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    Mesa Arch

    4.9 (14 reviews)

    Mesa Arch Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Mesa Arch

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    Mesa Arch
    Alyssa A.

    My absolute favorite part about Canyonlands National Park. Mesa Arch is so incredibly beautiful and a joy to visit. It's an easy approx 0.6 mile loop with the arch being about halfway through. Best time to come is for the sunrise - ethereal and awe-inspiring. There weren't many people there when we came, and it was super quiet - just nature and the sunrise. Watch the sun rise through the arch, and then just sit around and take in all of nature's beauty. Only a smaller parking lot nearby, so plan accordingly to ensure adequate parking. A must-stop on anyone's trip to CNP. However, if you can swing coming for sunrise, do it. You won't regret it.

    Mesa Arch
    Destiney S.

    Beautiful!! Most people were respectful and stood in line to allow others to take a beautiful picture in front of the arch. There was one family who feigned ignorance to the practice. Don't worry, they were put in their place. This was a short easy hike to the arch. There were lots of places to take great photos. Canyonlands is a small but beautiful park. The north entrance has one main road with (one or two?) side roads. Can be done in a day if starting early. No cover on any of the trails.

    Joyce T.

    Mesa Arch - 30mins hike (0.7 miles). Sunrise. The must see place in Canyonlands NP. We went there early at 6am and the whole view is ours, so peaceful and relaxing.

    Mesa Arch
    Shayla B.

    This is a short, family friendly trail that leads to one of Canyonlands' most popular natural arches. The Mesa Arch trail is a short loop that measures around 0.7 miles roundtrip. There's a small parking lot with restrooms at the start of the trail. Since this trail is easy, you can expect it to be busy with other sightseers. The nice thing about Canyonlands National Park is that it's the most remote and less visited NP in Utah, so you won't have to worry about excessive crowds here. I arrived to the start trailhead around noon and there were still plenty of parking spots open. The entire hike takes about 30 minutes or so to complete, but it's easy to linger here. Once you reach Mesa Arch, you'll actually want to linger because the views are fantastic. Not only is the arch pretty unique, but the landscape that's captured behind the arch is pretty breathtaking too. I lucked out and was able to enjoy the views when it was a bit overcast. In this terrain, the weather can be scorching hot in the summer and fall. There are plenty of places to stop and relax. I found a cozy spot above the arch to enjoy lunch while taking in the views of the valley. The desert vegetation is also really beautiful here too. I always wonder how some of these plants can survive in such a dry environment. But, it's nice to explore the foliage while on the trails here. Not a difficult hike by any means, but this is a fun stop on your journey through the park. It's also pretty convenient and it's only a short drive from the visitors center. It's worth a stop if you're already exploring the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.

    A view through Mesa Arch
    Courtney K.

    Bottom Line: A short and easy hike to a small arch that beautifully frames the canyon below. My husband and I did not have enough time to do much hiking in Canyonlands National Park but we decided we'd do the short hike to Mesa Arch. I think everyone else does this hike too as on a weekday in October we had to circle the parking lot several times before getting a space. Anyway, once on trail we enjoyed this "easy" hike (as rated by the Canyonlands Visitor Guide) to Mesa Arch. The roundtrip hike is less than a mile and the terrain is relatively flat. After visiting Corona Arch and Delicate Arch I didn't find Mesa Arch to be too impressive but I was surely wowed by the view it carefully frames. It was fun to look through the arch and see the surrounding sky and canyon below. I think we spent about as much time trying to get a parking spot as we did on the actual hike but I am glad we eventually did find a spot and get to do this stroll through the park. As with other hikes in the area, I was thankful to be well supplied with sturdy hiking shoes, water, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks and a first aid kit.

    The arch
    Jeffrey S.

    It's possible that this is the most popular sunrise in the state. Certainly, at some point in your life, you've seen a photo of this arch at sunrise. Some screensaver somewhere, some wallpaper, some background in a PowerPoint--this is a really popular place to pop a pic. Need more evidence of that? Try coming here in the morning to set up your shot. You won't be alone. In warmer months, and especially on weekends, I've heard it gets darn competitive. You can look up videos and see the tripods all over the place, so if that's what you're after, then come early, try to stay warm, and also, try to keep your cool. As for me, I've never fought the morning fight but I have been at sunset and at midday. Both are excellent options (though sunrise is very popular for good reason--it faces east and the entire underside will light up on good mornings) especially if you want to avoid crowds. No matter the time of day, though, you're going to be with other people. We hiked it in February and there were always 6-8 parties at the arch. The hike itself is pretty simple, and though it's longer than I remember each time, it's still very short. Just up and around a large hill, then down to the arch. Climb back up and over, and you're out. It's a big loop and the whole thing won't take you more than 20 minutes, but you'll obviously want to stop and look at the views and spend some time at the arch, so 20 minutes is just walkin' time and not gazin' time. Be careful out there, stay off the arch, and be courteous to others. I have had plenty of (non-sunrise) shots of the place, as everyone wants to get in on it but has always been good about taking turns.

    before dawn
    Zemin H.

    As photography enthusiast we reached the medium sized parking lot before 7, few serious photographers were unloading their equipment from their cars. We walked in the dark, no one said a word, it felt like we were all going to a secret religious rite. The road signs were barely visible, we just followed each other to the spot. The narrow spot was already crowded, we had to squeeze in gaps to find our spot. When sunrise happened, it was the sacred, magical and wordless moment, everyone kept shooting. It was worth it.

    Entrance to the hike
    Jeanette Y.

    No other words than BEAUTIFUL & on top of that, EASY to hike. Double the rewards! SUNRISE HIKE: we checked the weather app beforehand to A) see when the sun rises & B) how cold it would be. We came during Memorial Day weekend & it was a bit busy in the morning. Remember that it takes 45 minutes to drive from the bottom to the parking lot of the hike. We got there a few minutes before sunrise but luckily the entire hike (round trip) is 0.5 miles so it only took us 15 minutes to get to the Mesa Arch. There were TONS of people & all huddled right at the arch so it was hard to get the sunrise with so many people. We stayed at the arch for a good 1.5 hours & it was worth waiting for everyone to get out. 10-15 mins after the sun rose, we had the arch to ourselves & it was STILL gorgeous with the sun still rising. Definitely recommend because the view is unbelievable & so easy! So why not. There are parking spots but not that many but never had an issue finding a spot.

    Jackie M.

    This short, easy hike is the best half mile round trip you can make. This arch framing the La Sal Mountains can't be beat. It's truly a must see.

    Mesa Arch

    One of my favorite spots for the sunrise. Incredible!! The colors of the rock become so vibrant.

    Mesa Arch, a signature feature and an icon of Canyonlands National Park

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    Review Highlights - Mesa Arch

    There were TONS of people & all huddled right at the arch so it was hard to get the sunrise with so many people.

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    Arches National Park - View at the garden of Eden (not shown are the expansive distant views around the garden too, it's stunning!)

    Arches National Park

    4.8(1.1k reviews)
    30.3 mi

    Arches is absolutely amazing. I would recommend watching the short video at the visitor center to…read morehave more understanding of how the arches have been formed. The arches are just mind blowing and you get the wow effect. We did a couple of the longer hikes to get a better look. I would say that the Park Avenue trail was the hardest for me although I think it was listed as moderate. ‍ About 3 miles round trip. Many steps down and not much shade, it was warm out. The next day we went to Landscape Arch first. We were told it is a must see but that the hike to it was considered difficult. Well no it wasn't difficult at all. I would consider it moderate. The trail had smooth gravel which made it easy to navigate. It was not quite 3 miles round trip. So glad we did it because the arch is just amazing. The longest natural arch in the world.

    Stunning! Absolutely stunning!…read moreI've traveled on four continents and this is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Park Avenue was my favorite, then the Delicate Arch, but holy heavens, around literally every turn there was another absolute stunner of a view. I took easily 100 pictures during my relatively short time in the park. Then, when you drive back out, you see all the same stunning views, but at different angles, and you experience those things in a brand new way. This was easily the highlight of my 3,600 mile, 12-day, 9-state road trip. You have to come here, it is nearly unbelievable how beautiful it is. You have to experience it for yourself. Absolutely one of the most beautiful places in the US, without question!

    Photos
    Arches National Park - Raven in the parking lot

    Raven in the parking lot

    Arches National Park - Pothole Arch  07-08-2026

    Pothole Arch 07-08-2026

    Arches National Park - "Love your family, work super hard, live your passion." -- Gary Vaynerchuk

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    "Love your family, work super hard, live your passion." -- Gary Vaynerchuk

    Grandstaff Canyon - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Grandstaff Canyon

    4.9(14 reviews)
    23.4 mi

    Impressive hike to go to the Morning Glory Natural bridge through Grandstaff canyon. 4.5 miles…read moreround trip. Only to be careful is poison oak. I'm very sensitive to it, so I was extra cautious not to touch any plants and had long sleeve and long pants. The natural bridge was very cool. The canyon is gorgeous. Worth the visit for sure.

    Grandstaff Canyon is one of several hikes close to Moab that are recommended by multiple…read moreguidebooks, so be prepared to share the trail with others. Regardless, it is good for a half-day adventure, especially in warmer months. Being on BLM land, there's no entrance fee. It's also dog-friendly, so you'll see plenty of pups on the hike, usually sopping wet and happy. (But maybe don't go out of your way to pet them in late spring, when there's also plenty of poison ivy along the trail). The hike is about 5 miles total (round trip) that ends in Morning Glory natural bridge, which turns out NOT to be an arch. (Natural bridges form primarily from the flow of a stream, whereas natural arches are typically a combo of wind and water). Over half of the hike is fairly flat, along a beautiful, bucolic, wooded valley surrounded by high sandstone cliffs. The trail crosses and re-crosses a clear, burbling stream punctuated by quiet pools and mini falls. We found plenty of spots to pull off the trail and enjoy the beauty, and I stopped to dip my toes in at one point. If you continue on beyond this flatter section, there's a gentle uphill grade, some on open sandstone, to get to the rear of the canyon. The reward for this extra effort is the stunning natural bridge, which in hot weather can provide a cool, shady respite before retracing your steps back to the trailhead. Due to extreme popularity, and the small lot, parking can be a pain here. Coming from Moab, we just continued past the lot for a hundred yards or so, turned left, and parked in the large, raised dirt area on the Colorado River side of the road. There were plenty of spots, and it was a short walk back to the trailhead.

    Photos
    Grandstaff Canyon - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Grandstaff Canyon - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Grandstaff Canyon - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

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    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Mill Creek Trail

    Mill Creek Trail

    5.0(4 reviews)
    23.4 mi

    Mill Creek Canyon Trailhead is a beautiful hike that I'd rate as moderate--some sections require…read moreclimbing over rocks, but nothing too extreme. Luna handled it with ease, hopping right up and then looking back at us as if to say, "You coming?" The trail follows the river nearly the entire way to a waterfall, which is just under a mile in, with another mile back. You don't necessarily have to do the full hike--there are plenty of spots along the creek where you can stop, let your dog swim, or cool off before turning back. If you do continue, the waterfall at the end makes for a rewarding finish. The water is cold but refreshing, and I can imagine it gets crowded on weekends. Luckily, when we went (weekday afternoon), it wasn't too busy. This trail is very dog-friendly, and most dogs are off-leash. That's great if your pup plays well with others, but if your dog isn't comfortable around other dogs, this may not be the best choice. Luna swam in the creek several times along the way and capped it off with a dip in the waterfall--she absolutely loved it. We didn't swim ourselves since we didn't bring suits, but next time we might. This is definitely a place we'd return to and a spot I'd highly recommend for dog owners.

    In A Nutshell: -Mill…read moreCreek Trail is a lovely trail that can stretch as far as 7-10 miles per the local I spoke to during my hike. -When you follow it initially from the parking lot, it will take you to the waterfall, that distance is about 1 mile one-way. -The hike was awesome during the morning (7am), barely saw many people. -You can catch a beautiful sunrise just over the waterfall too (see photo). -You will hike through the creek, dirt paths, brush & rocky edges. -Some reviews recommend water shoes, but I just went barefoot & I was fine. -The water was warm in mid-August & it wasn't very deep even at the waterfall (went up to my thighs). Overall, if you want to start off your day on a short, relaxing & fulfilling hike, you need to come here. You'll leave very happy & energized!

    Photos
    Mill Creek Trail
    Mill Creek Trail
    Mill Creek Trail

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    North Fork Millcreek Canyon - Creek hike to the waterfall.

    North Fork Millcreek Canyon

    5.0(2 reviews)
    23.1 mi

    Free, fun, and worth the easy mile hike in. A new Moab tradition for our family! Top 5 places to…read moreexperience Moab! Deep pools.

    This lesser-known hike is perfect! It has rocks, trees and water. There is plenty of shade to…read moreshelter hikers from the hot summer day and a beautiful river that will cool you off. And it's dog friendly! At the trailhead, there is a small parking lot with a sign that tells visitors to come back later if the lot is full. We arrived just after 8am on a Sunday and found only 3 other cars there. The trail is very clearly marked so you know right where to go. Be sure to stop at the bathroom on your way up if needed. There is also a dog waste station to get poop bags, but you'll need to carry it out with you as there are no garbage cans along the way. The first few minutes of the hike are out in the open-lots of sun and no shade. But quickly you'll find yourself along the river with trees all around you. There is sandstone that you'll hike through-it can be a little slippery. A little further in you'll find that the trail crosses the river. Plan on getting wet even though there are rocks that you can walk across. Keep going and you'll end up at a beautiful waterfall and pool. I'm told there is another further on, but we turned around after this point. We will come back again and see what surprises await us beyond this point.

    Photos
    North Fork Millcreek Canyon - Waterfall and swimming hole.

    Waterfall and swimming hole.

    North Fork Millcreek Canyon - Crossing the river again

    Crossing the river again

    North Fork Millcreek Canyon - Bathrooms near the trailhead

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    Bathrooms near the trailhead

    Mesa Arch - hiking - Updated September 2026

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