Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
1. Snowbird Wildflowers | Summer
From June to August, you'll be swooning over lupine, bluebells, red paintbrush, columbine, penstemon, and more alpine flowers. And you're likely to see some Rocky Mountain goats, too. Add a river along the way and you've got yourself a photo studio that no technician could ever replicate.
2. Logan Canyon | Fall
Photography is just a covert operation--what you really want to do is bundle up in your favorite wool sweater, pack a picnic and rejoice over the first signs of reds, oranges and yellows up this perfectly charming canyon. And since it's just outside a college town, you'll catch the I-wish-I-could-go-back-to-school bug...until you're driving up the canyon and realize the students are sitting in class, stressed out about midterms, and you're driving up the canyon to take photos. Well played, well played.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park | Winter
The contrast. The contrast. The contrast. Snow on orange creamy hoodoos? It's just crazy. I mean, this is supposed to be the desert? Knock the socks off of your faithful fans when you wake up early for a sunrise over Thor's Hammer or Queen's Garden. And the amphitheater? No words. That's why you brought your camera because words will fall short of what your eyes are beholding.
4. Fruita, Capitol Reef National Park | Spring
Those pioneers planted more than apple orchards in the desert--they planted sheer beauty. Every March - early April, you can drive into the park and stop off in Fruita where you will see "popcorn popping" on the apple trees. You know the drill: wake early or stay out during sunset to get the most dramatic shots.
5. Bonneville Salt Flats | All Year
These salty flatlands with their dramatic mountains in the distance are gorgeously minimal all year long. Put a brightly-clad model in the center, wait for a storm to leave behind reflective shallow pools or dress like you've just stepped into Mad Max and the end of the world is coming and you're going to write the next best-selling distopic novel that will make everyone wish they were nicer and not so stinkin' greedy.
6. Monument Valley | All Year
We had to include this place. If we didn't, you'd all be complaining that we left it off the list because sunsets here change lives and make you want to be better humans. It's the kind of place that makes you want to get on a horse and morph into a cowboy with a weathered face and use improper grammar because you just don't care anymore. It's the place that makes you feel like a small, teeny-tiny spec in the cosmos.
7. Dead Horse Point State Park | All Year
Arguably one of the most unique and scenic views anywhere. It's a real looker. Stand 2,000 feet over the Colorado River on a beautiful mesa and look into Canyonlands National Park for miles with stunning views into the deep canyons. Here you'll ponder such questions as the meaning of life, or how long it would take a rock to hit the water below if you threw one from where you're standing.
8. Salt Lake Temple Square | All Year
No matter the season, the Temple Square grounds are always gorgeous and ready to be the center of attention in any photo. Stroll between calming waters and lush gardens, and in a breath it'll make you forget all about social media...until it quickly compels you to post a pic on Instagram. Bring a selfie stick.
9. Lake Powell | All Year
Yes, it's a man-made reservoir and yes, it's a controversial place, but nobody can deny its beauty. Placid blue water, sandy beaches, dramatic canyons, and bazillions of stars in the darkest sky imaginable all provide a plethora of backdrops for any photo enthusiast. Places with names like Rainbow Bridge and Cathedral in the Desert are beckoning.