Updated June 16, 2020
The park is open but there are limited areas for camping and many permits are not being issued at this time. Please read the website for Capital Reef National Park for more updates.
I’m very excited to share this photo essay of the beautiful American west by Dallas photographer, David Spector.
David had planned a road trip to Arches and Capitol Reef National Parks, two of Utah’s five national parks. He booked a room that had no actual address, only map coordinates.
The next morning he awoke to find himself in this beautiful landscape where he could wander in solitude on unpaved trails. The following images were taken at sunrise in Capitol Reef Park, and sunset at Arches National Park. I love that these images are not the usual photographs of the red rock arches or sandstone monoliths of Utah’s national parks, but simple landscapes that evoke a sense of place.
Solitude in America’s National Parks

Sunrise in Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.

Sunrise over Camel Rock Face, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.

Lone primrose. Capitol Reef National Park.

Twisted bough at sunrise, Capitol Reef National Park.

Sunset At Arches National Park.

Sunset in Arches Valley, Arches, National Park, Utah.

Native American petroglyphs on a rock wall, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
If you’d like to learn more about Capitol Reef, I’ve included this interesting National Geographic article link for you.
To see more of David’s images from his Utah road trip visit his gallery: www.specto-graphy.com/story
David Spector is a Dallas photographer who specializes in portrait, landscape, and editorial fashion photography. For his online portfolio and contact information check out his blog and website.
9 comments
Gorgeous photos that really take me back to visits to Capitol Reef and other places in Southern Utah. It’s a stunning area on earth. I’ll have to check out David’s gallery. Thanks for the introduction to this talented photographer.
Thanks Cathy!
I dream of visiting these parks in the west of the USA. Zion, Arches, Monument… I think my SD card would explode. Not only from the number of pictures, but also the colors! Love seeing pictures like this.
I agree Emiel! Thanks for the great comment. You win!
Absolutely stunning photographs! We have only hit up one of the 5 NP’s in Utah, having visited Arches last year, though I’m really looking forward to getting back to experience more of what the State has to offer.
Some pretty incredible nature! I’ll have to make sure I rise early enough to witness those amazing sunrises!
Thanks Meg!
Wow – it’s almost like looking at a series of paintings. I’ve always wanted to visit this part of the world as I great up reading my grandfather’s Louis L’Amour novels. When would you say is the best time to visit David? Also, when is the best time of day for taking photos? Beautiful work!
Beautiful. Been to Archers National Park. It’s simply amazing. It’s one of my favorite national parks ever.
It was really breathtaking!