MOAB AREA LANDSCAPE AND NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CONDITIONS
March 20, 2023
Sunrise: 0721 Sunset: 1929 Weather: Highs in the mid 40’s, lows in the mid 20’s to 30’s w/ rain & snow in forecast through Thursday, March 23
Today is the first day of spring but winter seems reluctant to release its grip. I photographed sunrise at the Windows area this morning and thanks to well above average precipitation, the potholes are still relatively full. With more rain and snow on the way, I suspect they’ll remain full for several more days. Temperatures are dropping - again - and we’re pushing down into the 20’s at night this week. This is unusual for March and though I am expecting a pretty stellar wildflower season, it might be delayed just a bit because of the cooler temperatures. None of the trees have begun to leaf out and there isn’t a wildflower anywhere in sight. The La Sal Mountains are still absolutely buried in snow with more on the way, which means compositions that include the mountains (think Delicate Arch at sunset) will have that extra little bonus of snowcapped peaks.
Despite the foul weather and cooler temperatures, tourist season is in full swing. Hotels and restaurants are busy, and on my way out of Arches this morning at around 0900 there were around 30 vehicles waiting in line at the entrance station. It’s only going to get busier, folks. The timed entry system goes into effect on April 1 this year, and you will not be allowed entry to the park between 0700 and 1600 without a ticket. That’s all for now. Check back next week for another update!
Be sure to check out eFotoGuide: The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Arches National Park to learn how and when to photograph over 20 spectacular locations within the park. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a phone camera, a point and shoot or a high-end professional camera - you’ll create stunning images using my ebook as your personal photo guide!
March 12, 2023 - Sunrise light warms the sandstone towers and buttes of Park Avenue reflecting in a rainwater filled pothole near the Courthouse Towers area of Arches National Park.
Over the last two days several storms have passed over Moab, dropping considerable rain at lower elevations and snow in the La Sal Mountains - and there are more storms on the way this week. Potholes are already full of rainwater, creating opportunities to capture reflections of sandstone towers, and if the forecast is accurate they’ll remain full for several more days. With the ground already saturated, it’s likely that additional precipitation will result in waterfalls cascading off the canyon walls along Highway 128, Kane Creek Road and Potash Road. Arches National Park is also known to produce small waterfalls and some of the washes may even turn into ephemeral creeks, offering exciting and unique opportunities for desert photography. Don’t forget…storms bring clouds, clouds create dramatic conditions, and we all love storm light and moody skies!
I am expecting an outstanding wildflower season as Moab saw well above average precipitation over the winter and spring isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Wildflowers typically begin blooming in late March/early April and continue through the end of May, sometimes early June. I’ll keep this page updated as the wildflowers begin to sprout.
Be sure to check out eFotoGuide: The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Arches National Park to learn how and when to photograph over 20 spectacular locations within the park. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a phone camera, a point and shoot or a high-end professional camera - you’ll create stunning images using my ebook as your personal photo guide!