Sunrise in Arches
Ephemeral Reflections at Arches National Park: A fleeting moment of magic unfolds as the rising sun bathes the iconic sandstone formations of Arches in golden light. Rain-filled potholes mirror the dramatic sky, creating a stunning double image of weathered rock and billowing clouds. This serene scene, captured in the heart of Moab's red rock country, showcases the raw beauty of the desert landscape after a rare desert rainfall. The interplay of light, water, and stone exemplifies the ever-changing nature of this arid environment. As a landscape photographer, I've visited this spot numerous times, patiently waiting for the perfect combination of conditions. On this particular morning, just before daylight savings time ended, the later sunrise allowed for a more leisurely approach to this breathtaking vista. The light lasted mere seconds before clouds obscured the sun, but in that brief window, the essence of Arches National Park was perfectly distilled.
We recently made a brief stopover in Moab on our way back to Denver after an extended trip. It was refreshing to revisit this old favorite location. While the vibe of the area has certainly evolved, we still relish stopping in for our favorite sushi and Thai - yes, it's that good in Moab!We were fortunate enough to secure a spot along the Colorado River for a week-long camp, which turned out to be an incredibly peaceful experience. Our time was split between some light hiking and a touch of photography - a perfect balance for a short stay.On this particular morning, we got up semi-early, but thanks to it being right before daylight savings, sunrise wasn't until almost 8:00 a.m. As a photographer, I wish it was always this easy! Mother Nature gifted us with some beautiful clouds and perfect light on the rocks, but it was fleeting - lasting maybe 30 seconds before the sun disappeared into the clouds for the rest of the day.I've always loved this location and have been trying to capture a photo I'm truly happy with for quite some time. It's not an easy shot to chase, as you need rain to fill the potholes and create those captivating reflections. But patience and persistence paid off, and I'm pleased with how this image turned out.