zion at sunset

<p>All:<br>

It seems to be pretty well agreed on these pages that you shoot Bryce in the AM and Zion at sunset. My own experience at Bryce seems to confirm this. BUT, I don't really have a good feel for WHAT is good to shoot at sunset in Zion.<br>

Any suggestions, comments or observations would be appreciated.<br>

Pete</p>

<p>I'd say the Watchman, everything else is going to be in shadow, except at the Kolob section. There are actually several good shot EARLY in the morning in Zion, The Towers of the Virgin from behind the museum, and Angel's Landing. Most of the photographic possibilities in Zion involve hiking into the canyons.</p>

<p>I have been to Zion numerous times and I must say that I prefer the morning light there. Almost all the formations are in shadow at sunset.</p>

<p>The entirety of Zion Canyon at dawn from Observation Point is also a great choice and you look down on Angel's Landing.<br>

http://cdwood.zenfolio.com/p515957778/h3351c308#h3f5e847e</p>

 

<p>My recollection from several years ago is that sunset is too late for good shots....sunrise and the early am are much more productive, at least in the sections I hiked.</p>

<p>Being partially disabled, I've never made it all the way to Angel's Landing, but the view at the top if Walter's Wiggles very late in the afternoon is spectacular. The late sunlight entering the canyon at low angle and the way it plays on the natural haze make an excellent photo opportunity. My experience with this was in mid-October.</p>

 

<p>I've just published a Zion & Bryce photoguide which can answer some of these questions for you.<br>

It has 26 photo locations in Zion and 8 in Bryce...</p>

<p>See http://wyofoto.com/Photo_maps/Zion_NP/Deluxe_Zion_Photoguide_PDF.html</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Well if we're talking sunrise and sunset on the same day you might try Cedar Breaks rather than Zion. The amphitheatre there is in some way like Bryce, save it faces west not east and its a little higher which limits access for a few months of the year. Its close enough to Bryce to drive back after sunset and still make dinner. <br>

I should add that I've spent several evenings standing on the bridge over the Virgin River in Zion waiting for the Watchman to light up and all I have to show is a series of mediocre pictures. Christopher Burkett has an amazing late afternoon shot from further north in the valley, but I don't think that those conditions are to be relied upon either.</p><div></div>

<p>Certain iconic shots at Zion or Bryce are best at sunrise or sunset, but extraordinary images can be made at either park at all hours.<br>

Bryce at sunrise:<br>

<img src="webkit-fake-url://65A26914-2447-49B2-AE8D-33A289809D2A/image.tiff" alt="" /><br>

Bryce at sunset:<br>

<img src="webkit-fake-url://3B562F97-A742-4787-9758-BB277737D0E8/image.tiff" alt="" /><br>

Zion early morning: <br>

<img src="webkit-fake-url://64B6E619-957D-454C-9C52-3C31921BEDC9/image.tiff" alt="" /><br>

Zion late morning:<br>

<img src="webkit-fake-url://CBD2BD83-1130-490D-A856-2A172B6A04D5/image.tiff" alt="" /><br>

Zion at sunset:<br>

<img src="webkit-fake-url://A7EF694D-A520-4CE0-90CF-A7EB12BB8A5A/image.tiff" alt="" /><br>

All Photographs © Justin Black. All Rights Reserved.</p>

<p>Watchman is a good bet for several times of day. If my memory serves me right, Watchman itself is good at sunset, and the valley(view from on top of watchman) is good for sunrise (or watching the sun set over the cliffs to the west from on top of Watchman). Also the view looking north down the virgin river a few hours before sunset (1-2ish hours) is very nice, at least in June. Also the view of city lights of Springdale from atop watchman at night is pretty neat, just be sure to take a good headlamp.</p>

<p>Any suggestions for good vantage points from which to watch the sun itself setting in Zion? Specifically, I'm looking to go down there this weekend for the annular eclipse (it will be a mob scene, I'm sure) which, if I'm not mistaken, will last through sunset in SW Utah. So, rather than a good spot to see the warm light on the landscape, I'm looking for a good view of the western horizon to get shots of the sun itself. I don't mind hiking out in the dark by headlamp, although I understand catching the shuttle could be an issue. Trent- it sounds like the top of Watchman might fit the bill, what do you think? Would Observation Point also be good? I've been doing my research, but I've not yet been to Zion, so any suggestions (or other locations in that corner of the state) would be very much appreciated. </p>

<p>I live near Zion NP and I plan on photographing the annular eclipse, as well. Zion would not be my first choice. The main canyon is deep and as late in the day as the eclipse is taking place, probably not a good vantage point. Certainly you could hoof it up The Watchman but I would think you would be interested in framing some subject along with the eclipse itself. I'm planning on heading out west into the Joshua Tree desert in the tri-state confluence (AZ/UT/NV). If you're intent on being at Zion, the eastern part of the park would be a better choice including the observation point just east of the tunnel. It's a 20-30 minute hike out to the viewpoint which is quite elevated and should give you a decent view.</p>

<p>From my recent visit to Zion, I found great stuff to photograph there at essentially all times of the day. I know that the classic Watchman shot seems to be done in the evening, but I had good luck with that in the morning.</p>

<p>Dan</p>