Canyonlands Beauty - Canyonlands, National Park, Utah

One of the most iconic spots of the American Southwest is Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Requiring a short hike, this arch is a mecca for photographers that want to get the iconic sunrise photo of the arch as the sun peaks over the distant mountains. The area where photographers can take this image is quite small -- only 10-12 people can squeeze into it. Get there well before dawn to procure a good spot. It is always hard to know the right time to get there. It all depends on luck. I've been there when there were only one or two photographers. I have also been there when a whole group of photographers had gotten there at 2am, leaving very few spots for anyone else. Once they set up, they don't move until the sun is well above the horizon. So, what do you do when you are unlucky and can't get a good spot? Try other angles that might not include the arch like this photo. Still some amazing shots if you look hard enough.