Moab Photography Conditions - January 6, 2019

Fresh Snow at Sand Dune Arch, Arches National Park

Old Man Winter strikes Moab again! Yesterday the weather forecast called for a 30% chance of snow which of course ended up being 3” of snow in town, likely more in the parks. Unfortunately, both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are closed to all vehicle traffic so bring warm clothing and a desire to posthole or snowshoe for several miles to access any of the winter wonderlands inside either park. No dout, you will be rewarded with solitude and so much beauty it almost hurts. Or maybe that’s your frozen fingers?

Dead Horse Point State Park should be open but call first to verify that the roads are plowed. Other areas in BLM control are open but again, the road maintenance workers have their hands full so it’s hard to say when the lesser traveled roads will be relatively safe to travel. Big thank you to all the men & women running plows today!

Forecast for the rest of the week is looking pretty darn spiffy. Mostly sunny or partly cloudy with high temperatures in the 30’s. This snow isn’t going anywhere for a few days and I suspect even next weekend will provide opportunities for winter photography.

Headed this way to take advantage of the snowy conditions? Be sure to check out The Photographers’s Guide to Winter in Moab on my blog. Totally free resource with lots of great information on how, when and where to shoot wintery scenes around Moab.

moab photography conditions-December 31, 2018

UPDATE 10:40 AM: The snow is still coming down and we have about 2” accumulation in town, likely a little more in Arches and Canyonlands. I have been told that the roads in both parks will not be plowed as a result of the shutdown, so travel at your own risk. There is some fog in the area that will make for interesting, moody images.

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Looks like on the last day of 2018 the weather Gods have decided to gift photographers with a blanket of snow here in Canyon Country. The white stuff started falling around 6:00 AM and it is predicted to continue snowing through noon today. This typically results in outstanding winter photography for a day or two, petering off to good winter photography as the snow melts and is tracked over by humans and wildlife.

The big variable right now is the federal government shut down. I don’t know when the roads in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Will be plowed, if at all. This could make for very difficult or even dangerous access at the parks. I will update this post if I learn more. However, Dead Horse Point State Park and all of the surrounding 2,000,000 acres of BLM land are still open. The same considerations should be given to travel in these areas.

Not sure where to photograph in Arches? Pick up a copy of eFotoGuide: The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Arches NP for only $15 and you’ll discover all the details on where, when and how to photograph over 20 stunning locations in the park. Your purchase helps me to maintain this website and continue to provide real-time photo conditions.

Now get out there and create some beautiful winter photos in the Moab desert!

Moab Photography Conditions - February 1, 2016

UPDATE February 2: Arches and Canyonlands NP are open.  The roads are snowpacked and icy, and the NPS recommends extreme caution.  Dead Horse Point State Park is also open with similar conditions.  All backcountry roads are closed.  Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point received over 6" of snow.  Today there are patches of fog but mostly blue sky with a few light clouds.  Perfect conditions for photography!

It's dumping, folks.  The snow is flying and according to the weather forecast it isn't stopping until tomorrow.  The La Sal Mountains are predicted to receive several feet of snow out of this storm.  Down here in town we've already received five inches of snow, which means higher elevations like Arches National Park (around 5,000'), Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky (both around 6,000') already have even more on the ground.

As of right now the roads in Arches and Canyonlands are closed.  I haven't received any information from Dead Horse Point but I suspect their roads are also closed.  National Park Service crews usually clear Arches first, then Canyonlands.  Dead Horse Point is usually plowed by state crews before Canyonlands, but that can vary.  There is no official estimate of when the parks will open but I suspect it will be later today, or possibly tomorrow, depending on when it stops snowing.

The La Sal Mountains have been getting hammered since yesterday afternoon.  Roads into the mountains are not plowed and likely won't be for a few days.  However, snowshoes or skis are a viable transportation option if you don't mind putting in a few miles.  Avalanche conditions exist and are a very real threat. Travel safe.

One thing is certain: you want to be in the parks as soon as the gates open.  All this fresh, untracked snow will make for some absolutely incredible photography conditions.  Grand landscapes will be an easy target but don't forget to look for intimate scenes such as juniper trees wearing a robe of snow.  Call in sick to work, throw your photography gear in your truck and make tracks to Moab!

Need some help deciding when, where and what to photograph in Arches NP?  Pick up a copy of my ebook - eFotoGuide: The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Arches National Park - and you'll hit the ground running with all of the most important information you'll need to make stunning images in this snowy Red Rock wonderland. 

Click here to purchase eFotoGuide: The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Arches National Park.  Your purchases help me keep this site updated with current photography conditions, and we donate a portion of the proceeds to several organizations who support land conservation and the national parks.