The Magic of Marlboro Point After Dark

There's something profoundly moving about standing at Marlboro Point after sunset. The tourist crowds disperse, the desert falls silent, and nature reveals a different kind of spectacle - one that has played out nightly for millennia before human eyes ever witnessed it.

I've photographed many locations around Moab, but Marlboro Point holds a special place in my heart. Located between Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park, this somewhat lesser-known viewpoint offers one of the most dramatic settings for night photography in the entire Southwest.

What makes this location particularly striking is the juxtaposition of elements. The formidable sandstone buttes and mesas, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water, stand as silent sentinels beneath the ancient light of our galaxy. Some of the starlight captured in this image began its journey toward Earth when these very rock formations were still taking shape.

Capturing this image required careful planning. I used PhotoPills to track the Milky Way's position, ensuring it would align perfectly with the prominent butte in the foreground. The technical aspects involved blending multiple exposures - longer ones for the landscape details and a series of shorter exposures for the sky to minimize star trails while maximizing detail in our galaxy's core.

The red glow on the rock formations isn't from sunrise but rather from distant light pollution gently illuminating the landscape, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. This subtle light helps define the massive scale and dramatic shapes of these geological giants without overwhelming the celestial display above.

For photographers interested in similar shots, patience is essential. Clear, moonless nights are rare treasures in this region, often requiring multiple attempts before conditions align perfectly. A sturdy tripod, remote shutter release, and wide-angle lens with good light-gathering capabilities are must-haves. I've found that arriving well before dark helps tremendously with composition, as navigating these areas safely requires daylight familiarity.

The Moab area offers some of the darkest skies in the continental United States, making it a premier destination for astrophotography. Beyond the technical challenges, there's something deeply humbling about spending time in these ancient landscapes under the infinite cosmos. It reminds us of our place in the universe - temporary witnesses to a grand, ongoing story written in stone and stars.

If you're planning a visit to capture your own night sky images around Moab, remember that accessing Marlboro Point requires high-clearance vehicles and solid navigation skills. Always tread lightly, stay on established roads, and leave no trace of your visit, preserving this magical experience for future stargazers and photographers.