Sunset Arch
Sunset Arch
Near Escalante, UT
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
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
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
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
4,568 Ft. Elevation
Download KMZ Trail File
Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.
Photography Tips
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.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Sunset Arch parking area.
From Escalante - head east on UT-12 E for 5.0 miles. Then, turn right onto Hole In The Rock Road. Continue driving for 36.1 miles and then turn left onto Forty Mile Ridge Road.
Traditional parking/starting point
From the turnoff onto Forty Mile Ridge Road (after turning off Hole In The Rock Road), drive 4.2 miles until you see a parking area on the left (there is a water tank at this location and this is also the Jacob Hamblin Arch Trailhead). From this parking area, hike 1.1 miles south. You'll begin to see the Arch about halfway through the hike. The journey to the Arch will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Alternated parking/starting point
There is also an alternate parking and hiking option located 3.5 miles down Forty Mile Ridge Road (from the turnoff on Hole In The Rock Road). This alternative starting point offers a slightly shorter hike, but requires crossing a 10 ft ravine. From the alternate parking area, hike 1 mile south by southeast toward Sunset Arch. You should be able to see the Arch as you approach it. This hike will also take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Google Earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 24 mm
Exposure – 90th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – April 10th
Time – 7:18 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This location is known as Sunset Arch because it radiates a beautiful glow as the sun approaches the horizon. It’s important to note that the sun will dip behind the mountains to the west approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled sunset time. Therefore, it's best to set up and be ready to take photos about 45 minutes prior to sunset.
The above image was taken at 7:18 pm on a day when the stated sunset was 7:54 pm.
Best Time of Year
This location is best photographed from late March to mid-September when the sunset angle is west by northwest. In winter, the sun's direction is too far south to illuminate the Arch at sunset.
Lens(es) Needed
The image above was taken at 24mm.
Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro
Permits
No permits are necessary for this location.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is south around 160°.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any special photography equipment for this.
I recommend not using a tripod (you will be shooting at high enough shutter speeds that you don’t it), which will enable you to stay nimble as you search for your composition and be able to take shots from several locations quickly. Additionally, I suggest using a GPS tracking app to help you find your location and bringing a headlamp or flashlight for your return hike after sunset.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
This location is off the beaten path, and you will most likely be the only person there.
Weather
The area around Escalante is a high desert climate at about 4,600 ft. elevation. The temperatures can vary up to 30° - 40° a day. Spring and fall are nice, but summer can get into the high 90s.
Cell Service
There is NO cell service at this location. You will start to get cell service as you get closer to Escalante.
Area Guides and Workshops
None