Sunset Arch
near Escalante, UT
sunset Arch
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF SUNSET ARCH
I am often asked which state is my favorite for photography. My answer is always quick and easy: Utah. It is the most photographically rich area in the American Southwest, offering unlimited abstracts, formations, buttes, and stunning vistas.
Sunset Arch is tucked away in a remote location and can easily be overlooked at first glance. However, from spring through fall, this uniquely shaped formation glows a brilliant orange as the sun begins to set in the west. This is just one example of the many natural wonders found in this beautiful state.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH SUNSET ARCH SUMMARY
The difficulty of this trail is rated at 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult. There are multiple ways to reach Sunset Arch from Forty Mile Ridge Road. The hike is approximately 1 to 1.1 miles long, depending on your starting point. It is fairly straightforward, involving a downhill walk of about 200 feet toward the Arch.
If you choose the alternate route, the hike is slightly shorter, but you will need to cross a 10-foot ravine approximately one-third of the way through, which requires some navigation. Please note that the Hole-in-the-Rock Road can be bumpy and has washboards for about 60% of the distance.
NOTE: the dirt road from Forty Mile Ridge Road to this location can become impassable when the ground is wet or muddy.
Photographing the Arch is quite straightforward. Aim to position yourself so that the Arch appears large and elongated, with the mountains in the background centered beneath it. You might want to take several test shots to refine your composition while waiting for the setting sun to illuminate the Arch.
For my shot, I selected a position near the Arch that I wanted for my composition and tested both a 16mm and a 24mm lens. I found that I preferred the 24mm lens. As the sun approached the mountains to the west, the Arch began to glow. I captured images from multiple angles and bracketed my shots, ultimately deciding that the image above was the best.
The image above was taken at 24mm.
xxx Ft. Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
