Chasing Storms: My 5 Favorite Spots to Photograph Moab’s Summer Monsoons

July 7, 2026 Bret Edge

A wide-angle landscape shot of the Three Gossips sandstone towers in Arches National Park, Utah, perfectly reflected in a muddy rainwater pothole in the foreground under a dramatic, cloudy blue sky. — A monsoon thunderstorm at Arches National Park leaves behind the perfect canvas. Utilizing a low angle, this shot captures the iconic **Three Gossips** formation mirrored in a desert pothole along the Park Avenue trail, proving that looking down can sometimes give you the best view.

Most tourists pack up and run for cover when a summer monsoon hits Moab—but landscape photographers grab their tripods. From hidden reflection pools in Arches to sweeping storm light over the vast rims of Canyonlands, discover the top 5 spots (plus a bonus backcountry drive) to safely chase and capture the raw drama of a desert storm.

The Ultimate One-Day Moab Photography Itinerary: Sunrise to Sunset

June 30, 2026 Bret Edge

Chasing reflections in the desert. A passing storm left behind temporary potholes on the slickrock, offering a unique, mirrored perspective of Delicate Arch glowing under the golden hour light. Finding these fleeting moments is what Moab photography is all about.

Only have 24 hours to photograph Moab? Don't waste precious golden hour light guessing where to go. From a breathtaking canyon sunrise at Dead Horse Point to a glowing late-afternoon arch hidden in the backcountry, this is the exact, mile-by-mile itinerary a professional photographer would use to maximize every frame. Read the full guide, pack your wide-angle lens, and get ready to capture the desert like never before.

Summer in Moab: Chasing Monsoons, Dramatic Skies, and Milky Way Magic

June 16, 2026 Bret Edge

This is exactly the kind of magic you can capture when you chase summer monsoons in Moab. As a powerful afternoon thunderstorm begins to break up, the trailing edge of the storm catches the warm golden hour light, casting a dramatic glow over this towering red rock hoodoo and the sweeping desert valley below.

Think summer in Moab is just about surviving the heat? Think again. From dramatic afternoon monsoon storms that trigger ephemeral waterfalls and perfect pothole reflections to pristine dark skies built for Milky Way astrophotography, summer is secretly one of the most rewarding seasons for landscape photographers. Discover our top composition tips, favorite hidden viewpoints, and essential desert safety guide to capturing Moab’s most dynamic season.

What You Need to Know About the 2022 Arches National Park Timed Entry Permit System

January 12, 2022 Bret Edge

The moon rises through clouds above Balanced Rock as sunset light warms red sandstone on an autumn day in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah.

Moab nature and adventure photographer Bret Edge shares information and tips on navigating the new Arches National Park timed entry permit system that begins in April, 2022.

Photographer’s Guide to Canyonlands National Park - Mesa Arch

February 5, 2021 Bret Edge

Mesa Arch and Sunburst.jpg — The sun peeks over the top of Mesa Arch framing Washer Woman Arch, Monster and Airport Towers in Buck Canyon at Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah.

Moab nature and adventure photographer Bret Edge’s guide to photographing Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park is guaranteed to help you create dynamic images at this iconic location near Moab, Utah.

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