If you love the outdoors and capturing its beauty, then a road trip through the Southwest is a once in a lifetime experience. Check out our top 5 epic photo locations in the Southwest. Firstly, the vibrant red landscape & unique rock formations offer endless adventure and epic photo opportunities. Secondly, it is a place to explore some of the country’s most beautiful national and state parks.

Listed below are 5 epic photo locations in the Southwest. We will be covering Utah & Arizona. Getting to some of these locations might be a challenge if you are not a hiker or you’re not comfortable with heights. However, the destinations will definitely be a rewarding experience and an adventure you won’t forget.

1. Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Probably the most iconic arch within the park is the Delicate Arch. The arch rises 46 feet from the ground, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park. A perfect location for a lifestyle, adventure, or family photoshoot! The hike to the base of the arch is three miles, round trip. While accessible for most, there are a few steep drops offs, which some may not enjoy. 

Delicate Arch in Moab is the most famous arch in Arches National Park. The hike to Delicate Arch is about an hour long and the elevation gain can make it slightly challenging. Therefore, this is a popular spot and one that usually has a long line of people waiting their turn to be photographed in the middle of the arch. Sunset is the best time to shoot Delicate Arch.

2. Devils Bridge, Sedona Arizona

Surrounded by stunning red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, Devils Bridge offers a breathtaking experience for hikers. After a short climb up, there it is a standing natural rock bridge that dominates the radiant landscape. Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s largest sandstone arch and has become one of its most popular hikes. It is unique for its bridge-like formation, and for the fact that you can walk out onto the top of the arch.

This is an easy-to-moderate hike with an elevation gain of about 400 feet. Most fit hikers should be able to do it. Although there are places in Sedona where you can have the red rocks mostly to yourself, Devil’s Bridge is usually not one of them. The spot has blown up Instagram so crowds naturally gravitate to it as it has become a hot spot for adventure photography.

3. Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is an iconic natural landmark that is often visited in the Southwest. It offers a magnificent view of the Colorado River meandering around a unique horseshoe-shaped bend. In addition, Horseshoe Bend is easy to get to and just a short hike from the road. There is a whole lot more to photograph in the area including, Antelope Canyon, Bryce, Zion, etc.

4. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon and has become one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. This hike requires wading through ice cold water waist-deep the entire way as you make it through a 2000 ft high slot canyon, in other words bring extra dry clothes in a water proof bag. This is one of the craziest hikes I’ve ever been on! The beauty in the tributaries, wild life, frogs croaking, are nothing short of magical. You may even forget your legs are beyond cold. In addition, one of the most photogenic areas of the narrows is known as “Wall Street”, a very narrow section of the slot canyon where the water spans wall to wall.

The hike is relatively easy, however flash flooding can be a risk when hiking The Narrows, especially in the spring. Make sure to check the current conditions before attempting this hike. There are signs posted daily throughout the park that show the risk level of flash flooding.

5. Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located on Navajo land in Page, Arizona. It’s has become so popular, that now it is only offered by guided tours. Aside from the crowds of people, Antelope Canyon is absolutely worth a visit. The impeccable canyon views, colors, and shadows make this a spectacular spot for photographing.

We really hope you get to explore these five incredible locations in the Southwest. If you are seeking the perfect destination elopement photography team that takes care of all the planning, looking for an adventure photographer to capture your explorations, or simply hoping to have a family lifestyle session in one of the most memorable Southwest locations, we’re here to make your dreams come true!

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