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Jason HatfieldExplorer

Adventure and travel photographer based out of Denver, Colorado. I teach photography workshops and offer private guiding around the west. More at jasonjhatfield.com

It's not one of the most photographic arches in the area, but it's definitely one of the most stunning. Just walking under its massive height reminds you of scale of time this area took to form.

It's not the most stunning hike in Arches but definitely still pretty. It's a great night photography location as well.

Photographing this stunning park never gets old. My favorite time to photograph is the warm summer nights when thunderstorms roll through.

This is by far my favorite campsite at the Grand Canyon now, even if the road in can be unforgiving in spots. Toroweap is incredible at sunrise, sunset, or even night. There's no light pollution to be found and very few other people. You'll need a backcountry permit to camp here, but nearby Pipe Spring National Monument can help you get one.

If you do this from the top down you'll get to experience two fun rappels. Make sure you go with a guided group or friends with experience if you're new to canyoneering.

The only reason this don't get 5 stars is the ridiculous crowds. It's worth paying for the photo tour as they'll help keep people out of the way for shots, although I've heard even that's getting harder.

It's a busy part of the park but I've caught some beautiful sunrise and sunsets here.

Explorer

12/23/15

Visit at night and escape the crowds. Winter time in the early morning is another option to avoid large crowds.

There are not a lot of campsites so you'll definitely want a reservation in peak season. The campground is at the far end of the park so the drive to town is about 30 minutes.

If you want to see Yellowstone and escape the crowds, head out for night photography amongst the geysers. It can be eerie to have popular places completely to yourself, but under a full moon you can still appreciate all the natural wonders. I advise carrying bear spray at all times as bison, bear, and other wildlife can be active at night.

This is easily one of the best areas in Utah and overlooked by most. It definitely takes some effort and planning to explore, but you'll avoid the crowds of national parks and see places few others have.

A nice spot to take visitors from out-of-town for an easy hike.

This is easily one of the best hikes in the park. Most of the arches aren't great for photographing, but the whole area is a "feast for the eyes".

The arch isn't a great photographic subject but it's still a cool spot to visit.

Explorer

12/23/15

The reflections in the pool make it a great photo spot for sunrise/sunset. In winter I've still come across a number of other photographers here.

This is a stunning arch to view but unfortunately, one of the less photogenic in the park. It's hard to find a compelling composition amongst all the surrounding clutter, but this would probably make a great night photography spot.

There are so many amazing places in the area and this is one of the easiest to get to. The formations are fragile so please don't climb on them.

Connect this to under-the-rim trail for a long day hike or run to see most of the park on foot.

Connect this trail to others in the park and you can run the length of Bryce in a day, basically seeing most of the park from foot.

This is my favorite hike in the park and a great way to escape the crowds at the rim.

Beautiful hike or run amongst the hoodoos. You can connect it with other trails for something longer too.

Do yourself a favor and stop at every overlook, each one is a unique view of these rare formations.

An incredible place normally, it's even more stunning when a storm moves in at sunset.

It can get oh so cold here in the winter, but it's worth it to photograph contrasting snow on the red rocks. If you're planning on night photography be prepared with lots of layers and possibly a sleeping bag, I've had temps below zero Fahrenheit.