Cox Canyon Arch

Cox Canyon Arch is a naturally formed sandstone arch near Aztec, New Mexico, notable for its unusually symmetrical shape, with both base points rising from a flat horizontal plane and a nearly perfect curved opening of 42 feet wide and 35 feet tall. You can shoot straight through the arch to frame the landscape beyond, or position yourself to one side to capture the full profile and show its classic geometry against the open sky. Morning light tends to warm the red sandstone nicely, while golden hour in the late afternoon can add depth and texture to the rock surface. A wide angle lens works well for shooting through the opening and including foreground detail, while a standard zoom lets you isolate the arch against the sky. The terrain is relatively accessible for the area, but wear sturdy footwear and plan your visit when skies are clear to make the most of the natural color in the stone. (Aztec, New Mexico, United States)