double clickDesolation Canyon Utah Vacation Pictures
Utah Rafting
Desolation Canyon 5 Day Trip

Desolation Canyon Pictures

Hidden deep within the high shelves of the Tavaputs Plateau, among the Book Cliffs , it's no wonder the world has not yet discovered the spectacular story written in stone along the eastern border of Utah. But you shouldn’t judge the Book Cliffs by their cover! Nor should you let the name “Desolation” deter. Maybe the two National Parks that flank it to the south stole all the good names, but Desolation Canyon shares every bit of their beauty.


These pictures of Desolation Canyon, and the Green River should get you close to 1,000 words into the story of why we love this place so much. There’s more than 20 pictures here though, so you do the math... there’s a major character still missing... the full story will never be told without you in it!

How to take Pictures in Desolation Canyon

Good photos are easy to take in places that surround you with beauty. But being prepared with the right equipment, knowing how to protect it, and having it ready are some of the more difficult aspects of taking great shots.

Beyond the technical aspects, you should always frame your shots with the idea of telling a story. Think of how you will use that shot in your album, and how you might have to describe to a friend at home what the shot is about. Not every photo will tell the story on its own, but there should be a clearly identifiable subject in each photo - a focal point. It's a temptation to take a wide shot in a big setting like Desolation Canyon in an attempt to capture the whole picture. Take that wide shot, but don't be afraid to zoom in and crop out the clutter. Focus on the things that tell the story. Everyone will emerge from the trip with an entirely different album!

It's important to know what type of camera to bring, and how to protect it. This video has several handy tips for taking great pictures and caring for your camera in these environments that can be fairly harsh on electronic equipment.