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Rock Formations in San Juan County, Utah

12 rock formations in San Juan County. Every location page has sunrise and sunset azimuths, a monthly golden hour table, Milky Way windows and nearby spots.

Top rock formations

Church RockRock Formation
Church RockSan Juan County
Big IndianRock Formation
Big IndianSan Juan County
Brighams TombRock Formation
Brighams TombSan Juan County
Castle ButteRock Formation
Castle ButteSan Juan County
King-on-his-ThroneRock Formation
King-on-his-ThroneSan Juan County
Rooster ButteRock Formation
Rooster ButteSan Juan County
Sentinel MesaRock Formation
Sentinel MesaSan Juan County
Setting HenRock Formation
Setting HenSan Juan County
Setting Hen ButteRock Formation
Setting Hen ButteSan Juan County
Seven SailorsRock Formation
Seven SailorsSan Juan County
Bridger Jack ButteRock Formation
Bridger Jack ButteSan Juan County
Cathedral in the DesertRock Formation
Cathedral in the DesertSan Juan County

Map

How to photograph rock formations

Rock towers and buttes glow red and orange in the first and last half-hour of sun; midday light flattens their shape.

  • Find a spot where the formation sits against open sky to emphasize its silhouette.
  • At night, a formation under the Milky Way or star trails makes a strong anchor.
  • Use the sunrise and sunset azimuths below to know which face will be lit.
  • Stay on trails; desert soils and lichens take decades to recover from footprints.

Season: Spring and autumn are best in desert regions; winter snow on red rock is rare but spectacular.