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.

Lake Powell & Gunsight Butte If you're looking for another great photo location nearby, Gunsight Butte on the edge of Lake Powell (in the lake if the water level is really high) can be great in the right light and depending upon the lake's water level. It's a scene custom-tailored for a panoramic composition. To reach a viewpoint above this singular rock formation, drive north through the tiny hamlet of Big Water, UT and thread your way through the network of unpaved roads past town toward the lakeshore. GPS will be a really big help here. Since the unpaved roads in the locations described above (Coyote Buttes South excepted) are generally well graded and maintained, driving a standard passenger vehicle will likely prove adequate. For a little extra insurance, think about driving a vehicle with some additional clearance, but 4-wheel drive should not be necessary. Entrance to the Wave: Once you reach this inviting spot, just a few more steps will bring you to the bottom of the actual Wave.