CANYONLANDS -  ISLAND IN THE SKY

The northern section of Canyonland National Park is less visited than either Arches or the Needles, especially in the off-season.  I have camped at Dead Horse Point or Willow Flats with nobody else around on several occasions in winter.  Winter is also the best time to go for the now-famous shot (and great experience) of a sunrise at Mesa Arch.  This is because the sun comes up well south of the La Sal mountains to the east, so that when it clears the low horizon it is still pretty red.  This, along with the illumination of the lower side of Mesa Arch by light reflected off the red sandstone below, leads to a spectacular glow (for about 10 minutes) on the underside.  Things happen fast so plan to be set up and ready to shoot before sunrise.   There are also numerous rim-walks with good photo opportunities.  Green River Overlook in the morning (walk west of the parking area to find some good outcrops and views to the monuments and paw prints), and Grand View in the late afternoon, are both nice.  A tripod is required.