As home to the “Mighty 5” national parks and the filming location for the High School Musical series, Utah is a treasure trove for photographers and travelers alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a hike during summer or a snowy adventure in winter, there’s never a shortage of sights to capture in the Beehive State. Get your cameras ready and take home a piece of Utah with you with postcard-worthy giclee prints or social media posts.
Zion National Park
No Utah trip is complete without a visit to one of the mighty national parks. If you have time for only one, why not make a trip to the Zion National Park, the state’s first of its kind. Go on a 30-minute beginner-friendly hike along the Weeping Rock Trail, one of the park’s most popular features, and snap photographs of its scenic waterfall and rock alcove. You can also drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, where you can shoot pictures that look like they’re straight from a western film. In winter, exchange the scarlet-colored rocks for a view of the snow-covered canyons.
Ski Resorts
Beyond its summer experiences, Utah boasts numerous accessible snowy escapades. Revel in the winter wonderland and enjoy the powdery snow at any of the 11 ski resorts within an hour from the airport. Capture stunning images of the cityscape with the snow-capped mountains as its backdrop or snap pictures of the pine trees lining the ski trails. When you’re not taking photographs, you can ski, snowboard, or skate to your heart’s content.
Antelope Island State Park
In the morning, get a fantastic view of the Wasatch Range overlooking the Great Salt Lake, which makes for an Instagram-worthy post. In the evening, you can take advantage of the lack of light pollution and bask in the clear dark skies for stunning night photographs. Remember to bring your tripod with you for the best results. While the island is home to various animals, ranging from sheep, deer, to pronghorns, it’s famous for its bison population. During an encounter, do not get too close or use flash when taking pictures.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Embark on a 1.5-mile hike for a very rewarding panorama of the famed Horseshoe Bend. It is not only the site’s arguably most iconic spot, but it’s also where the boundaries between Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, Navajo Nation, and Utah meet. Make sure to stop by Lake Powell and shoot images of its cobalt waters beside the ruby-hued canyon. Besides being a photographer’s mecca, the park also offers numerous activities, from swimming and boating to hiking and mountain biking.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
It’s quite fitting that the park is named after a particular type of film because it’s pretty much impossible to take a bad picture at the site. While the sun is out, you can snap images of its red rocks intertwined with vibrant trees. When the darkness takes over, you can capture incredible photographs of the unadulterated night sky. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries for your camera; you wouldn’t want to miss a moment of the stars.
With stunning sights and endless national parks, Utah is a photographer’s dream destination. Beyond its sunny locations, it offers picturesque panoramas all year round. Charge your camera batteries and call your friends for the beginning of your aesthetic adventure.
