5 Best Landscapes to Photograph in Utah

A look into where to find the best landscapes in Utah.

From Bear Lake to the Red Rocks of the south, Utah has a wide variety of backdrops to offer for any style of photography.

*Disclaimer: Many of these locations do require a permit to be able to photograph, so please keep that in mind when doing your research about them. As well as conservation is a big topic in recent years. If you do travel to the locations, keep them the way you found them, if not even better by picking up after other people! A cleaner Earth leads to more beautiful sceneries!

As a landscape photographer, I'm always looking for new things to shoot. Whether it be in my own backyard, or five hours away, I try to find something I've never seen or noticed before.

Lists like these have always come in handy when I'm out of town and looking for a new adventure. Even if you're not a photographer yourself, these locations could make for some beautiful backgrounds for family photos or even a cute selfie.

Location #1: Bryce Canyon National Park

Southern Utah has some of the most beautiful landscapes Utah has to offer. Between the red rocks and the several state and national parks, there is so much to explore. Located an hour and a half East of Cedar City, Bryce Canyon National Park lies in the midst of the vibrant red rocks. And, if you're headed towards Zions National Park, take a quick trip to some of the overlooks! You won't regret it.

There are several locations that you can get to by car or shuttle, but if you have the chance, take a hike! You can find so many hidden treasures when walking through the park. The naturally formed hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion) make for some great backgrounds. Plus, if you have the time, stay for sunset and watch the night sky come to life!

The park is open year-round, and most people will say that the best time to go is anywhere from June to September. But if you're looking for cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, or varying flora and fauna the "off-season" from October to May can offer some spectacular views.

Check out how to visit Bryce Canyon National Park here!

Location #2: Alpine Loop

Take a scenic drive through American Fork and Provo Canyon! This 45 minute to an hour drive offers some very lovely views of the landscape behind Mount Timpanogos. Even if you don't step out of your vehicle, you'll be able to see the spectacular Aspen groves and beautiful mountains Utah has to offer!

The entire drive is on paved road, so you don't need to worry about off roading here. Though, do be aware that it is a climb up a mountain, so if your vehicle can't handle an uphill climb, you might not have the best time until you reach the summit. But don't worry! This isn't the only place that offers such wonderful views! Even Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons are great for their similar views.

While the canyon itself is open for most of the year, whether for skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, the only times to drive the loop are in the summer and fall when there is no risk of snow. Though, the best time to see the foliage is during the fall when the leaves start to change colors and the snow has yet to come for the upcoming winter season. The vibrant colors that the landscape gives makes for beautiful family portraits, amazing landscape photographs, or even just a nice family drive.

One downside is that visitors have to pay to get into American Fork Canyon, but if you're headed up towards Timpanogos Cave, take the extra time to drive through to Provo Canyon on your way out!

For more information about fees or how to visit, click here!

Location #3: Bonneville Salt Flats

If you're on your way to Wendover, take a pit stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats! The flats are all long Interstate 80 west of Salt Lake City, but if you're looking for a place to safely stop, there are rest stops 10 minutes to and from Wendover. Dubbed the "flattest place on earth", this salt-bed spans over 30,000 acres.

One of the coolest things about this location is that it's remnants from the ancient Lake Bonneville that covered most of the Eastern part of Utah! The reflective surface during the wet months make for stunning landscape and portrait shots. And not to mention the beautiful sweeping white salt landscape the water leaves behind in the drier season!

The Salt Flats are open to the public year-round, so check them out in all seasons! And if you are there in August, you might be able to catch a glimpse of high speed racers during Speed Week on the flats.

Check out the link for more information on the Bonneville Salt Flats!

Location #4: Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine

Looking for more of an adventure or hike? Take a trip up to one, two, or even all three lakes in the Brighton ski resort during the summer! Each of the sister lakes have a unique landscape, so you won't be bored when climbing up the mountain.

As mentioned before, Big Cottonwood Canyon has a lot of amazing views to offer, and that includes these beautiful lakes! The hikes up to the lakes are moderate in terms of difficulty, so it is suitable for families, but if you're not a big hiker, or can't climb in a higher altitude, this might not be the location for you. Mary, Martha, and Catherine are one mile, 1.5 miles, and 2 miles respectively from the trailhead at Brighton, so you can choose how far you want to go!

Stay overnight and watch the sky brighten up with the glow of the milky way seen from all three lakes! Because Brighton is high up in the mountains, there is much less light pollution from the city. It makes for some beautiful night sky photography.

Want to know more? Find out how to get there, here!

Location #5: Downtown Salt Lake City

Now, don't click away just yet.

Of course, many Utah photographers, tourists, and the general public alike, take pictures of the same scenery in Salt Lake, such as Temple Square or the wings in The Gateway. If you take a trip just outside of the main downtown area, there are so many more opportunities to take advantage of!

Walk across the street from Beer Bar (yes, that's it's actual name) and you can find a small alleyway filled with graffiti. It's open to the public, just as long as you give way to any customers coming for a haircut or gun ammo. Even the parks, like the International Peace Gardens have many more backdrops for portraits! Take a look around, you'll definitely find something new each time you go downtown.

What are your favorite landscapes to photograph? Comment below!