Top 10 Places to Take Pictures in Southern Utah: #6 – Petrified Sand Dunes & Red‑Rock Wonders
Just 15 minutes from St. George, the Petrified Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon State Park offer an exceptional setting for portrait sessions. These ancient Navajo sandstone mounds — in hues of red, pink, and white — create a mesmerizing, almost fairy-tale backdrop.
Children glow here: climbing the textured dunes, twirling across the stone waves, and discovering little rock formations — each session becomes an adventurous visual narrative.
Why This Location Is Magical for Children’s Portraits
1. Dynamic Textures & Rich Color Layers
The swirling sandstone patterns and bold, graded colors create captivating backdrops that add depth and vibrancy to every portrait . If your sessions lands at a time after a rain storm, pools of water are scattered amongst the rocks adding beautiful reflection shots to your session.
2. Expansive 360° Views
With sweeping red cliffs closing in as a backdrop and wide-open skies above, the landscape frames your child beautifully in every direction .
3. Stunning Light Conditions
Golden hour transforms the dunes into glowing waves; overcast skies offer soft, even light that beautifully captures textures without harsh shadows. Blue hour offer’s stunning soft colors and gorgeous sky as the sun has set.
4. Natural Playgrounds
The dunes invite exploration — perfect for impromptu twirls, jumps, and laughter that feel genuine and joyful.
5. Permit Required for Professional Use
Snow Canyon requires a professional photography visa — This means an added fee of $45 is required to to Photography sessions within the State Park, Including White Rock Amphitheater.
Contact me to schedule your session — let’s create something unforgettable in one of Southern Utah’s hidden gems.
