Desert Glow - Moab, Utah

The Priest and the Nuns, Colorado River Scenic Byway, Moab, Utah

For the last couple of weeks, I have been showcasing some photos from my trip to Glacier National Park. I thought I would head south about 900 miles to the American Southwest for today's post. When I think of where the colors of the southwest come alive for me, it is Moab, Utah, that comes to mind. Surrounded by beautiful national and state parks (not to mention Monument Valley to the south), Moab is in the center of it all, and can be used as a great base of operation for photographers.

The areas around Moab show off some wonderful sandstone formations that seem to glow during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The orange hues are often contrasted with deep blues skies, and, if you are lucky,  there are some clouds to add interest to the scene. The photo above is indicative of the scenes you will encounter if you set the alarm clock to go off before dawn, and head a half-hour or so down River Road (which should be either a state or national park itself). The light was glorious on this cold March morning and the crisp air was refreshing. It sure beat the end of winter in the cold northeast. 

For the best view, click on the image to see it against a dark background.