Night Light Over Red Stone: Stargazing and Astro-Photography in Arches
Capture the Milky Way framed by red sandstone — a short, expert-led night hike that teaches you how to shoot the desert sky.
You step out of the van and the desert breathes around you — a long, dry exhale that cools the sun-baked air. The sky here is not a backdrop but the main stage: a wide black canvas smeared with silver, each star a careful brush stroke. On the horizon the silhouettes of sandstone fins and balanced rocks look like ancient sentinels, their outlines softened by moonlight. This is Arches National Park after dark, and the Astro-Photo, Hiking and Stargazing Tour in Arches National Park is your guided invitation to photograph the night and learn why this high desert is one of the finest places in the continental U.S. for long exposures.
Trail Wisdom
Bring a Stable Tripod
A sturdy tripod makes long exposures sharp and lets you compose precisely against rock features.
Use a Red Headlamp
Red light preserves night vision and keeps fellow photographers from ruining long exposures; use it for setup and then switch off.
Layer for Temperature Swings
Temperatures can drop dramatically after dark—pack an insulating layer and a windproof shell.
Charge Batteries & Bring Spares
Long exposures and cold drain batteries — bring fully charged spares for camera and phone.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet viewpoints near the Windows Section that offer unobstructed western horizons
- •Small hoodoo formations off the main trail that make excellent near-field subjects
Wildlife
Desert cottontail, Kangaroo rat (nocturnal)
Conservation Note
Practice Leave No Trace: stay on durable surfaces, avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soil, and minimize light pollution by using red lights and shielding flashlights.
Arches preserves over 2,000 documented natural arches formed from millions of years of sedimentation and erosion on the Colorado Plateau.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Milder night temperatures, Spring Milky Way season, Fewer summer crowds
Challenges: Occasional late storms, Windy evenings
Spring offers comfortable nights and good Milky Way visibility early in the season, though winds can pick up after sunset.
summer
Best for: Warm evenings, Long twilight windows, Meteor showers like Perseids (August)
Challenges: Hot days and crowded trails, Monsoon storms in July/August
Summer provides warm shooting conditions but watch for afternoon monsoons and increased visitors at trailheads.
fall
Best for: Clear, crisp nights, Low humidity for sharper skies, Comfortable daytime temps
Challenges: Earlier sunsets, Busy weekend nights
Fall is ideal: clear nights and comfortable temperatures make it the local favorite for astrophotography.
winter
Best for: Pristine skies with little haze, Crisp celestial contrast, Quieter trails
Challenges: Cold temperatures and possible snow/ice, Shorter nights
Winter delivers some of the clearest skies but brings cold that affects batteries and traction on slickrock.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
TripodEssential
A rigid tripod is the single most important tool for sharp long-exposure astrophotography.
Headlamp (red mode)Essential
Hands-free lighting with red mode preserves night vision and minimizes disruption to others.
Wide-Aperture Lens
A fast wide-angle lens (e.g., 14–35mm, f/2.8 or faster) captures expansive sky and foreground.
Insulating LayerEssential
A warm jacket is essential for post-sunset temperature drops, especially in fall and winter.
Common Questions
Do I need experience with a camera to join?
No — guides teach basics and tailor instruction for DSLR, mirrorless or smartphone users.
How long is the hike and how difficult is the terrain?
The outing is about 2 hours with short sandy trails and low elevation gain; expect uneven footing and some slickrock.
Are park entrance fees included?
Park entrance fees are not included; visitors should have an Arches entrance pass or pay at the park entrance.
What should I do if the weather is cloudy?
Tours may be rescheduled in the event of heavy cloud cover; check cancellation policies and alternate dates with your provider.
Can I use a smartphone for night shots?
Yes — with tripod mounts and manual-exposure apps, smartphones can capture acceptable night images with guidance.
Is this suitable for kids or teens?
Older children comfortable walking after dark can participate, but check age policies and consider attention span for instructional segments.
What to Pack
Tripod for sharp long exposures, Red headlamp to preserve night vision, Insulating jacket for post-sunset chill, Water bottle to stay hydrated in the high desert
Did You Know
Arches National Park contains over 2,000 natural sandstone arches — more than any other park in the world.
Quick Travel Tips
Book around new-moon dates for best Milky Way views, Arrive early for twilight compositions and parking, Expect limited cell service in the park, Purchase or display a national park pass at the entrance
Local Flavor
After a night under the stars, head back to Moab for a pint at Moab Brewery or a warm meal at Desert Bistro; downtown galleries and outfitters also offer prints and local insight into other photo-worthy spots.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Canyonlands Field (CNY) in Moab; Major airport: Salt Lake City (SLC) ~230 miles. Driving from Moab to Arches entrance: ~10–15 minutes. Cell service: spotty in the park. Required: Arches NP entrance pass. Tour meeting point: provided at booking.
Sustainability Note
The park’s dark skies are a shared resource—use red lights, avoid unnecessary flash, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile soils and night-time wildlife.
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