10 Scenic Overlooks In Utah That Make Perfect Photo Stops

Utah holds some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country.

From red rock canyons carved by ancient rivers to towering arches that glow at sunrise, this state offers photographers endless opportunities to capture nature at its finest.

Whether you’re chasing the perfect golden hour shot or simply want to stand in awe of landscapes that seem almost unreal, these overlooks deliver unforgettable moments.

Each location on this list provides easy access to stunning panoramas that will fill your camera roll and your memory bank.

Some spots are famous for their cinematic backdrops, while others remain hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

You’ll find viewpoints that showcase hoodoos, goosenecks, mesas, and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.

Best of all, many of these overlooks require only a short walk from the parking area, making them accessible for travelers of all ages and abilities.

So grab your camera, charge your batteries, and get ready to explore the most photogenic overlooks Utah has to offer.

1. Mesa Arch at Canyonlands National Park

Photographers from around the world flock to this spot for one reason: the sunrise here is pure magic.

Mesa Arch frames the glowing sun perfectly as it rises over the canyon, casting a fiery orange glow on the underside of the arch.

This natural stone window sits on the edge of a cliff, offering a dramatic view of the canyons stretching out below.

Getting there requires a short hike of about half a mile from the parking area, and the trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate.

Arriving early is essential if you want to claim a good spot and avoid the crowds that gather before dawn.

The light show typically peaks within minutes of sunrise, so timing is everything.

Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the entire arch and the vast landscape beyond.

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, the view will leave you speechless.

Located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, this overlook is one of the most iconic in Utah.

The address for the park entrance is 2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532.

Remember to dress warmly, as mornings can be quite chilly even in warmer months.

After sunrise, stick around to explore other nearby overlooks in the park.

2. Dead Horse Point Overlook at Dead Horse Point State Park

Standing at the edge of this overlook feels like peering into the heart of the earth itself.

The Colorado River winds through a dramatic gooseneck far below, carving deep into layers of red and orange rock.

This viewpoint sits perched on a narrow peninsula of rock, surrounded on three sides by sheer cliffs that drop over two thousand feet.

A paved pathway leads from the parking lot to the main viewing platform, making it accessible for everyone.

Sunset brings out the richest colors in the canyon walls, painting them in shades of crimson and gold.

Many visitors say this overlook rivals the Grand Canyon in beauty, yet it remains less crowded.

The park offers several other viewpoints along the rim, each providing a slightly different perspective of the landscape.

Photographers love the combination of the river’s curves, the layered rock formations, and the endless sky.

Dead Horse Point State Park is located at Utah State Route 313, Moab, UT 84532.

Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is scarce along the rim.

The visitor center provides helpful information about the geology and history of the area.

This overlook truly showcases the raw, untamed beauty of the Southwest.

3. Inspiration Point at Bryce Canyon National Park

Few places on Earth display rock formations quite like those at Bryce Canyon.

Inspiration Point gives you a bird’s eye view of the massive Bryce Amphitheater, filled with thousands of hoodoos rising like ancient towers.

These tall, thin spires of rock glow in shades of orange, pink, and cream, creating a landscape that seems almost otherworldly.

The main viewing area sits at a lower level, but climbing the stairs to the upper platform rewards you with an even more spectacular panorama.

Morning light brings out the warm tones in the rock, while afternoon shadows add depth and drama to the scene.

Photographers appreciate the layered composition, with hoodoos filling the foreground and distant cliffs framing the background.

A short, paved trail connects Inspiration Point to other rim viewpoints, allowing you to explore multiple perspectives.

Winter visits offer a completely different experience, with snow dusting the hoodoos and creating striking contrasts.

The address for Bryce Canyon National Park is Utah 63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764.

Elevation here exceeds eight thousand feet, so take it slow if you’re not used to the altitude.

Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can shift quickly throughout the day.

This viewpoint perfectly captures why Bryce Canyon remains one of Utah’s most beloved destinations.

4. Grand View Point Overlook at Canyonlands National Park

Reaching the end of the scenic drive through Island in the Sky brings you to this aptly named overlook.

Grand View Point offers one of the most expansive vistas in the entire park, with canyons and mesas stretching endlessly in every direction.

The sheer scale of the landscape here is difficult to comprehend until you’re standing at the edge, gazing out over miles of untouched wilderness.

A short, paved path from the parking area leads directly to the main viewpoint, making it easy to access.

For those wanting to explore further, a trail continues along the rim for about a mile, offering additional perspectives.

Sunset transforms the scene into a masterpiece of color, with warm light illuminating the layered rock formations.

The silence here is profound, broken only by the occasional call of a raven or the whisper of wind across the plateau.

Photographers often use this spot to capture the vastness of the canyon country that defines this region.

The overlook sits at the southern terminus of the Island in the Sky road in Canyonlands National Park, near Moab, UT 84532.

Bring binoculars to spot distant features like the Needles District or the La Sal Mountains.

The exposed location means strong winds are common, so secure any loose items.

This viewpoint truly lives up to its grand name.

5. Sunrise and Sunset Points at Bryce Canyon National Park

Golden hour transforms these twin viewpoints into a photographer’s paradise.

Despite their names, both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer stunning views throughout the day, though they truly shine during those magical hours when light paints the hoodoos in glowing shades of orange and pink.

The two points sit close together, connected by a short, paved section of the Rim Trail that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Sunrise Point faces east, capturing the first rays of light as they illuminate the amphitheater from below.

Sunset Point, naturally, provides the ideal vantage for watching the day’s last light dance across the spires.

Both locations offer multiple viewing areas, so you can find your own perfect spot even when other visitors are present.

The combination of these viewpoints gives you a comprehensive look at the northern section of the amphitheater.

Many photographers set up tripods here to capture long exposures as the light shifts and changes.

These overlooks are located along the main park road in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah 63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764.

Parking fills quickly during peak season, so arriving early ensures you’ll find a spot.

The elevation and exposure mean temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets.

These classic viewpoints showcase Bryce Canyon at its most photogenic.

6. Muley Point Overlook Near Mexican Hat

Remote and rugged, Muley Point rewards adventurous travelers with views that rival any in the Southwest.

This overlook sits on the edge of a cliff, providing a stunning perspective of the San Juan River as it twists through deep goosenecks below.

In the distance, the iconic buttes of Monument Valley rise from the desert floor, creating a layered composition that photographers dream about.

Getting here requires driving several miles on a dirt road, but the route is usually manageable for most vehicles in dry conditions.

The lack of development means no crowds, no entrance fees, and nothing between you and the raw landscape.

Sunset here is particularly spectacular, as the light sets the entire scene ablaze with color.

The silence and solitude make this spot feel like your own private viewing platform.

Many visitors camp nearby to catch both sunset and sunrise from this remarkable vantage point.

To reach Muley Point, take Muley Point Road off Highway 261, near Mexican Hat, UT.

Check weather conditions before heading out, as the dirt road can become impassable when wet.

Bring all necessary supplies, as services are far away and cell coverage is nonexistent.

This overlook offers a true wilderness experience with a spectacular payoff.

7. John Ford’s Point at Monument Valley

Cinema lovers will recognize this view instantly from countless Western films.

John Ford’s Point, named after the legendary director who filmed many movies here, offers the quintessential Monument Valley panorama.

The famous Mittens buttes stand prominently in the foreground, while Merrick Butte and other formations create a stunning backdrop.

This viewpoint sits within the Navajo Tribal Park, accessible via the scenic loop drive that winds through the valley.

The elevated position provides a perfect vantage for capturing the scale and majesty of these towering rock formations.

Often, Navajo artisans set up displays here, offering handmade jewelry and crafts that make meaningful souvenirs.

The interplay of light and shadow across the buttes changes constantly throughout the day.

Photographers particularly love the late afternoon light, which brings out the deep red tones in the sandstone.

The address for Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is Indian Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, UT 84536.

Remember that you’re on Navajo Nation land, so respect all posted guidelines and restrictions.

The visitor center provides context about the cultural significance of this sacred landscape.

Standing here, you’ll understand why this location has captured imaginations for generations.

8. Moonscape Overlook Near Factory Butte

Alien landscapes don’t require a trip to another planet when you have Moonscape Overlook.

This remote viewpoint reveals a surreal terrain of bentonite clay hills that look like they belong on the surface of another world.

The soft, rounded hills display unusual colors ranging from pale gray to dusty pink, creating an otherworldly palette.

Factory Butte rises dramatically in the background, providing a striking contrast to the smooth, undulating foreground.

The drive to this overlook is an adventure in itself, following rough dirt roads through vast, empty landscapes.

High-clearance vehicles are recommended, though many passenger cars make the journey in good weather.

The complete isolation here means you’ll likely have the entire panorama to yourself.

Photographers love the unique textures and forms, which create abstract compositions unlike anything else in Utah.

Morning and evening light emphasize the subtle contours and colors of the clay formations.

The overlook is located off Temple Mountain Road, near Hanksville, UT.

Bring plenty of water and fuel, as services are extremely limited in this remote area.

The landscape here showcases the incredible geological diversity that makes Utah such a remarkable destination.

9. Wedge Overlook at San Rafael Swell

Locals call this the Little Grand Canyon, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

Wedge Overlook provides a breathtaking bird’s eye view of a massive gorge carved by the San Rafael River over millions of years.

The canyon drops away suddenly, plunging twelve hundred feet to the river below in a dramatic display of geological power.

Layers of red, orange, and cream-colored rock create striped patterns along the canyon walls.

The overlook sits at the end of a well-maintained dirt road that most vehicles can handle in dry conditions.

Multiple viewing areas along the rim allow you to explore different perspectives of the gorge.

The sense of space and depth here rivals better-known overlooks, yet this spot remains relatively undiscovered.

Sunset brings out the warmest tones in the rock, while midday light reveals every detail of the canyon’s structure.

The location is near Castle Dale, UT 84513, accessible via Buckhorn Draw Road.

Bring a map or GPS device, as cell service is unreliable and road signs are minimal.

The exposed rim means wind can be strong, so watch your footing near the edge.

This hidden gem proves that Utah still has spectacular views waiting to be discovered.

10. Brian Head Peak Observation Point at Brian Head

Climbing to over eleven thousand feet in elevation, Brian Head Peak offers a perspective unlike any other on this list.

The observation point at the summit provides complete, unobstructed views in every direction, allowing you to see for countless miles across southern Utah.

On clear days, the panorama includes distant mountain ranges, deep valleys, and even glimpses of Arizona and Nevada.

The peak is accessible via a scenic drive during summer months, making this high-altitude viewpoint surprisingly easy to reach.

The thin air and bright sunlight at this elevation create exceptionally clear visibility.

Photographers appreciate the opportunity to capture sweeping landscapes that showcase the diversity of the region.

The cooler temperatures at this height provide welcome relief during hot summer days.

Wildflowers often bloom around the peak in late summer, adding splashes of color to the alpine environment.

The observation area is located at Brian Head Peak, Brian Head, UT 84719.

Take your time ascending if you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, as the thin air can affect some visitors.

Bring warm layers, as temperatures drop significantly with elevation even in summer.

This lofty viewpoint offers a completely different perspective on Utah’s varied terrain.