From Arches to Canyons: 5 Iconic Utah Landmarks Seen Through a Photographer’s Eye

Utah is among the most stunning states to explore during your visit to the United States. It is full of natural landmarks, from arches to canyons. According to recent statistics, direct visitor spending in Utah totaled $10.56 billion in 2021. That is a 42.5% increase from 2020. The research also revealed Utah travel and tourism supports 130,600 jobs and generates $1.81 billion in tax revenue.

Distinctive geological formations and sweeping landscapes are visible through a photographer’s eye. You can view the towering sandstone spires to hundreds of eroded arches and the desolate salt flats resembling a moonscape.

This article covers five iconic Utah Landmarks as seen through a photographer’s eye.

1. Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most popular national parks. It is famous for dusty red rock formations. The Navajo Loop trail is a worn trail at the park center that will take visitors between one to two hours to hike. You can be sure to enjoy spectacular views here.

When you decide to start hiking on the Wall Street path, you will descend at Bryce’s rim side and enjoy steep switchback views disappearing into the canyon. On your way back, you must make an ascent up the Two Bridges path to the sprawling amphitheater full view of the hoodoos.

Bryce Canyon is a must-visit place for any Utah itinerary, and the Navajo Loop trail will top any list of Utah Photography destinations.

2. The HOODOOS

Bryce Canyon is full of spire-shaped rocks formed over thousands of years. There are four main types of ores in the Claron Formation. They are; limestone, dolomite, siltstone, and mudstone. These rocks erode at different rates causing unique shapes.

The Hoodoo’s surrounding areas are famous for stargazers, hikers, and snow shores, especially during winter. Bryce Canyon is a section of the Colorado Plateau, comprising four corners: New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah.

The fine-grained sediment deposited over several years turned into a sedimentary rock before it was pushed upwards by tectonic activity. After some time, it got eroded, weathered, and molded, forming layered columns that many visitors to Utah admire today.

The region’s weather, mainly below the freezing temperatures for at least 200 days a year, allows ice and rain to be a part of the Hoodoo’s creation. Wedging happens when freezing water in the rock expands, breaking the rocks apart.

3. Bonneville Salt Flats

Do you want to experience another planet? You must visit the Bonneville Salt Flats during your vacation in Utah. The flat’s white salt crust stretches far out as the eye can see. During the spring and winter, the groundwater on the surface usually turns into one giant mirror where the sky and the surrounding mountains reflect.

Salt flats are situated in Northwestern Utah, approximately two hours outside Salt Lake City. If you are a visitor here and intend to take photos, the best time is morning and evening. During these times, you stand to capture gorgeous sunrise and sunset light that reflects off the flats.

Ensure you put on sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun when visiting this play at midday when the sun’s reflection is at its brightest.

4. Downtown Salt Lake City

 

If you want to take a break from nature photography, you can head to any downtown Salt Lake City photo spot to capture urban shots.

In the city, there is the majestic Salt Lake Utah Temple situated at Temple Square. You will never miss its ornate spires. From Temple Square, there is the Salt Lake City Capitol Building, an exciting place to visit during the springtime when the cherry blooms and blossoms.

Also, the Salt Lake City Library is a gorgeous and nice-looking building with the surrounding area, which is not short of crisp angles to frame your figures. It doesn’t matter where you go in downtown Salt Lake City; you will always come across some excellent photography locations.

5. Natural Bridges National Monument

 

Natural Bridges is the first-ever national monument in Utah, and you will understand why it is the first when you visit there. The Natural Bridges National Monument in Southeast Utah features three massive water-carved sandstone bridges deep into the canyon.
Despite rain being scarce in Utah, it pours whenever it rains. After some time, the powerful flash floods destroyed the sandstone creating natural bridges. You can access every bridge through the hiking trails under 1.5 miles round-trip. Taking photos from the lower points is breathtaking, especially when the sky is visible below the bridges.

Conclusion

These five iconic Utah landmarks will inspire you to visit and explore all Utah offers. Ensure you leave no trace and respect the environment when visiting monuments and national parks. All you will bring home are the memories you make and the beautiful pictures you capture.