Bonsai Tree under the Stars
The infamous Bonsai Tree in Zion National Park is located just past the second tunnel as you’re driving up the Mt Carmel highway from Springdale, Utah. And during New Moon, it’s so dark you’ll never find it at night. Best to map it out during daylight..
The little pine tree poking out of the solid sandstone is quite remarkable, and has been there for many decades.
Mesa Arch, in Canyonlands National Park, is the darkest place I’ve ever photographed the Milky Way. But it’s such a dramatic view, one can’t help but hike out here at 2:00 AM and try.
Mesa Arch Night
Kolob Terrace Evening
Driving up Kolob Terrace Rd, and looking back towards Zion National Park finds this burned out tree and cactus. After a short hike, I was able to frame these features against the backdrop of Zion. Another middle of the night foray into the beautiful night skies of Utah.
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located just outside of Caliente, Nevada. It features dramatic and unique patterns in the soft bentonite clay, formed by millions of years of various geologic processes. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at 3:00 AM when the Milky Way core is overhead.
Cathedral Gorge Milky Way
Virgin River Gorge Evening