To be accurate, this section of the park is just called “The Windows”, but I felt it necessary to add the Magnificent in part because because I saw The Magnificent Seven in theaters right before we went on this roadtrip and also because there’s nothing short of magnificence here.
There’s something so compelling to me, something that just reaches inside my chest and tugs at places heretofore unknown when I look out across the landscapes laid out in this corner of Utah. Something so essential and almost ridiculous in it’s intensity that has me to the point of almost desperation. I was granted almost 5 whole minuets of solitude basking in the view out of the North Windows opening before yet another tour bus started unloading in the parking lot and it was almost enough to revel in the scene.
If I could offer just one tip to anyone visiting this section of the park, it would be this: arrive with a bag full of patience to be doled out while waiting to scamper up the rocks to see the view out of the opening of the windows. Early morning is best for almost every single part of the park, though sunrise will most likely find you surrounded by early bird tripod wielding photographers so, waiting till just after would maybe be just a tab better if all you want to do is enjoy the view. As this blog shows, I love photographing the places I visit but i’m not a professional by any stretch of the imagination, so I can let myself off the hook when it comes to capturing the best shots or having the right equipment (and i’ve yet to find a tripod that doesn’t frustrate me). That isn’t to say you won’t find me half dangling off a precarious perch just to get a better view- if the bf started his own blog i’m sure half of the post there would be titled “M tests her mortality and shaves five years off my life yet again” .
what’s life without stupid risk though?
~m
Absolutely beautiful! Arches National Park is one of my favorite places on earth – really southern Utah in general. You took some amazing photos. Getting there is a great tip, I think I mostly settled for people in my photos when I went in the summer. Early spring made it easier though, since the cooler weather scared many people off. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! And I will definitely keep the idea of early spring in mind for my next trip, I don’t think I’ve gotten enough of that part of Utah and I can’t wait to go back :)
GREAT post! I was there last week … but it will be a while before I get to processing the images. I’d like to go back after a light snow!
Thank you! I’d love to go back to Arches- that whole area really- after a light snow as well, adding that to my to do list :) can’t wait to see your own photos as well!
These pictures are amazing!!!
Cheers, thank you very much!! :D