Photography:  Bring your video and still cameras to the St. George and Zion National Park area for incredible photography and videography opportunities.   At every bend in the road there is a new scene.   Some areas will be best captured with morning or later afternoon light, depending on which direction you are pointing your camera for each photograph.  Below you will find some suggestions on some great locations for photography.

Zion National Park - Zion Canyon is one of the most photographed areas in the world.  The towering red and white sandstone cliffs, majestic spires, narrow gorges, and cascading waterfalls come together in this desert oasis to produce breathtaking panoramas.  Excellent photographic conditions exist at almost any time.  Visit during autumn, winter or following a summer thunderstorm for unique opportunities to capture nature at its finest.   Capture waterfalls after rains or during spring snow-melt.   Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys and big horn sheep are prevalent in Zion National Park.

East side of Zion Park - This portion of the park places you among the tops if the towers surrounded by ponderosa pine and slick rock domes.  Some of the most spectacular views include Checkerboard Mesa, Canyon Overlook and the historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel.  Excellent lighting conditions exist in both the morning and evening hours.

Kolob Reservoir near Sunset

Kolob Terrace - This remote and secluded section of Zion is accessed from the town of Virgin on Highway 9.  The Kolob Terrace Road climbs to the headwaters of Zion Canyon winding through grassy pastures surrounded by slick rock domes, ancient volcanoes and lava flows and alpine lakes.  Several viewpoints including Lava Point and the Wildcat Trailhead provide panoramic views of Zion Canyon which are best photographed in the evening.  The upper section of the road is closed during the winter months.

Grassy field on Kolob Terrace

Snow Canyon - Set against a stunning backdrop of towering sandstone cliffs in red and white, and peaks and valleys of jumbled black lava rock interspersed with serpentine sandy washes, Red Navajo sandstone, capped by an overlay of black lava rock makes photography in Snow Canyon State Park a treat.  This strikingly colorful canyon is 11 miles northwest of St. George.   Sunrise is the best time to capture the canyon from the east rim - looking west.   Later afternoon and evenings are good time to catch rock climbers on the west facing rock walls.

Snow Canyon State Park - White and Red Sandstone Formations

Virgin River Gorge - Approximately ten miles south of St. George Interstate 15 follows the Virgin River as it cuts through the rising Beaver Dam Mountains to create a spectacular Gorge reminiscent of the Grand Canyon with eroded, stepped cliffs and terraces of sandstone and limestone.  The sheer size of this canyon is enough to make one stop and take notice.  Watch for wildlife including the Desert Bighorn Sheep which wander along the cliffs and ledges.  A world class rock climbing area is established near the western end of the gorge providing opportunities to capture man testing his limits.    Morning and later early evening light are equally good times for photographs.

Hurricane Sand Dunes- Located next to Sand Hollow State Park, Sand Mountain provides 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes. The red sand and protruding rock formations makes for an incredible backdrop for Sand Hollow reservoir with the breath taking Pine Valley Mountains in the distance to the west.   Best light in mornings and early evenings.

Gooseberry Mesa –  This high desert mesa is located along Highway 59 between the towns of Hurricane and Colorado City and must be accessed by dirt road.  The area’s extensive trail system draws mostly mountain bikers but also has excellent views of the towers of Zion to the east and the Hurricane valley and Pine Mountain to the west.     Sunrise is best for shots toward the west (Pine Mountain / Silver Reef) and early evening when shooting toward Zion.

Smith Mesa - Located just to the west of Kolob Terrace and accessed from the Kolob Terrace road this area supplies views to the east of the towers of Zion, and Pine Valley Mountain to the west.  The road is impassable during the winter months.  Most views are to the east or south, so early evening may be best for light.

Silver Reef- Silver Reef was a thriving silver mining town about a mile west of Leeds in the late nineteenth century.  When the price of silver fell and it was no longer profitable to mine, the town faded into history. The restored former Wells Fargo Express office, which is on the National Historic Register, along with other historic structures, set within the scenic backdrop of a sandstone reef and Pine Valley Mountain maintain a classic old west theme.  Light is best in the morning.

Pine Valley -   Pine Valley is located approximately 45 minutes north of St. George, at the head of the Santa Clara River in the Pine Valley Mountains.  It is home to the historic Pine Valley Chapel; built in 1869 it is the oldest Morman chapel still in use. Pine Valley Recreational Area is located three miles east of the town of Pine Valley. It is situated in large ponderosa pine and oak groves.    The setting sun will provide the best opportunities for wide shots of the valley, while interior forest shots may be good throughout the day.