The rising summer sun casts a shadow into Canyonlands framed by Mesa Arch.

Countless photographers have captured the glow of Mesa Arch at sunrise but unfortunately every iconic photo obscures the vast expanse that lies beyond.  The arch sits at a 500 ft cliff that begins a 1,200 ft drop down into Buck Canyon.  Upon the valley floor you can see the White Rim Road, a popular 100 mile biking trail that winds across Island in the Sky.  Off into the horizon sits the La Sal Mountains which appear deceptively far away.  Although the glow is definitely the main attraction, it occasionally takes a bit of perspective to truly appreciate the isolated immensity of Canyonlands National Park.