14-Day Photo Itinerary: Golden Hours and Iconic Landscapes

Ready to fill your memory cards with sunrise glow, painterly sunsets, and legendary vistas at every turn? This 14-day photo itinerary is designed for travelers who prioritize golden hour, crave iconic landscapes, and love the thrill of capturing bucket-list scenes in their best light. Starting and ending in Las Vegas, this loop through the American Southwest gives you red-rock cathedrals, natural arches, [desert](/articles/alice-springs-city-guide--art-/ "Alice Springs City Guide: Art, Trails and Desert Vistas") plateaus, and canyon panoramas that feel like a dream. You will shoot sunrise and sunset daily, scout angles during mid-day, and leave room for blue hour and night-sky magic.

Whether you are traveling solo with a mirrorless camera, road tripping with a partner, or guiding a small group, you will find a balanced plan that respects driving times, prime light, and practical logistics. Expect detailed location suggestions, quick composition prompts, driving notes, and pro tips on timing, gear, and permits. Every day ends with a golden-hour goal so you maximize the light that makes this region famous.

Why Plan Your Trip Around Golden Hour

The quality of light makes or breaks landscape photos. During golden hour, the low sun adds depth, texture, and warmth to rock faces and desert sand. Blue hour softens tones and reduces dynamic range for moody, cinematic images. Planning your schedule around these windows lets you:

• Avoid harsh mid-day glare and blown-out highlights
• Capture longer shadows and three-dimensional detail
• Balance sky and foreground without heavy post-processing
• Photograph fewer people at popular spots, especially at sunrise

Who This 14-Day Photo Itinerary Is For

• Travel photographers who want an efficient, high-yield route
• Beginners eager to practice sunrise and sunset techniques
• Couples or friends who love adventure and camera time
• Content creators and videographers seeking variety and drama
• Anyone building a portfolio of iconic US Southwest landscapes

When To Go For The Best Light

• Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, variable clouds, and rich color. Late March through May, then late September through early November, are ideal.
• Summer delivers long golden hours and Milky Way visibility, but expect heat, crowds, and monsoonal storms. Be prepared for lightning safety and flash flood risks.
• Winter brings snow-dusted hoodoos and thinner crowds. Short days give you more golden hour per day, but plan for icy trails and cold mornings.

Pro tip: Install sunrise and sunset apps like PhotoPills or The Photographer’s Ephemeris. Check exact time, angle, and duration at each location so you approach each day with a clear shot list.

The Route At A Glance

Start and end: Las Vegas, Nevada

Route highlights: Valley of Fire, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Moab with Arches and Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Page with Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona

Total driving time over two weeks: Approximately 28 to 32 hours, with scenic sections and time to pull off for unexpected shots.

• Day 1: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire
• Day 2: Zion National Park
• Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon
• Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef
• Day 5: Capitol Reef to Moab
• Day 6: Arches National Park
• Day 7: Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point
• Day 8: Moab to Monument Valley
• Day 9: Monument Valley to Page
• Day 10: Page
• Day 11: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim
• Day 12: Grand Canyon to Sedona
• Day 13: Sedona
• Day 14: Sedona to Las Vegas

Note: Distances are manageable, but this itinerary is photo-forward. If you prefer more downtime, add an extra night in Moab or Page.

Day 1: Las Vegas Arrival and Valley of Fire Sunset

• Drive: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park, about 1 hour
• Sunrise: Travel day or sleep in if you landed late
• Sunset location: Fire Wave or Seven Wonders Loop

Valley of Fire warms up your trip with fiery sandstone swirls and delicate lines that light up under low sun. It is compact and easy to navigate, with multiple stops in a single afternoon.

Mid-day scouting:

• Mouse’s Tank Road for long-lens compression with S-curves
• White Domes area for layered rock textures
• Elephant Rock near the east entrance for a quick shot

Golden hour plan:

• Hike to the Fire Wave, then continue the Seven Wonders Loop for varied compositions
• Using a wide-angle lens, place leading lines front-and-center
• Polarizer helps control glare on rock surfaces

Blue hour:

• Capture pastel transitions after the sun dips. The rock holds color longer than you think.

Overnight: Stay near the park or return to Las Vegas for a quick night. If you have an early start tomorrow, consider staying in Springdale for easy access to Zion.

Day 2: Zion National Park, Sunrise to Sunset

• Drive: Las Vegas or Valley of Fire to Zion, 2.5 to 3 hours
• Sunrise location: Canyon Overlook
• Sunset location: The Watchman from the bridge near the Visitor Center

Zion’s towering sandstone walls glow early. Canyon Overlook offers a sweeping view that is iconic and relatively short to reach.

Morning plan:

• Hike to Canyon Overlook in the dark with a headlamp, arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise
• Compose with the curving canyon as a leading line
• Use a 2 to 4 stop soft-edge graduated ND filter to balance sky and canyon

Mid-day scouting:

• Riverside Walk for reflections and greenery
• Pa’rus Trail for open views of the Watchman
• Court of the Patriarchs viewpoint for layers and scale

Sunset:

• Shoot the Watchman with the Virgin River flowing toward you
• Try both wide and mid-range shots. A 24-70mm lens works well for flexible framing
• Arrive early to secure a spot, then adjust as the sky colors shift

Night:

• If skies are clear and it is summer through early fall, consider short star trails or Milky Way shots along open areas of Pa’rus Trail. Observe park rules and stay on paths.

Overnight: Springdale

Day 3: Zion Sunrise and Transfer to Bryce Canyon

• Drive: Zion to Bryce Canyon, 2 hours
• Sunrise location: Emerald Pools area or Towers of the Virgin from the Museum patio
• Sunset location: Bryce Amphitheater, Bryce Point or Inspiration Point

Morning:

• Towering monoliths near the Museum make for a simple sunrise with no hiking required
• Frame with natural elements like cottonwoods for scale

Drive to Bryce:

• Scenic stops along UT-9 and US-89
• Use mid-day to scout viewpoints for tomorrow morning

Sunset at Bryce:

• The Bryce hoodoos ignite under late sun and then shift to cool pastel tones
• Elevate your vantage at Inspiration Point for sweeping curves
• Bryce Point offers more distant, layered shots with long-lens opportunities

Overnight: Bryce Canyon City or inside the park

Day 4: Bryce Canyon Sunrise and Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef

• Drive: Bryce to Capitol Reef, 2 to 2.5 hours along Scenic Byway 12
• Sunrise location: Sunrise Point or Thor’s Hammer near Sunset Point
• Sunset location: Panorama Point or Goosenecks Overlook, Capitol Reef

Morning at Bryce:

• Position at Sunrise Point 30 minutes before first light
• Focus on hoodoo spires lit from the side
• Try a vertical composition with foreground hoodoos anchoring the frame

Scenic drive:

• Pullouts on Byway 12 showcase grand overlooks and forested plateaus
• Stop at Kiva Koffeehouse for a break with a view

Capitol Reef sunset:

• Panorama Point is a quick walk with unobstructed horizons
• Goosenecks Overlook adds a dramatic bend and layered cliffs
• Soft, late light brings out pastel oranges and pinks

Overnight: Torrey or Fruita area

Day 5: Capitol Reef Sunrise to Moab

• Drive: Capitol Reef to Moab, 2.5 to 3 hours
• Sunrise location: Cassidy Arch trail view or Sunrise Point near Fruita
• Sunset location: Delicate Arch, Arches National Park

Morning:

• If you are up for a moderate hike, Cassidy Arch provides a unique angle and an early start away from crowds
• For a lighter option, shoot near Fruita orchards and barn structures with cliffs behind

Mid-day drive:

• Arrive in Moab and secure park entry. Arches uses timed entry seasonally, so book in advance
• Scout the Delicate Arch trail and timing. It is a 3-mile round trip with some incline, so bring water

Sunset at Delicate Arch:

• This is a world-famous shot. Arrive early to set up the classic composition across the bowl
• Ultra-wide for arch and sky, or 35 to 70mm for tighter framing
• After sunset, stay for blue hour when the crowd thins and the sky balances with the arch

Overnight: Moab

Day 6: Arches Sunrise and Blue Hour Gems

• Sunrise location: Turret Arch through North Window
• Sunset location: Balanced Rock or Park Avenue

Morning at the Windows:

• Set up to frame Turret Arch through North Window for a natural frame-within-a-frame
• Arrive early to position in the arch opening
• Cloud cover adds drama. Bracket exposures to handle contrast

Mid-day:

• Devils Garden for fins and landscape variety
• Sand Dune Arch for diffused light and textures
• Take a break, then return for late-light exploration

Sunset:

• Park Avenue for canyon walls with a leading walkway
• Or Balanced Rock for silhouettes against a fiery sky
• Stay for blue hour to soften the scene and remove harsh shadows

Night:

• If the moon phase cooperates and skies are clear, shoot the Milky Way over Balanced Rock or Turret Arch. Use a fast wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod. Follow park rules and do not step on fragile crusts.

Overnight: Moab

Day 7: Canyonlands Sunrise and Dead Horse Point Sunset

• Sunrise location: Mesa Arch, Island in the Sky
• Sunset location: Dead Horse Point State Park

Sunrise at Mesa Arch:

• Arrive at least an hour before sunrise to claim a spot
• The arch glows with reflected light as the sun rises, so keep your composition ready
• Use manual focus and a small aperture to keep the arch and background sharp

Mid-day scouting:

• Grand View Point and Green River Overlook at Canyonlands
• Short walks provide broad, dramatic scenes with less hiking

Sunset at Dead Horse Point:

• The Colorado River bend creates a painterly composition
• Look for foreground junipers or textured rocks to anchor the frame
• Expect wind. Secure your tripod and consider a weight bag

Night:

• Dark skies here are excellent for star shots. If staying late, use a red headlamp and watch your footing near drop-offs.

Overnight: Moab or Monticello if you prefer a head start south

Day 8: Moab to Monument Valley

• Drive: Moab to Monument Valley, 2.5 to 3 hours
• Sunrise location: Optional quick sunrise at Wilson Arch en route
• Sunset location: The View Hotel area or Wildcat Trail

Arrival:

• Check in at The View Hotel or Goulding’s for proximity to overlooks
• Purchase a guided backcountry tour if you want access to restricted areas

Sunset:

• Classic Mittens shot from the overlook
• Telephoto for compressing buttes, or wide to include foreground yucca and desert brush
• As the sun drops, watch for long shadows that add depth

Blue hour:

• The buttes hold strong silhouettes against a cobalt sky

Overnight: Monument Valley

Day 9: Monument Valley Sunrise and Drive to Page

• Drive: Monument Valley to Page, 2 hours
• Sunrise location: Mittens viewpoint or Totem Pole area with a guide
• Sunset location: Horseshoe Bend

Morning:

• The Mittens align nicely with first light. Shoot the glow and shadow interplay
• If you booked a backcountry tour, request sunrise angles with sparse crowds

Drive to Page:

• Arrive mid-day. Obtain permits for Antelope Canyon tours if not already booked
• Refill water and rest before sunset

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend:

• Arrive 60 to 90 minutes early. It is a short walk but very popular
• A 14 to 24mm lens captures the full bend. Consider a circular polarizer to manage glare on the water
• Be mindful of safety along the cliff edges

Overnight: Page

Day 10: Page Water, Canyons, and Sunset

• Sunrise location: Wahweap Overlook for Lake Powell or Alstrom Point for the ambitious
• Mid-day: Antelope Canyon tour
• Sunset location: Stud Horse Point or Navajo Mountain vistas

Morning:

• Wahweap Overlook offers easy access and layered views over Lake Powell
• Alstrom Point requires a high-clearance vehicle and extra time. The payoff is exceptional but plan carefully and carry a GPS or offline maps

Mid-day:

• Antelope Canyon beams are typically strongest late morning to early afternoon in spring and summer
• Bring a fast lens and be ready for handheld low-light shots. Follow guide instructions closely

Sunset:

• Stud Horse Point has delicate hoodoos and open horizons
• Soft light sculpts the formations and avoids harsh shadows

Night:

• Lake Powell area can be dark enough for astrophotography. Aim for Milky Way arch shots if timing aligns with new moon

Overnight: Page

Day 11: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim

• Drive: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, 2.5 to 3 hours
• Sunrise location: Optional sunrise in Page if you missed it, then travel
• Sunset location: Hopi Point or Powell Point

Afternoon at the Grand Canyon:

• Plan an easy rim walk to scout sunrise and sunset spots
• Test compositions at Yavapai Point for a geologic cross-section view

Sunset:

• Hopi Point is a classic. Stay for post-sunset color as banded clouds light up
• Use a mid-range lens to isolate rock temples. Try long exposures to smooth any moving clouds

Overnight: Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan

Day 12: Grand Canyon Sunrise and Sedona Sunset

• Drive: Grand Canyon to Sedona, 2 hours
• Sunrise location: Yavapai Point, Mather Point, or Yaki Point
• Sunset location: Cathedral Rock or Airport Mesa

Morning:

• Shoot early to catch low-angle light on canyon buttes
• Compare compositions. Yavapai has great depth, Yaki provides cleaner horizons with fewer railings

Drive to Sedona:

• Scenic descent through Oak Creek Canyon
• Check trail conditions and parking for Cathedral Rock or Airport Mesa vortex overlook

Sunset in Sedona:

• Cathedral Rock reflects beautifully across Oak Creek. The classic pool needs a bit of scouting
• Airport Mesa gives a sweeping panorama over Sedona and is easy to access

Overnight: Sedona

Day 13: Sedona Sunrise, Red Rocks, and Blue Hour

• Sunrise location: Bell Rock or Courthouse Butte
• Sunset location: Doe Mountain or Secret Slickrock

Morning:

• Bell Rock offers clean shapes and pathways for leading lines
• A moderate hike puts you above town with unobstructed views

Mid-day:

• Explore Chapel of the Holy Cross for architecture in red rock
• Slide Rock State Park for texture, reflections, and fun abstracts

Sunset:

• Doe Mountain is a short, steep climb to a mesa with 360-degree views
• Secret Slickrock showcases Cathedral Rock with minimal walking. Excellent for reflections after rain

Night:

• Sedona’s dark-sky designation makes it great for astro. Frame silhouettes of red-rock formations beneath the Milky Way if timing is right

Overnight: Sedona

Day 14: Sedona to Las Vegas, With a Final Sunset Option

• Drive: Sedona to Las Vegas, 4.5 to 5 hours
• Optional stops: Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Seven Magic Mountains
• Sunset location: If time allows, shoot Valley of Fire again or catch golden light on the Las Vegas skyline from a distant overlook

Wrap your journey with a final golden hour, or simply enjoy the ride and reflect on two weeks of unforgettable scenes.

Gear Checklist For Golden Hour Success

• Camera with manual control and RAW support
• Lenses: ultra-wide for sweeping vistas, mid-range zoom for flexibility, telephoto for compressing layers
• Tripod with a solid head and a weight hook for wind
• Filters: circular polarizer, 3 to 6 stop ND for waterfalls and creative motion, soft-edge grad ND for balancing skies
• Remote shutter release or intervalometer
• Multiple batteries and memory cards
• Headlamp with a red-light mode for pre-dawn hikes
• Weather protection: lens cloths, rain cover or plastic bag, microfiber towel
• Footwear with grip, plus warm layers for cold sunrise starts
• Plenty of water and snacks for long shoots

Composition and Camera Settings Tips

• Build depth with foreground interest. Cacti, junipers, textured rock, or a winding river help anchor the viewer.
• Use leading lines. Roads, trails, and river curves guide the eye through your frame.
• Consider rule of thirds to place horizons and subjects with intention.
• Bracket exposures for high-contrast scenes at sunrise and sunset. Blend later for a natural look.
• Use a tripod for sharpness at low ISO and small apertures like f/8 to f/16.
• For moving clouds or silky water, try 1 to 4 second exposures with an ND filter.
• For people-free images at popular spots, go at sunrise and frame tight. Or embrace figures to show scale.
• During blue hour, reduce ISO and lengthen shutter speeds. The soft tonal range makes processing easier.

Astrophotography Basics on This Route

• Best months: roughly April to September for Milky Way core visibility, with darkest skies near new moon
• Great astro spots: Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Sedona outskirts
• Settings starting point: 14 to 24mm lens wide open, ISO 3200 to 6400, 10 to 20 seconds depending on focal length
• Use the 500 rule or a star-tracker for pinpoint stars
• Focus manually at infinity using live view on a bright star

Permits, Passes, and Park Logistics

• America the Beautiful Pass saves money on national park entry
• Arches and other parks may require timed entry during peak seasons
• Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour with a Navajo-licensed operator
• Monument Valley backcountry requires a local guide
• Drone restrictions are strict in national parks and tribal lands. Assume no drones unless explicitly allowed
• Stay on marked trails and avoid biological soil crusts. Footprints last for years in fragile desert environments

Safety and Seasonal Considerations

• Hydration is crucial. Carry more water than you think you need
• Start hikes early to avoid heat. Know the signs of heat exhaustion
• Check weather daily. Monsoon storms trigger flash floods in slot canyons and washes
• Keep distance from cliff edges. Strong winds and loose gravel are common
• Winter brings ice. Traction devices can help on slick trails like Bryce viewpoints
• Respect wildlife and never feed animals

Lodging and Booking Strategy

• Book early for peak seasons, especially inside national parks
• Springdale for Zion, Bryce Canyon City for Bryce, Torrey for Capitol Reef, Moab for Arches and Canyonlands, Page for Lake Powell, Grand Canyon Village for easy rim access, and Sedona for red-rock convenience
• Mix hotels with lodge stays to balance comfort and cost
• Consider sunrise-friendly locations to reduce pre-dawn drive times
• Build a small buffer day or half-day if possible to recover from weather delays

Food, Fuel, and Road Tips

• Fill your tank before long stretches between towns
• Pack trail snacks and easy breakfasts for early starts
• Moab and Sedona offer the most dining variety. In-park options can be limited or seasonal
• Cell service is inconsistent. Download offline maps and save your shot lists

Alternate Plans For Bad Weather

• Low clouds at sunrise can yield incredible color 15 to 30 minutes before posted sunrise. Do not give up early
• On fully overcast days, shoot textures, abstracts, and intimate landscapes in slot canyons, along rivers, and in forests
• After rain, look for reflections and saturated colors at places like Sedona’s slickrock, Bryce’s rim, and Zion’s riverside trails
• If dust storms roll in, protect your gear and avoid changing lenses outdoors. Try moody silhouettes and minimalism

Sample Daily Time Management Template

• 1 to 2 hours before sunrise: drive and hike in, set composition
• Sunrise to 1 hour after: primary shooting window
• Late morning: breakfast and light rest
• Mid-day: scouting, short hikes, permit pickups, naps
• 2 hours before sunset: drive and hike in, refine composition
• Sunset to blue hour: shoot transitions, then return with headlamp
• Evening: back up files and charge batteries

Budget Snapshot

• National park pass: one-time annual fee
• Lodging: budget to premium, prices vary by season and proximity
• Tours: Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley guide fees
• Fuel: factor long stretches between towns
• Food: plan for grab-and-go mornings and a hearty dinner after sunset
• Rental car or 4x4 upgrade: useful for rougher access like Alstrom Point, but not required for most stops

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am a beginner?

• This itinerary balances classic viewpoints and short hikes, perfect for building confidence in golden hour shooting.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?

• Most of the route is accessible in a standard car. A high-clearance vehicle opens more options, such as Alstrom Point or remote Capitol Reef roads.

Is two weeks enough for all this?

• Yes, if you focus on sunrise and sunset themes and keep mid-day flexible. Add a rest afternoon if you feel fatigued.

Can I swap destinations?

• Absolutely. If you want fewer miles, skip Capitol Reef and spend an extra day in Zion or Sedona. If you crave more desert, add Valley of the Gods between Moab and Monument Valley.

How do I manage crowds?

• Prioritize sunrise, arrive early for sunset, seek less-known pullouts, and use longer lenses to isolate quieter sections.

Conclusion: Come Home With Wall-Worthy Images

This 14-day photo itinerary puts you in the right places at the right times, with a golden-hour-first mindset that transforms good scenes into great photographs. From the molten glow of Zion’s cliffs to the sculpted amphitheater of Bryce, from the delicate arches of Moab to the mythic silhouettes of Monument Valley, you will chase light across landscapes that define the American Southwest. Build your shot list, book the key permits early, pack your tripod, and leave room for serendipity. The desert rewards those who show up for first light and linger through blue hour. Your portfolio will thank you, and your memories will be as vivid as the skies you chase.