Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park is a hugely popular photo destination, with throngs of photographers mainly gathering at sunrise. I’ve had my fair share of early mornings as a landscape photographer, but I decided to go against the trend and photograph Mesa Arch at sunset instead. While, arguably, this was mostly due to an evening shoot fitting better into a compressed recent visit to the park I loved capturing the arch at sunset. The sun cast a warm glow through the arch and there was plenty of room to enjoy a quiet moment and find a unique perspective as I was the only on there. By this time of day, many visitors have left and the scene felt calm and serene. As the sun dipped lower, the glow on the distant ridgelines, the La Sal mountains, and the bands of color opposite the setting sun were amazing! While a sunrise at Mesa Arch will always be iconic, sunsets here are equally beautiful….with fewer crowds!
