Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
My first morning in Capitol Reef, I decided to get up a couple hours before sunrise and take a drive through the park on one of the main tour roads. I had a few ideas, but couldn't decide on one in particular. Finally, as the first light began to appear in the clear, eastern sky, I knew I had to make a decision. I was close to the trailhead for Hickman Bridge and thought it would be very peaceful to walk the short trail and watch first light illuminate the area. For this image, I scrambled under the bridge and down the wash to this spot that includes many elements of the grand landscape such as the wash itself, boulders, arch, and distant bluff. For the image, I had hoped for some clouds in the composition, but the sky was crystal clear and I would not get another opportunity to get back for a sunrise. In the end, the walk and time spent waiting for and watching first light reach the arch are a great memory.