Sunrise and sunset

The park’s own answer to “best spot for sunrises and sunsets” is the Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook off SR-18, about one mile south of the park’s north exit on the west side of the highway. Day-use fees are valid in that lot. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., so winter sunrises fit easily. In midsummer, sunrise comes close to the 6 a.m. opening; check the sunrise time before you drive.

Panorama of swirling red cross-bedded Navajo Sandstone slickrock in Snow Canyon State Park.
Swirled Navajo Sandstone slickrock, Snow Canyon State Park. Photo: joannapoe, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Night photos

The park is a designated Urban Night Sky Place, but day-use ends at 10 p.m. Plan night frames for the hour after full dark and before the close, which works best in fall and winter. The stargazing page covers the campground option.

Layered red sandstone slickrock with sweeping wind-laid lines in evening light, Snow Canyon State Park.
Cross-bedded slickrock in evening light, Snow Canyon State Park. Photo: joannapoe, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Permits that apply to photographers

  • Drones: by advance permit only. Recreational flights are allowed at the Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook with a personal flight permission form emailed at least five days ahead (permits page).
  • Professional portrait photography and video (weddings, engagements, family groups, seniors, and similar paid shoots) needs an annual pass bought by the photographer. The 2026 guidelines list $225 for up to 5 shoots and $400 for up to 10, with each shoot scheduled by email at least five days ahead. One-time permits are not issued for portrait sessions (2026 guidelines PDF).
  • Weddings need a separate special use permit obtained by the couple.
  • Commercial filming (ads, film, TV) needs a special use permit.

The park pages we read list those permits. They do not list a permit for personal snapshots. If you are being paid, or trading for the shoot, the guidelines say you need the professional pass.

Soft evening light on red sandstone below a cloudy sky in Snow Canyon State Park.
Evening light, Snow Canyon State Park. Photo: joannapoe, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Good-practice rules

  • Shoot from mapped trails and designated scrambling areas only.
  • Park in designated lots only.
  • Don’t move rocks or trim plants for a cleaner frame. All natural features are protected.
  • Pioneer names and rock imagery: don’t touch. Oils from hands damage them.

Related: where you may leave the trail, printable checklist, all guides.

Quick FAQ

Where does the park say to watch sunrise and sunset?

The Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook off SR-18, about a mile south of the north exit on the west side.

Can I fly a drone at Snow Canyon?

Only with an advance permit. Recreational flights are allowed at the Scenic Overlook with a personal flight permission form sent at least five days ahead.

Do paid portrait photographers need a permit?

Yes. The 2026 guidelines require an annual professional photography pass, with every shoot scheduled at least five days ahead.