Side of the road shot, Capitol Reef NP, Utah [OC][1079×1499]

A Hidden Gem within Capitol Reef National Park: The Side of the Road Shot

Tucked away in southern Utah’s Cannonville Valley lies one of the most breathtaking views of Capitol Reef National Park. The "Side of the Road Shot" (dubbed as such for being easily accessible from a small pull-out along Scenic Byway 24), is a photographer’s heaven and a must-stop location for any traveler eager to capture the park’s unmatched natural beauty.

This majestic viewpoint overlooks a mesmerizing vista of twisted hoodoos, multihued cliffs, and craggy rock formations bathed in the golden hours of sunrise or sunset – the ideal conditions for Instagram-worthy photographs. While millions of tourists flock to see the more popular formations such as Capitol Gorge, Hickman Bridge, or Chimney Rock, we encourage adventurous travelers to depart from the beaten path (literally!) to discovery this serene and majestic alternative.

To reach this shot, park your vehicle just off the main highway north of Cannonville Valley Recreation Area and follow a rustic dirt trail for roughly five minutes, descending downhill under the shade of desert pinon pine and scrubland. This brief ascent becomes a perfect excuse for pausing and taking a minute to drink in the dramatic landscape before you: red rock domes seem ready to tumble, suspended majestically above sheer sandy washes. To appreciate the depth of these 100 million-year-old eons, take the scenic route from the summit level to where the cliff side drops, offering your subject a perfect foreground elevation

Getting There
Begin your day by descending SR-24 from south-western Colorado, take direction towards Capital Reef (mile 8) take park road mile 67), then make a Left of the Park’s official name. Pull off rightside of a dirt roadside space (Parking for no large vehicles is limited available off the street, making those with longer RV a suitable option.)

Cinematic Capture
Make liberal use of your cameras features to fully immerse nature’s drama: A sunset shot capturing the rusticated red color palette above fading blue; the dusk light glowing upon delicate shadows of ridges like so many ‘pinnon’ – an easy job for most smartphones nowdays. Do not get frustrated if this location in early morning has clouds you to capture images, yet enjoy the ethereal drama your own photography. Lastly there is this option not easily accessible the same camera at a short distance up into the sand wash bottom on the back of canyon a 40-minute scramble trip. Make sure we, your local park guidelines by respecting each other: ‘Take Only Memories (Memories)’ and all respect the beautiful environment