Great Photography Spots In Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

Fantastic lunar landscape of the Wave, in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, located in both Utah and Arizona. Story & Photography by Jerry Ginsberg. Although the four states that comprise the great Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah) contain a combined total of thirteen national parks, this vast area has so much spectacular natural beauty that all of it could not possibly be contained within these parks.

Swirls: This unique swirled sandstone formation sits perhaps 150 yards above the Wave. It is best photographed just before the sun drops below the rock wall to the west. Once the light fades from the rock, it is time to head back to your vehicle. On one hand, you'll need a variety of wide angle and very short telephoto lenses along with a sturdy tripod to cover the area adequately. A range of about 20 through 100 mm (full frame equivalent) should do it. And make sure to carry at least two liters of water per person. On the other hand, the more gear you carry in, the heavier your pack will be on the way back after a long day, water excepted, of course.