I had to make a decision where to experience sunset. I was not sure where to go, but I did know that the photographs I took of the natural bridge were wrought with contrast problems between the brightly sunlit canyon walls and mountains vs the depth of the shadows on the canyon floor. So, that is where I returned.

I did not hesitate with extraneous photos this time around, I walked, and walked quickly right up to the arch. Sunsets, like sunrises, in the desert occur quickly. At Artists Palette it was bright and sunny, but in just a half hour, shadows were creeping across the valley floor toward the mountains on 'my' side of the valley. I did not have much time.

It was perfect. The arch lay in shade, the mountains behind lit in more mild late afternoon glow. I like how these came out :-)

Then, when the sun was gone, I proceeded to photograph the entire structure again all awash in evening light. Twilight lasts a long time here - the sun is still technically above the horizon, it is just behind the mountains. I had nearly an hour of shooting time, albeit very long exposures, and of course I forgot my tripod, but rocks were abundant and handy. Rocks make nice camera stabilization devices actually...