Expedition
Arches & Canyonlands Milky Way Expedition 2027
A future astrophotography journey through the high desert landscapes of Utah, focused on Milky Way nightscapes, desert formations, scouting, and post-processing.
Expedition Details
Dates
April 2027
Location
Moab, Utah
Focus
Milky Way panoramas, desert nightscapes, scouting, and editing.
Countdown
Planned Photography Locations
This expedition is expected to include several iconic locations around Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Castle Valley.
- Balanced Rock
- Courthouse Towers
- Turret Arch and The Windows
- Double Arch
- Garden of Eden
- Castle Valley
- Skyline Arch and The Fins
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Mesa Arch
- Green River Overlook
- Grand View Point
Photography Goals
My goal for this expedition is to improve my Milky Way nightscape photography, learn how to scout stronger foreground compositions, practice panoramas, and create images that combine the desert landscape with the night sky.
Gear Plans
- Nikon Z8
- Nikkor 14–24mm f/2.8
- Wide-angle prime lens, if available
- 24–120mm or medium zoom lens for daytime landscapes
- Sturdy tripod
- Remote shutter release
- Headlamp
- Glow-in-the-dark tape for tripod visibility
- Laptop for post-processing sessions
- Star tracker or Benro Polaris for advanced Milky Way work
Settings to Practice
- Milky Way single exposures
- Tracked sky exposures
- Foreground exposures
- Panorama sequences
- Blue hour foreground captures
- Blending sky and landscape images
Field Notes
This page will grow as I prepare for the workshop. I’ll use it to collect planning notes, gear decisions, scouting ideas, lessons learned, and final images from the trip.