Off the Scale

A couple of days ago, Rhonda and I spent an afternoon in Arches National Park. At noon, the temperature was hovering around 100°F, and the light was exactly what photographers dread - harsh, flat, and uninspiring. Still, I have a hard time going anywhere without a camera.

One thing I’ve always struggled to capture is the immense scale of this landscape. As a landscape photographer, I usually go out of my way to keep people and vehicles out of my photos. But with the light working against me, I decided to do the opposite. Four of the following  images intentionally include roads and cars because they help tell the story: everything out here is huge. I think they do a pretty good job of conveying that scale.

Taken from over three miles away - through waves of heat - approximately 50 people can be seen baking in 100 degree heat on the Delicate Arch Trail. Not recommended! Photo note: Focal length = 640mm.

The first photo, however, is more important. It’s a view of Delicate Arch taken from more than three miles away. Why so far away? Because it was noon and over 100 degrees. I love the Delicate Arch hike and have done it dozens of times over the years, but I wasn’t about to tackle that exposed slickrock in those conditions. After 25 years helping visitors plan their trips to this area, I can tell you that summer heat is no joke. The Delicate Arch trail isn’t especially difficult, but much of the 500 foot climb is on open slickrock with virtually no shade. Every summer, people underestimate the heat, and unfortunately some pay a very high price. There have been fatalities on this trail.

I didn’t take this photo for artistic reasons. I took it because even from over three miles away, through shimmering heat waves, you can see dozens of people gathered around the arch. By my rough count, there were at least 50 people both on the trail and at the arch - at noon - in 100 degree heat.

My advice, based on a quarter century of watching this play out: don’t do it. Delicate Arch will still be there at sunrise, sunset, or during the cooler months.

Despite the blistering temperatures, Rhonda and I had a wonderful day. We planned accordingly, stayed hydrated, and limited ourselves to pleasant strolls among the red rocks. Sometimes that's all you need for a wonderful visit. 

Spot the RV.

Spot the cars.

More vehicles.

Cars along the Scenic Drive

You tell me!