Brian Morganti

Dead Horse Point Sunrise - Utah

Artist: Brian Morganti

Dead Horse Point is situated atop a high plateau at an elevation of about 6,000 feet above sea level. From the point, a "layer cake" of geologic time may be viewed, revealing 300 million years of the Earth's geologic history. While standing on the canyon rim, 8,000 feet of geologic strata is visible looking from the peaks of the 12.000 foot high La Sal Mountains to the river below. These rock layers were deposited over the eons by oceans, fresh water and wind as well as isolated igneous events.

This is another one of those iconic scenes I had always wanted to photograph, and in particular at sunrise. Prior to doing this I visited the park the previous afternoon to search for a good spot to photograph the bend in the Colorado River as it cuts through the canyons below. The next morning I walked in from the parking area well before dawn and I was pleased to be find "my spot" with the help of a flashlight, and fortunately devoid of any other photographers.

100215DeadHorsePointSunriseMorgantiBrian MorgantiUtahCanyonlandsColorado RiverCanyonsSunriseScenic View

From American Southwest