Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands Tours
With two national parks within 45 minutes, and many other nearby world class sites including Dead Horse Point, Moab is a red rock paradise! Rock Light offers hands-on instruction on how to read and shoot the fantastic Southwest light to make your red rock images pop, and get the most of your Moab photo tour experience. And there are some of the best locations in the world for Milky Way photography.
Tour pricing can be found here.
Typical Half Day and Day Tours
During the busy seasons (April-May and September-October) I have standard half day tours that make up a full day. In the morning we will head for Dead Horse Point for sunrise, and then on to 2-3 locations in Canyonlands-Island in the Sky district to round out the morning, before heading back to Moab for lunch (on your own) and/or a nap. In the afternoon, we’ll head out to Arches to several less busy locations that you might not find on your own, leading up to a lovely sunset.
Milky Way Night Tours
A few nights on either side of a new moon, I lead night tours to photograph the Milky Way in and amongst some Arches National Park’s famous rock formations and arches in an internationally recognized dark sky park. Even if you have never photographed the night sky, the tour includes instruction on how to capture the Milky Way on your DSLR or mirrorless camera. During April and May, I lead this tour as a standalone tour, as the Milky Way doesn’t make an appearance until close to midnight. In June, September, and October, I offer a combination sunset/night tour, where we take a break after sunset, and you break out some picnic supplies and I go over camera settings.
Multi-Day Tours or Private Tours
If you would like to extend your tour beyond one day, or you’d prefer to book a private tour with a little more control over the agenda, then more of the area opens up to you. Once you have dates and some itinerary ideas in mind, fill out the the contact form to book (or inquire about) a tour, and we will get back to you ASAP with some options. On the day of your tour, we can pick you up at any hotel, campground, or rental house in Moab.
Suggested options to include in your custom photo itinerary (some locations only available on multi-day tours)
- Arches afternoon and sunset tour (great locations off the beaten track)
- Sunrise/morning tour to Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands-Island in the Sky for epic canyon views
- Night Photography Tour in one of two internationally recognized dark skies parks! (combine with a full day tour or sunset tour, or standalone in spring)
- Marlboro Point – a hidden gem
- Castle Valley, Fisher Towers, and the Colorado River
- La Sal Mountains (good for a hot summer day or fall Aspen color)
- Ancient Rock Art & Ruins in and around Moab
- Bears Ears & Cedar Mesa ruins (full day – hiking required)
- Canyonlands Needles District (hiking required)
- The possibilities are endless, really
Have questions about Arches National Park Timed Entry Permits? The good news is that if you book an Arches tour with me, you do not need a timed entry permit for that day! Note: busy locations like Delicate Arch and the Windows Sections are not typically on the agenda, unless you book a private tour. You are paying me for my local knowledge and photographic instruction, so I won’t take you to a spot where you have to Photoshop twenty people out of every shot.
In 2024, I will be available to lead tours in Moab from early March to early June. During the hot summer months, I will be in Estes Park, Colorado for tours in Rocky Mountain National Park (early June-early Sept). I am not available in either location during one of my five multi-day photo workshops.
By Car or By Foot?
One of the major considerations when crafting your photo tour is the physical capability of your group. Many of the most spectacular locations in Moab are accessible by car, but of course, that means they are accessible to everyone, and can get crowded. However, we can put together a fantastic tour for those with limited endurance, and my standard 1/2 day and full day tours require only short hikes.
The ability to hike 2-4 miles over sometimes rough terrain can get you to more amazing places, often with fewer people. Hiking is required to Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, in amongst Fisher Towers, streamside in Hunter or Grandstaff Canyons, to mighty Corona Arch, Aspen forests in the La Sal Mountains for fall colors, Behind the Rocks, Grand Viewpoint, Canyonlands Needles District and many other less-traveled locations in Arches and Canyonlands. These locations are available on multi-day tours.
Hiking Safety
Keep in mind that here on the Colorado Plateau we are close to a mile high, with elevations in the Moab area ranging from 4,500-6,500′ above sea level. If you are traveling from sea level, consider giving your self a day or two to acclimate, and allow more hiking time to account for shortness of breath. Also remember to hike with lots of water (1-2 liters, even on short hikes), as this is the desert, and you will burn through water quickly, and there are no sources of water on the trails (we will provide water to refill your containers at the trailhead). Finally, don’t hike during the hottest parts of the day. In the summer, we will do our best to be off trails by 10am, and we will start afternoon/sunset tours as late as possible to avoid the sometimes 100+ degree heat.
Housing Options
Do you need housing while you are in Moab? We own and manage two 3 bedroom luxury vacation rental properties just South of Moab. They both sleep up to 8 people, have fully stocked kitchens, and private hot tubs. Perfect for relaxing at the end of a day of Moab adventuring. Book either property and receive a 15% discount off your Moab photo tour!
