Mesa Arch, Canyonlands NP | Northern California Landscape Photographer
Discover the Magic of Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch: A Must-Visit Guide for Adventure Seekers
If you're looking for jaw-dropping views, soul-stirring sunrises, and unforgettable hikes, Utah's iconic arches—Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch—should be at the top of your travel list.
Why Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
Utah is home to some of the most striking natural wonders in the world, and two of the most photographed are Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park and Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. These sandstone marvels are not just geological masterpieces—they're experiences that connect you to the wild beauty of the American Southwest.
Whether you're a first-time visitor, a seasoned hiker, or a landscape photographer chasing golden-hour light, you don’t want to miss this adventure.
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands NP
Mesa Arch is famous for its breathtaking sunrise view, where the rising sun perfectly frames the canyon below through the arch, lighting it up in fiery orange. And, if you time it right, the light shining on the inside of the arch is incredible! The glow under Mesa Arch at sunrise is surreal.
Although I expected Mesa Arch to be much larger, its small size did not detract from the amazing view!

Just as the sun was peeking over the horizon.


Lest you think this is not a popular location, I’ve included a pullback.

Delicate Arch, Arches NP
Delicate Arch isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s the symbol of Utah, even appearing on license plates and postage stamps.


And, because, I’m apparently ‘in’ to pullbacks lately… here’s the big picture of the Delicate Arch area with people lining up for their turn under the arch.

As you can see, people love to get their photo taken while standing under the arch. In doing so, it gives such great perspective to scale of this arch. It is HUGE!
Visiting Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch is more than a sightseeing trip—it's an invitation to slow down, breathe in the desert air, and connect with nature’s artistry.
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Taking a look back on this memorable trip to Glacier National Park. July 2021was the month that I headed to Montana to attend a landscape workshop in Glacier National Park. Glacier is a national park that I'd been wanting to visit for some time.
Arches National Park is renowned for its stunning red rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by wind and erosion. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves dramatic landscapes.
On my recent trip to Canyonlands, we experienced an incredible sunrise and serenity in unexpected corners of the park. Here's what I learned: Canyonlands is full of magic beyond the Instagram-famous spots.
A few years ago, I set a goal for myself to visit as many of our National Parks as possible. A pretty loose goal, I know. But, the practical side of me knows that I will probably never visit some of the more remote of our National Parks.
If you’ve followed my work/blog for any time at all, you know that the National Parks are near and dear to me. National parks hold a special place in our collective consciousness, serving as sanctuaries of natural beauty and biodiversity.
The roads and trails close during the winter in Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park. But, if you'd like to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or walk the trails, you are welcome to do so.
A few years ago I visited Joshua Tree National Park after attending a photography conference in Death Valley in the late winter. It was the perfect time to extend my trip to Joshua Tree.
As I set off on a road trip to Wyoming, a friend messaged me that there was smoke blowing into the Jackson area. I decided that landscape photography and smoke don’t always play well together, so I changed course and headed for Bryce Canyon National Park; a park I had yet to visit.
Scenes of Glacier National Park. July 2021 was the month that I headed to Montana to attend a landscape workshop in Glacier National Park. Glacier is a national park that I'd been wanting to visit for some time.
I was especially enthused about this visit to Death Valley because of the appearance of Lake Manly which is in some years a dried lake bed full of mud cracks and salt patterns. Beautiful in their own right. But, the occurrence of a hurricane last fall created a wealth of water in the Valley, and so Lake Manly came to life once again as it does so periodically.
When my friend asked if I’d like to join her and several other women photographers on a trip to North Cascades National Park, of course, I said yes. She graciously did all the planning and made all the arrangements for the stay, food, and transportation. All I (we) had to do was get ourselves there with gear and appropriate clothing. How nice is that?
Last October, I held my annual one-day Waterfalls Workshop in Northern California. It’s a day of photographing waterfalls, learning techniques, meeting new friends, and enjoying just being in the mountains. It’s a gorgeous time of year with the color change. Several of the workshop members decided to stay to photograph and enjoy the area for another day. Thinking this was a fabulous idea, I decided to stay as well to enjoy the autumn views in nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Day 4 of our Glacier Bay NP trip was again full of wildlife and landscapes, and a most amazing glacier. The David B traveled along the Muir Inlet to the Reid Inlet passing mountains, icebergs, whales, assorted birds, sea otters, and arriving at Reid Glacier. We photographed from the boat, the skiff, and on land. There was beautiful scenery every direction we looked!
Day 3 of our Glacier Bay NP trip was again full of wildlife and landscapes, and our first view of a most amazing glacier. The David B traveled along the Muir Inlet passing mountains, icebergs, the Reid Glacier, whales, assorted birds, and seals until we rounded the corner to see the magnificent McBride Glacier. Seriously, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life!
Icy Straits and South Sandy Cove were the locations of our Day 2 trip in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Full of beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and abundant nature in every direction, this trip was a photographer’s dream.
For more years than I can remember, I have wanted to visit Alaska. Seems like a reasonable desire, yet over the years different events prevented that from happening. And, there is always the planning - what area to visit, when can I squeeze it in, how will I travel there, and the questions go on. Finally, this summer, everything aligned and I was able to not only visit part of Alaska, I did it with a photography workshop aboard a vintage 1929 boat/ship, the David B.
The roads and trails close during the winter in Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park. But, if you'd like to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or walk the trails, you are welcome to do so. When I arrived at Manzanita Lake during the first week in January, the small parking lot contained two other cars. I knew it would be a great day to enjoy the snow and sun at the lake while being surrounded in nature.
In August I took a road trip to the State of Washington, solo, in order to attend a workshop given by Nate Lubbe and Autumn Schrock at Mount Rainier National Park.
When my friend, Amy, shared information regarding an upcoming workshop in the Mount Rainier National Park, my interest was piqued. The workshop would include shooting the night sky as well as different locations around the park.
While visiting Yosemite Valley in February before the 'shelter at home' directive, I made it a point to photograph things that I do not usually shoot. Or, at least photograph those scenes from a different perspective if possible.
One of the very best things about Lassen is that it is not at all crowded. It's bittersweet, really. We were happy to have few fellow visitors. The trails and viewing areas were not crowded. Yet, it is such a beautiful place, it's a shame more people are not there to enjoy it. It's not a particularly large park as far as national parks go. Certainly not as big as Yellowstone, but it has some of the bubbling mud, sulfur springs, and other features similar to Yellowstone.
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
Utah is home to some of the most striking natural wonders in the world, and two of the most photographed are Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park and Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.