night-sky shots. Visit sunrise or sunset for warm directional light and long shadows; late monsoon months add storm drama and reflective puddles. The Visitor Center (Welcome Center) has parking and a viewpoint overlooking the Mittens. Access to the 17-mile Valley Drive requires a permit or a guided tour for the inner can
Grand View Point Overlook
Panoramic overlook of Canyonlands' vast canyons, mesas and the distant Colorado River — ideal for sweeping landscape and golden-hour shots. Short paved trail from the Grand View parking lot makes key viewpoints accessible; park entrance fee/annual pass required. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm directional light and long shadows; midday is harsh and windy. Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds; bring layers and water at high elevation.
Bennett Tours
Bennett Tours operates in Monument Valley Tribal Park—iconic red sandstone buttes, wide desert vistas and sculptural mesas offer dramatic compositions. Best at sunrise and sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; storm fronts and winter light add mood. Access to deeper routes requires a guided tour with Navajo guides (book ahead). Visitor Center parking is available; expect dusty 4WD tracks if venturing with the tour. Respect local regulations and cultural sites.
Needles District Canyonlands
Jagged sandstone spires, colorful banded mesas and narrow canyons offer dramatic foregrounds and layered vistas — ideal for wide-angle landscapes, intimate rock textures and nightscapes. Best light is at sunrise and sunset; Chesler Park and Druid Arch glow in golden hour. Remote roads and some trailheads (Elephant Hill, Chesler Park) require high-clearance or 4x4 for easier access. Enter via Needles Visitor Center (Interagency pass accepted); pick up maps and check road/trail conditions. Weekday
North Monument Valley View Point
Panoramic overlook of Monument Valley's iconic sandstone buttes and mesas—great for wide desert landscapes, dramatic silhouettes at sunrise/sunset, and storm-driven skies. Easily reached by a pullout off US-163 in San Juan County; short walk from parking. Located on/near Navajo land—check current park access, fees, and respect tribal rules. Best light: golden hour and blue hour for warm textures and long shadows; midday can be harsh. Seasonal weather brings dramatic clouds and occasional dust;ï»
White Rim Trail
A remote 100-mile loop cutting the White Rim sandstone beneath Island in the Sky—vast canyon vistas, layered mesas, river overlooks and salt flats. Photograph sweeping panoramas, narrow light in side canyons, and the Colorado River from high vantage points. Best visited at sunrise/sunset for warm sidelighting and at night for Milky Way shots. Accessible by high-clearance 4x4, mountain bike or multi-day hike; permits are required for overnight camping (arrange with Canyonlands NPS). Summer is hot
Canyonlands National Park
Vast high-desert canyons carved by the Colorado and Green rivers — dramatic overlooks, sculpted buttes, and iconic Mesa Arch make Canyonlands ideal for wide panoramas, sunrise arches, starfields and intimate canyon textures. Best light is golden hour at Mesa Arch (Island in the Sky) and sunset from Grand View Point; summer offers Milky Way nights. Park is remote — pay entrance fee at portals, paved viewpoints have parking but many backcountry roads require high-clearance/4WD and permits for long
White Rim Overlook
High desert overlook above the White Rim and the winding Colorado River in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky. Capture sweeping layered canyons, red sandstone textures and river reflections; dramatic light at golden hour emphasizes depth and color. Accessible by a short walk from a small pullout off the paved road; park at the turnout (NPS entrance fee required). Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-lighting and long shadows; midday is harsh but good for high-contrast monochrome. Bring water, sun
Buck Canyon Overlook
High mesa overlook with sweeping red‑rock canyons and a distant Colorado River bend — ideal for dramatic panoramas, layered cliffs and warm golden-hour color. Easily reached from Moab with a short walk from a parking area; park entrance fee and limited parking apply. Best at sunrise or sunset for low-angle light and deep shadows; clear nights offer strong Milky Way views. Weekday mornings reduce crowds; bring water and sun protection.
Grand View Point
Grand View Point (Island in the Sky, Canyonlands NP) offers sweeping panoramas of deep canyons, mesas and the distant meanders of the Green and Colorado rivers — ideal for dramatic wide shots and layered compositions. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm, raking light and long shadows; clear mornings give distant visibility. Park entry fee required; paved road and a small paved parking area/overlook with restrooms; a 2-mile rim trail adds varied vantage points. Weekdays and early mornings reduce e
Druid Arch
Druid Arch is a dramatic natural sandstone arch framed by the Needles spires in Canyonlands NP (Needles District). Photograph the arch from the basin and from the ridge approach to capture scale against the surrounding red towers. Expect a strenuous ~10–11 mile round-trip hike from Elephant Hill with steep slickrock sections; pay park entrance fees, arrive early for parking, carry water and sun protection. Best light is golden hour or late afternoon side-lighting; mid-day brings harsh shadows. D
Murphy Point Overlook
Murphy Point Overlook delivers sweeping red‑rock canyon vistas, layered sandstone cliffs and long views down to the Colorado River — ideal for wide panoramas, layered compositions and dramatic light. Located on White Rim Road (Canyonlands area), expect a rough road: high‑clearance or 4x4 recommended, park entrance fees apply, limited roadside parking and strong sun/wind exposure. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side lighting and long shadows; storm fronts add drama.
Slickrock Foot Trail
Slickrock Foot Trail showcases sweeping red Navajo sandstone, etched textures and natural curves that make dramatic foregrounds and leading lines into desert mesas. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm side light and long shadows; also excellent for star‑trail/nightscape work. Trail is exposed and moderately easy; bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Respect nearby Indigenous lands and pack out all waste. Parking available at the trailhead off the county road; check seasonal access
Orange Cliffs Overlook
Wide panoramic views of vivid orange Navajo sandstone cliffs and sweeping canyon rims — excellent for dramatic landscapes and color contrasts at golden hour. Accessible via a short roadside pullout near Moab with informal parking; no entry fee but limited facilities. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; storm fronts bring moody light. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds; bring water and sun protection.
The Needles Campground
Needles Campground (Canyonlands National Park, Needles District) offers dramatic sandstone spires, colorful layered rock and expansive desert panoramas — ideal for sunrise/sunset color and Milky Way compositions. Best light is golden hour and pre-dawn for starbursts. Accessible via UT-211; bring a park pass/reservation for campsites, water and shade are limited. Roads are paved to the district but some backcountry routes are rough. Expect seasonal heat in summer and cold nights in winter.
Murphy Hogback Loop Trail
Short slickrock loop above the Colorado River with sweeping red‑rock vistas and La Sal Mountain backdrops — excellent for wide desert panoramas, textured foregrounds, and dramatic sunrise/sunset color. Easy-moderate 4.5-mile loop on BLM land near Moab; no fee, limited trailhead parking, high sun harsh mid-day. Best in spring/fall or golden hours; expect wind and dust, bring water and sun protection.
Elephant Hill Trailhead
Dramatic sandstone fins, narrow canyons and amphitheaters near the Needles make Elephant Hill Trailhead a prime spot for abstract desert landscapes and scale shots. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; also excellent for Milky Way. Access requires park entry; road to trailhead can be rough—high-clearance or 4WD recommended in wet seasons. Small parking lot; trails are strenuous and exposed—bring water and sun protection. Visit spring/fall for moderate temps and fewer heat
Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill (Canyonlands—Needles) offers towering sandstone fins, spires and sweeping desert vistas—ideal for dramatic landscape and night-sky shots. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-lighting and long shadows; clear nights for Milky Way. Access via the Elephant Hill trailhead; parking available but trail/road can be rough—high-clearance/4WD may be required for backcountry driving. Pay park fees; respect Indigenous lands and fragile cryptobiotic soil. Weekdays and shoulder seasons have s
Confluence Overlook
High cliff overlook offering dramatic views where two canyon rivers converge into a braided, red-rock gorge. Ideal for wide vistas, layered geology, and river reflections at low light. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; clear skies yield contrast, storm fronts create mood. Accessible by car from Monticello with a short walk from a small pullout—no fees but limited parking and exposed edges, so plan for wind and sun protection. Respect nearby cultural sites and stay a
Roadside Ruin
A small sandstone/cliff-side ruin visible from a roadside pullout near Moab. Combine close-up details of masonry and weathered textures with wide-angle compositions that place the ruin against red-rock mesas and big sky. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and long shadows; easy roadside access with informal parking. No permits for casual photos; respect site and stay on durable surfaces. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
John Wayne Cabin
A small, weathered log cabin associated with John Wayne set against Monument Valley’s iconic red sandstone buttes. Shoot the intimate foreground texture of the cabin framed by sweeping desert vistas and towering mittens; the site combines human-scale rustic architecture with vast landscape drama. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm raking light; mid- to late-winter and autumn offer clearer air. Located in Navajo Tribal Park—pay park fees, observe restricted areas, and follow signage. Parking is/
The Gathering Place Campground
Small private campground set against Moab’s red-rock desert—offers framed campsite scenes, dramatic skylines, and easy access to nearby Arches and Colorado River vistas. Best photographed at golden hour and after dark for Milky Way shots. Accessible by paved road; reservations often required in high season (spring/fall). Expect strong sun mid‑day, chilly nights; bring layers. Parking is on-site at each pitch; respect local land and quiet hours.
Salt Flat Trailhead wooden Shoe Arch Trailhead
Small trailhead leading to Wooden Shoe Arch and nearby salt-flat/alkali flats with expansive desert skies and red‑rock contrasts. Shoot the arch framed against wide horizons, salt-crust textures in foreground, and dramatic sunrise/sunset color. Best at golden hour and after dark for Milky Way — low light pollution. Trail is unpaved but short to moderate; carry water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Parking at a small pullout; no formal entry fee but check seasonal road conditions and local BLM/
Pothole Point Trailhead
Pothole Point features sculpted sandstone with shallow, circular depressions that catch water and light—ideal for intimate abstracts, reflected skies, and textured foregrounds in wide landscapes. Best at golden hour or after rain when potholes hold water for mirror reflections. Trailhead is a short walk from parking; expect unpaved areas, sun exposure, and minimal facilities—bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Respect fragile crust and stay on marked paths.
Canyonlands' Cave Spring Trail
Short, photogenic loop on Island in the Sky featuring a shady alcove with a historic cowboy water trough, carved inscriptions, and sweeping sandstone rim vistas over Canyonlands. Best at golden hour for warm rim light and long shadows; mid-day can work for high-contrast textures in the alcove. Trail is short (~0.6–1 mile), partially steep with steps; small trailhead parking inside Canyonlands NP (park entrance fee required). Respect fragile soils and historic features.
Wooden Shoe Arch
Wooden Shoe Arch is a compact sandstone arch set in red-rock desert near Monticello — ideal for intimate landscape and geological detail shots. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-lighting and long shadows; midday washes out colors. Access typically involves a short to moderate dirt-track hike and limited parking at a trailhead; high-clearance or 4x4 may be helpful. No formal entry fees in most cases, but check BLM/landowner rules and avoid trampling cryptobiotic soils. Wind can kick up dust
Salt Creek Trailhead
Trailhead gives access to red-rock canyons, sandstone fins and seasonal riparian pockets — dramatic angles, textures and skies ideal for landscape photography. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; spring and fall offer mild temps and wildflowers. Trailhead is roadside with informal parking; bring water, sun protection and treats for changing desert conditions. Respect nearby cultural sites (ancestral Puebloan areas) and stay on signed routes.
LC1 Campground
Small, remote campground near Monticello serving as a base for red‑rock landscapes, mesa silhouettes and excellent night skies. Shoot sunrise/sunset over nearby mesas and the Milky Way above juniper-scattered campsites. Easy vehicle access off paved roads; check seasonal closures, campsite fees and reserve in summer. Weeknights and new‑moon periods reduce light pollution. Respect local Indigenous lands and posted rules.
Paul Bunyans Potty
A quirky, sculpted sandstone pothole near Moab that makes a strong foreground subject against red-rock desert and big skies. Best at golden hours when warm side light sculpts texture; late-afternoon sunset and sunrise offer dramatic color. Access is generally from a short, uneven desert walk from a roadside pullout—no entry fees but limited parking and no facilities. Light winds and seasonal rains can fill the hole with reflective water, adding mirror opportunities. Respect fragile cryptobiotic/
WS1 Campground
Small campground near Monticello serving as a quiet base for shooting high-desert landscapes, ponderosa pines and distant red-rock mesas (Bears Ears/Abajo range). Easy vehicle access and on-site parking; primitive facilities likely—check local Forest Service rules and fire restrictions. Best at golden hour and after dark for Milky Way; late spring–early fall offers stable nights and wildflowers; avoid summer monsoon storms. Weekdays are least crowded.
BS1 Campground
BS1 Campground sits near Monticello, UT offering quiet pine-and-sage desert campsites framed by red-rock ridges and dark skies. Photographers can capture starfields/Milky Way, intimate campsite foregrounds, and sunrise/sunset color on nearby cliffs. Best at dusk–pre-dawn for astrophotography and golden hour for warm canyon light. Accessible by paved roads with some gravel; small fee or permit may apply seasonally—check local BLM/forest service. Bring water, layers, and expect minimal light and,夏
LC2 Campground
LC2 Campground sits near red-rock mesas outside Monticello, UT — a base for capturing dramatic desert landscapes, night skies and sunrise/sunset color on sandstone. Easy vehicle access and parking at campsite loops; bring reservations/fee info (seasonal). Best light is golden hour and after dark for Milky Way; summers are warm, shoulder seasons cooler. Remote setting gives low light pollution and wide open compositions.