We all know Utah is home to some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth — from imposing hoodoo collections to antelope islands full of bison. But in summertime, when road trips are more frequent and sunsets fierier, opportunities for stunning photos are (literally) everywhere.

Below is a small sample of summer stunners, all kindly provided by some gifted photogs. Make sure to use #youtah on the IG for a chance to be featured in our next photo roundup!

Deer Creek Reservoir at Sunset

Leroy Jessop / IG: @lsjessop.photography

Location: Deer Creek State Park

The story: This photo was taken on the east end of Deer Creek Reservoir, just off of Highway 189. The orange light, caused by wildfire smoke, made for a very unique sunset. Being a landscape photographer, I always have my camera with me — wherever I go. I often drive by scheming how to get a good reflection of Timpanogos on Deer Creek but have only once seen it calm enough to get a reflection, so I took what I had and made it work. I used a 120-second exposure to get the desired water smoothness and cloud movement.

Peek-A-Boo

Ewa Hajbos / IG: @ehajboss

Location: Zion National Park

The story: The photo was taken right after a flash flood warning was issued. This girl was wandering along the empty road. She was clearly curious seeing me with a camera but she also kept her distance, so this little gem happened.

That Hiking Feeling

Nathan Guymon / IG: @the_nater_greater

Location: Angels Landing Trail, Zion National Park

The story: This photo was taken on the way up to Angels Landing with a group of my good friends. I wanted to capture the pure joy of hiking and that the trail is about the route and not just the destination. To me, hiking offers a needed change in pace from the rush of life.

Grandma Moose

Rory Pendleton / IG: @rory_j_pendleton

Location: Silver Lake Trail, Big Cottonwood Canyon

The story: One of the local rangers called her Grandma Moose. She is blind in one eye and missing half of her ear. I was lucky enough to spend a couple hours photographing her one beautiful morning.

Rainbow Over Canyonlands

Abbie Warnock Matthews / IG: @abbiewarnockmatthews

Location: Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park

The story: This image was taken just as the tail end of a summer thunderstorm finished blowing over the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park. When we deemed it safe to get out of the car where we had taken shelter from the rain and lightning, we were greeted by a beautiful double rainbow hitting the mesa at one of the overlooks. What a reward for waiting out the storm!

Sunbeams Dancing Across The Misty Shadows

Garth Rogers / IG: @garth_rogers

Location: Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon

The story: It was a challenge getting to the right angle in order to catch the "Dancing Sunbeams."

Summer Celebration

Darlene Smith / IG: @darlenesmithphotography

Location: Bountiful, Utah

The story: Gathering with family and friends in Bountiful at the Pioneer Day Celebration is a fun summer tradition that we look forward to every year.

Kanarraville Falls Ladder

Philip Jaw / IG: @lipjawphotos

Location: Kanarraville Falls, Kanarra Creek Trail

The story: I had the pleasure of visiting Kanarraville Falls in July and once my parents and brother saw the photos from that trip, they made me promise to take them with me the next time I returned. That opportunity came about in August when this photo was taken. I really wanted to capture this area in a different perspective since it was my second time out and thought to zoom in on the ladder to capture this shot.

Interstitial Twilight

Emily Jeppson / IG: @emilyjeppson

Location: Observation Point Trail, Zion National Park

The story: It's a bit of a hike to get to this overlook in Zion National Park, but the views down the canyon are astounding. It was magical to watch the Milky Way fade from the sky as the first hints of sunrise bounced across the canyon walls.

Nature’s Color Palette

Amit Surve, M.D. / @iamiitsurve

Location: Albion Basin Trail, Little Cottonwood Canyon

The story: This shot was taken in the Albion Basin. The wildflower season typically peaks around the middle of July and this hike — especially in July — is a must-do for those who to experience the beauty of Utah’s mountains! The hills are covered in yellow, blue and purple wildflowers. It is totally worth viewing this magical place at the time of sunset!

Down With The Wildflowers

Melody Forsyth / @downwithadventure

Location: Albion Basin Trail, Little Cottonwood Canyon

The story: Even though Ruby has Down syndrome, she doesn’t let that stop her from enjoying the beauty in her backyard. She loves hiking and enjoyed a morning hiking among the wildflowers and touching them. Utah has the best adventures!

Double Rainbow Near Kodachrome

Matthew Wolter / @mw.phx.az

Location: Kodachrome Basin State Park

The story: In late May, while on a road trip vacation in southern Utah, I captured this shot. I had spent the day hiking off the dirt road of Cottonwood Canyon Trail and a big storm had followed me all day. When it got almost too close for comfort, I made my way to Cannonville. After coming to the entrance road to Kodachrome Basin State Park, I pulled off to check out the storm and saw a double rainbow arching in the direction of the park. I took several shots and this was the best of the bunch.

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