Milky Way Photography in Arches National Park: Night-Sky Workshop from Moab
Swap city glare for a sky full of stars—this guided night photography workshop in Arches National Park teaches you how to capture the Milky Way with dramatic sandstone foregrounds. Perfect for photographers with a tripod and a sense of adventure.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a sturdy tripod
Long exposures require rock-solid stability—cheap tripods allow even a light breeze to ruin a frame.
Use a headlamp with red light
Red light preserves night vision and prevents lens flare in long exposures when adjusting settings.
Dress in layers and bring water
Even summer nights can get chilly; hydration is important after a long, late-night session.
Know your camera basics
Practice manual focus and long-exposure settings before the trip so you can maximize time on location.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Balanced Rock and the Windows section offer accessible, dramatic foregrounds for night shots
- •Panoramic viewpoints near Park Avenue can reduce crowding and give cleaner horizons
Wildlife
- •Nocturnal bats
- •Kangaroo rats (small desert rodents)
Conservation Note
Light pollution is managed through dark-sky practices—minimize flash and avoid unnecessary light. Stay on designated routes to protect fragile cryptobiotic soils.
Arches’ forms are the product of a buried salt bed and millions of years of erosion; the park also sits on lands historically used by Ute and Paiute communities.
Photographer's Notes
- • Balanced Rock pullout for classic foregrounds
- • Windows Section for arches and framing
- • Delicate Arch viewpoints for scale silhouettes
What to Bring
Sturdy tripodEssential
Keeps the camera perfectly still for long exposures and star-tracking frames.
DSLR or mirrorless cameraEssential
Required to control ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for Milky Way shots.
Wide-angle fast lens (14–35mm, f/2.8–f/4)Essential
Captures broad sky and foreground with a large aperture for low-light clarity.
Headlamp with red modeEssential
Hands-free light for camera adjustments that won’t ruin night vision or photos.
Common Questions
Do I need my own camera and tripod?
Yes—participants are asked to bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a sturdy tripod; late-model phones may work but results vary.
What time does the tour start?
Start times vary by season—expect late-evening pickups that can be as late as midnight in spring when the Milky Way rises after midnight.
Is Arches National Park entrance included?
Park entrance fees are not included; the tour moves inside the park but participants should have or purchase a park pass.
Can I use a smartphone instead of a camera?
Some modern phones can capture the Milky Way, but instruction focuses on DSLR/mirrorless techniques; phone users can still participate.
Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited night vision?
Not recommended for travelers with poor night vision; children are welcome if they can handle late hours and brief off-trail walks.
What happens in bad weather?
Small clouds are manageable, but the tour may be rescheduled for heavy cloud cover or unsafe conditions—check cancellation policy for details.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Moab, Utah
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for standing and short walks across uneven slickrock and sandy stretches
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