The photographic collection

National Parks of Utah & Colorado, in photographs.

16 perspectives on National Parks of Utah & Colorado, from the familiar view to details worth a closer look. Select a photograph to open it at full size.

Read the full guide →Plan your visit All 500 galleries Explore the photo wall

Photographs show different viewpoints, dates and conditions. They do not establish current access to a particular route. Every image is credited below.

Delicate Arch in Arches National ParkPhoto: Palacemusic, CC BY-SA 3.0

The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon from Inspiration PointPhoto: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0

Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National ParkPhoto: Tobi 87, CC BY-SA 4.0

Zion Canyon from the Angels Landing areaPhoto: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0

The amphitheatre of Bryce CanyonPhoto: Lucavanmeijl, CC BY-SA 4.0

The cliffs of Kolob Canyons in ZionPhoto: Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0

Clouds beneath the Towers of the Virgin in ZionPhoto: Zion National Park, CC BY 2.0

The sandstone formations of Zion National ParkPhoto: Pierre André Leclercq, CC BY-SA 4.0

Delicate Arch in a winter landscapePhoto: National Park Service Photo, Public domain

Thor's Hammer formation in Bryce Canyon National Park. Southwestern Utah, USAPhoto: Luca Galuzzi (Lucag), CC BY-SA 2.5

Double-O-Arch in Arches National Park in Southwestern USAPhoto: Flicka, CC BY-SA 3.0

The hoodoos of Bryce CanyonPhoto: Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0

Double Arch, a close-set pair of arches located in Arches National Park in Utah, USAPhoto: Luca Galuzzi (Lucag), CC BY-SA 2.5

Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos at sunsetPhoto: Jon Zander (Digon3), CC BY-SA 3.0

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado Cliff Palace, as seen from the trail leading to itPhoto: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0

The story behind the picture

Compare how the land is shaped

Utah and Colorado offer a collection of contrasting landscapes rather than one interchangeable desert park. An arch, a canyon wall, a hoodoo and a cliff dwelling demand different kinds of attention. The journey becomes richer when the contrast between places is deliberate and the distances are given their proper weight.

Choose a geographically coherent group of parks. Check reservations and conditions individually, and protect time for travel between bases.

Explore the history, highlights and practical guide →