Land Out of Time

In 1988, I visited Zion National Park in southern Utah. Ever since then, I have dreamed of going back. As soon as I was fully vaccinated, I knew that I wanted to go to Utah—this time to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

It was an amazing trip. I had forgotten how it felt to be outdoors, breathing fresh air and feeling the wind in my hair. I had forgotten how FREE I feel when it’s just me and my camera. I had also forgotten that my 10 lb. COVID-inspired weight gain would make it that much harder to haul my gear over boulders and deep desert sand…but it was all worth it in the end.

Much of the time I was shooting in very harsh light, so few of these photos are ideal. But the landscape is so beautiful—and so unbelievably ancient and awe-inspiring—that it seems silly to worry about things I couldn’t control. The next time I go, I’ll plan to stay much longer and shoot all my favorite spots in both early morning and later afternoon light.

I haven’t had time to go through all 1,800 shots yet, but below are a few of my favorites. Click to see more as I add them.

Broken Arch, Twilight—Arches National Park
©A. Paige Baker, 2021

La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park
©A. Paige Baker, 2021

Landscape Arch, Arches National Part
©A. Paige Baker, 2021

Sky, 3:00 a.m., Arches National Park
©A. Paige Baker, 2021

La Sal Mountains, Windows Section, Arches National Park
©A. Paige Baker, 2021