Any advice for photographing Arches Nat. Park?

[Peeb]

Any advice or resources appreciated. Thanks

 

[AlanKlein]

Go very early in the morning., The lines to get into Arches get long. Set aside time to go to the nearby Canyonlands Park and Dead Horse Point State Park (Utah 313 on the map below). Also, as a third option, go along the Colorado east a few miles (not shown on map) to nearby town Castle VAlley which has great views. There's a Western Museum where they cover where all the famous western movies were made. See my google navigation map below. It starts in the town of Moab.

Arches Entrance Rd to Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[denum]

Go very early in the morning., The lines to get into Arches get long. Set aside time to go to the nearby Canyonlands Park and Dead Horse Point State Park (Utah 313 on the map below). Also, as a third option, go along the Colorado east a few miles (not shown on map) to nearby town Castle VAlley which has great views. There's a Western Museum where they cover where all the famous western movies were made. See my google navigation map below. It starts in the town of Moab.

Arches Entrance Rd to Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

maps.app.goo.gl

Thanks for those tips, good to know. I would like to know if anyone has had success with Milkyway shots seen through any of the arches, and if so which arches? Which arches face south? I have used google earth to determine this with some success but it would be nice to hear from someone who has been there and done that.

 

[Peeb]

Thanks for those tips, good to know. I would like to know if anyone has had success with Milkyway shots seen through any of the arches, and if so which arches? Which arches face south? I have used google earth to determine this with some success but it would be nice to hear from someone who has been there and done that.

Same questions! Thanks you so much.

 

[Peeb]

Per Dr. Chat Gpt:

ChatGPT said:​

Yes — you absolutely can do astrophotography in Arches National Park, and it’s actually one of the best places in the U.S. for it!

Why Arches is Ideal for Astrophotography​

• The park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, thanks to its minimal artificial lighting and ongoing efforts to preserve natural darkness. Nearly all park lighting is “night-sky friendly,” and areas beyond the visitor center are unlit.National Park Service+9Dalton Johnson+9Facebook+9National Park Service+4National Park Service+4DarkSky International+4
• However, light pollution from nearby Moab is gradually increasing, so heading deeper into the park helps preserve your night-sky experience.Wikipedia

Regulations to Know​

• Artificial lighting for lighting up rock formations or landscapes (e.g., light painting) is prohibited. Such lights may only be used for personal route-finding or minimal-impact camping.Nature TTL+5National Park Service+5National Park Service+5
• To preserve night vision, use a red flashlight or headlamp, and keep lights pointed downward.fortheloveofwanderlust.com+3National Park Service+3Park Chasers+3

Prime Locations for Night Photography​

According to both the National Park Service and photography enthusiasts, these spots are standout locations for stargazing and astrophotography:

• Panorama Point: Offers sweeping skies and is a common site for night-sky ranger programs.Wikipedia+12Park Chasers+12Dalton Johnson+12
• Balanced Rock Picnic Area (across from the main rock): Accessible, open, and relatively shielded from headlights.National Park Service+3Park Chasers+3Nomad+3
• Devil’s Garden Campground: Camping here means you’re already in a great dark-sky location.Park Chasers+2Wikipedia+2
• The Windows Area: Iconic arches frame the sky beautifully—but aim to avoid crowds by arriving early.Park Chasers+1
• Garden of Eden Viewpoint: A quieter alternative, offering darker skies and fewer tourists.Park Chasers+2Nomad+2
• Delicate Arch area: Especially stunning in summer when the Milky Way appears above the arch.Wikipedia+3fortheloveofwanderlust.com+3Dalton Johnson+3

Tips for Amazing Shots​

• Use manual mode: Allows full control over exposure, aperture, and ISO.Condé Nast Traveler+3National Park Service+3Dalton Johnson+3
• Set up for long exposures — up to 30 seconds, depending on your gear.National Park Service
• Stabilize your camera with a tripod or sturdy surface to avoid blur.National Park ServiceCondé Nast Traveler
• Plan around moon phases: New moons are best for Milky Way visibility.National Park Service
• Pack a red light, extra batteries, warm clothing, and a star chart to enhance the experience.National Park Service

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In summary:​

• Yes, astrophotography is not only allowed — it's an amazing experience here.
• Yes, the park enforces rules to preserve darkness: no light painting or artificial lighting of landscapes.
• Yes, you can scout excellent locations and capture the Milky Way, star trails, and iconic rock silhouettes — just be mindful of the regulations.

If you’d like help planning your gear, ideal timing, or best photography setups, I’d be happy to dive deeper!