Checkerboard Mesa

Checkerboard Mesa is a striking Navajo Sandstone dome near the east entrance of Zion, famous for its distinctive crosshatch pattern of vertical joints and horizontal lines carved into the cream-colored rock face. The mesa reads best as a broad, textured wall of stone, so a wide to mid-range zoom, something in the 24-70mm range, works well for capturing both the full scale and the fine grid detail. Pull off at the dedicated turnout on Highway 9 and shoot from slightly to the left or right of center to get a more dynamic angle rather than a flat head-on view. Morning light is ideal, when low sun rakes across the surface and throws the crack patterns into sharp relief. Late afternoon can work as well, depending on the season. The location is roadside and fully accessible with no hiking required, making it one of the easier grand compositions in the park. (Zion National Park, Utah, United States)