Three Sisters Sunset
Superstition Wilderness
THREE SISTERS SUNSET
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THREE SISTERS SUNSET
The Three Sisters formation is an iconic view of the south flank of the Superstition Mountains within the Superstition Wilderness. The gently sloping Gold Canyon is filled with an abundance of cacti of all types that provide a plethora of compositional opportunities ranging from macro photography to wide angle scenes, panoramic vistas that capture the entirety of the canyon and focus stacking to emphasize the remarkable depth of interesting subjects.
The compelling subjects also range from more distant views at the entrance of the canyon to more compressed views looking up at the formation as you wander deeper into the canyon. Also, take note of how the Three Sisters formation perspective alters as you approach. The further westward you hike the three rock pillars that comprise the sisters become more separated and distinct.
Photos and location summary by Don Metz
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH THREE SISTERS SUNSET SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The hike to this location is 1.7 miles (each way) that travels up an old dirt road and then a rocky trail. To get to the location of this shot, you will then hike up the hill toward the Three Sisters formation (less than 200' of elevation change).
NOTE: the dirt road leading to the trailhead becoming impassable following a rainstorm, particularly during the monsoon season.
The orientation of the Three Sisters formations enables good lighting at both sunrise and sunset, although sunset does provide more side lighting into the canyon and on the formation's cliff faces. The cacti offer numerous macro photography opportunities. Wide angle lenses (16-24 mm) enable capturing close-up images of cacti while including the Three Sisters formation and the sky. The further up the canyon you hike, the wider the lens focal length is …
Wide angle (16-24mm), macro lenses for close-up images of cacti, 24-70mm / 24-105mm for most images and panoramic shots.
The above image was taken with a 35mm lens equivalent.
2,642 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
