Lake Powell is the perfect destination for an unforgettable overnight adventure. Recently, I had the pleasure of enjoying a two-day trip with the Kennedy/Johnson family from Madison, Wisconsin. With camp set at Fat Man’s, we explored Face Canyon and Labyrinth, discovering the natural beauty that makes Lake Powell a dream for photographers and adventurers alike.
Exploring Face Canyon and Labyrinth in Lake Powell
On day one, we paddled through Face Canyon. The still waters and towering canyon walls were breathtaking. This part of Lake Powell is famous for its steep, red rock faces that reflect off the blue water, creating stunning natural patterns—perfect for photography.
Day two took us to Labyrinth Canyon. True to its name, the canyon is a maze of narrow waterways and winding rock formations. Its unique shapes, carved by time and water, offered a different perspective on the Lake Powell experience. The shifting light in the canyon enhanced each turn, creating perfect opportunities to capture the ever-changing hues on camera.
The Magic of Sunset and Nightfall at Lake Powell
As the day began to wind down, we paddled back to our base camp. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues as the sun set, casting a crimson glow over the lake. Watching the majestic sunset here is something I never tire of—it’s a moment of pure awe and serenity. For a photographer like me, sunsets at Lake Powell offer a golden opportunity. The colors seem almost surreal, as the deep reds and purples blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating a reflection on the lake that is simply mesmerizing.
Once back at camp, I fired up the BBQ and enjoyed a hearty meal by the campfire—BBQ pork, homemade mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad. The meal was comforting, but it wasn’t just the food that made the evening special. The best part was experiencing the sky’s transformation over Lake Powell while enjoying some downtime by the campfire.
Nightfall brought a dazzling display of stars. Far from city lights, the night sky at Lake Powell is a spectacle in itself. I marveled at the constellations and the Milky Way stretching across the horizon, turning the sky into a natural wonder. Sharing stories under this starlit sky added to the magic of the evening. It was the perfect end to an incredible day and a beautiful reminder of the simple joys that overnight trips like this bring.
Why Photograph Overnight Trips at Lake Powell?
An overnight trip at Lake Powell is more than just camping; it’s an experience rich in visual beauty and adventure. I love these trips for one key reason: the landscape changes dramatically from day to night. The sunset that ended the first day covered the sky in vibrant colors, providing an unmatched opportunity to shoot the glowing transition of daylight to dusk.
Nightfall brings a different type of magic. The silence, paired with the clear, star-filled skies, provides stunning stargazing opportunities. Capturing the stars over Lake Powell is challenging but deeply rewarding for anyone passionate about night photography. In the early morning, the canyons shift yet again, taking on a soft golden glow as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the rock faces.
The Gear I Used: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
To make the most of this adventure, I used the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Its full-frame sensor allowed me to capture the detail and vibrancy of the canyon landscapes in all lighting conditions. The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens was the perfect choice, offering versatility whether shooting wide-angle canyon scenes or zooming in for details of rock textures and reflections.
Shooting at sunset in the canyon required a steady hand and, for stability, I used a lightweight tripod. The Canon’s image stabilization feature helped greatly when I was shooting from the kayak. With the changing light conditions, the camera’s dynamic range ensured no detail was lost, whether in the bright sky or the shadowed canyon walls.
A Perfect Evening at Lake Powell
This overnight trip allowed me to see Lake Powell in different lights, from the vibrant midday sun to the deep glow of sunset, and finally, the twinkling stars above. It’s these changing perspectives that make Lake Powell such a unique place for photographers. Every corner, every shift of light, brings a new story to tell—a story of nature’s raw beauty and a reminder of why I set out on these adventures in the first place.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration or just looking for the perfect shot, an overnight trip to Lake Powell offers endless opportunities to see the world differently—and to capture memories that last a lifetime.
