Murali Narayanan Photography

Arches National Park near Moab, Utah is a paradise for landscape photographers, offering a stunning collection of natural sandstone arches set against dramatic desert backdrops. The park’s ever-changing light enhances the red rock formations, making sunrise and sunset ideal times for capturing their beauty. Iconic locations such as Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows provide endless compositional opportunities. Beyond arches, towering pinnacles, balanced rocks, and petrified dunes add depth and variety to photographic compositions. With easily accessible viewpoints and rugged backcountry trails, Arches is a must-visit destination for photographers seeking the raw beauty of the American Southwest.

Courthouse Towers

When you enter the park from Moab, the first significant landmark you will see are the Courthouse Towers, a striking collection of massive sandstone monoliths that rise dramatically from the desert floor. This is a good spot to shoot sunrise.

Double Arch & Windows Trails

I see the Double Arch and Windows Trails as the heart of Arches National Park. Spending an entire day here allows you to fully capture the stunning sandstone formations, with Double Arch, North Window, and Turret Arch being the standout highlights.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is one of the most iconic formations in Arches National Park, featuring a massive boulder precariously perched atop a slender sandstone pedestal. The formation stands at about 128 feet tall, with the boulder itself weighing an estimated 3,600 tons. Over time, erosion will eventually cause the rock to topple, making it a fleeting yet spectacular subject for landscape photographers.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is the most famous and widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park, standing as a freestanding natural arch with a dramatic backdrop of the La Sal Mountains. Reaching just 46 feet in height, it is best photographed at sunrise or sunset when the warm light enhances its red sandstone hues. There are two vantage points for photographing Delicate Arch. The first is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you right up to the arch for an up-close perspective. The second, a less strenuous option, is the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint, which offers a more distant but still impressive view. Since I was with a group, we opted for the easier viewpoint based on the majority’s preference.

Petrified Dunes

Petrified dunes are ancient sand dunes that have turned to stone over time due to the process of lithification, where minerals bind the sand grains together, creating hardened rock formations. The dunes in Arches National Park are remnants of vast prehistoric sand dunes that have solidified over millions of years. These rolling sandstone formations, found near the Courthouse Towers area, add unique textures and depth to the park’s already dramatic desert landscape.