The American West boasts numerous stunning and iconic vistas that you might recognize, even if you’re unsure of their locations. As we plan our trips, we encounter countless famous landmarks and breathtaking views. Here’s a quick guide to some of these legendary spots, with tips on how to visit and capture unforgettable photos.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone NP, WY

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Yellowstone’s most beautiful hot springs, located on the park’s west side between the Madison and Old Faithful areas. You can view the spring up close by walking along a series of boardwalks that span the spring. For a spectacular bird’s-eye view, park at the Fairy Falls parking lot and walk half a mile to an elevated platform. This vantage point provides an excellent shot of the spring’s vibrant colors and depth.

See the Grand Prismatic Spring on our Yellowstone Itinerary

Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon, located about 10 miles outside Page, Arizona, near Lake Powell, is famous for its stunning light beams and swirling rock formations. Access requires a guided tour since the canyon is on Navajo land. Tours generally depart from Page, and the best time for photos is midday when the sun creates iconic light beams. Be sure to book your tour well in advance, as spots fill up quickly.

See Antelope Canyon on our Zion and Bryce Itinerary (and add on Lake Powell) or our Ultimate Utah Itinerary. 

Bixby Creek Bridge, CA

Bixby Creek Bridge spans Highway 1 on the California coast, south of Monterey and north of Big Sur. As one of the longest concrete bridges in the U.S., it’s renowned for its dramatic architecture and location. The best photographs are taken during sunrise or sunset when the light accentuates the bridge’s curves and the rugged coastline. For the most dramatic shots, position yourself on the northern side of the bridge, looking south.

See Bixby Bridge on our California Coast Itinerary

Bryce Amphitheater, Bryce Canyon NP, UT

The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater is famous for its unique geology, featuring a bowl-shaped depression filled with colorful hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. The vibrant hues of the hoodoos, ranging from reds and oranges to pinks and whites, are due to varying mineral content. The amphitheater is easily accessible from several rim viewpoints, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. These lookouts are convenient and require minimal effort.

See Bryce Amphitheatre on our Bryce & Zion or Ultimate Utah Itineraries. 

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, UT

Delicate Arch, a symbol of Utah, is located in Arches National Park. To photograph this landmark, take the moderately steep 3-mile out-and-back trail from the Wolfe Ranch parking area. The hike, which involves some rocky terrain, is well worth it for the breathtaking views. For the best photos, plan your hike for sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat and crowds and capture the arch in the best light.

See the Delicate Arch on our Ultimate Utah or Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary. 

Mormon Row, Grand Teton National Park, WY

Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its picturesque blend of historic barns and stunning natural scenery. The site features well-preserved early 20th-century barns, such as the John Moulton and T.A. Moulton Barns, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range. This combination of rustic barns and jagged mountains is especially photogenic during sunrise or sunset. Mormon Row is located along Antelope Flats Road, easily accessible from the main road within the park.

See Mormon Row on our Yellowstone (and add Grand Teton) or Ultimate Rocky Mountain Itinerary!

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA

Emerald Bay is known for its clear, turquoise waters and dramatic scenery. It features Fannette Island, which is home to the ruins of the historic Vikingsholm castle. Surrounded by granite cliffs and dense forest, the bay offers one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic views. To capture the best shots, park at the Emerald Bay Viewpoint along Highway 89 on the southeastern side of the lake. The viewpoint provides a stunning overlook of the bay and is a popular spot for photography.

See Emerald Bay on our Yosemite & Lake Tahoe Itinerary!

Zion Narrows, Zion National Park, UT

The Zion Narrows is a deep slot canyon carved by the Virgin River, with towering rock walls rising up to 1,000 feet high. The hike involves wading through and sometimes swimming in the river, creating a distinctive adventure. You don’t need a permit to hike from the bottom up, and you can access it via the last stop on the park shuttle. Depending on the season, consider renting boots, socks, and hiking poles for added comfort. The hike is an out-and-back, allowing you to turn around whenever you wish.

See the Zion Narrows on our Bryce & Zion or Ultimate Utah Itineraries. 

Forrest Gump Hill, Monument Valley, UT

Forrest Gump Hill, also known as “Forrest Gump Point,” is a famous spot along U.S. Highway 163 just outside Monument Valley, Utah. It gained fame from the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” where Tom Hanks’s character halts his cross-country run at this location. To visit, drive along Highway 163, about 13 miles south of Mexican Hat, Utah. The hill offers stunning views of Monument Valley’s iconic red rock formations. Be cautious of traffic when stopping, as there are no formal parking areas; you’ll need to pull off the highway to take your photos.

See Forrest Gump Hill on our Ultimate Utah Itinerary

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, OR

Haystack Rock is a towering sea stack located on Cannon Beach, Oregon, rising 235 feet above the shoreline. Known for its impressive size and distinctive shape, it’s a popular spot for both beachgoers and photographers. To visit, head to Cannon Beach, where Haystack Rock is easily accessible from the beach. Park in the nearby lots and walk to the beach. The formation is visible from various points along the beach, and low tide is the best time to explore the tide pools around the base, revealing marine life and offering fantastic photo opportunities.

See Haystack Rock on our Ultimate Oregon Itinerary

Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning natural landmark located near Page, Arizona. It’s a dramatic meander in the Colorado River, where the river curves around a large rock formation, creating a horseshoe-shaped bend. About 2 miles south of Page on Hwy 89, there is a designated parking area with a fee of $10/ vehicle. Once parked, follow the trail for about ¾ of a mile to the overlook. Head back the same way you came. 

See Horseshoe Bend on our Zion & Bryce Itinerary (and add Lake Powell) or our Ultimate Utah Itinerary!

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore and photograph some of the most iconic views in the American West. Enjoy your adventure and happy shooting!