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    Mesa Arch

    4.9 (12 reviews)

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    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.

    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.

    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.

    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 - Raven in the parking lot

    Arches National Park

    (1.1k reviews)

    We visited Arches National Park with our 2.5-year-old and were blown away by how accessible it was…read morefor a toddler. If you're worried about bringing a little one to the desert, don't be! The park offers several manageable hikes and a fantastic "giant sandbox" experience. Top Tips for Parents: Time: Budget 2 full days. This allows you to see the sights without rushing or risking a mid-day meltdown. The Best Hikes: We highly recommend Balanced Rock, Sand Dune Arch (it's a massive hit with kids because of the deep sand play), and The Windows Section. Where to Stay: Stay in Moab. It's incredibly convenient to the park entrance and has plenty of family-friendly amenities. The Visitor Center: Don't skip it! We spent 2 hours there exploring the exhibits; it's a great way to introduce kids to the environment. Essentials: It gets incredibly hot. Pack twice as much water and snacks as you think you'll need.

    Arches National Park is absolutely breathtaking. The scale, the colors, and the natural formations…read morefeel almost unreal. We arrived midday, and the heat was intense, so we weren't able to hike to many of the arches. Even so, we still saw a lot just from the viewpoints and shorter walks, it's stunning no matter how you experience it. One thing to note: parking at Devils Garden is very limited and can be difficult, especially later in the day. That area is one of the most popular spots in the park. Travel tips: * Go early--ideally at sunrise--and start at the far end (Devils Garden), then work your way back toward the entrance * Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need) * Wear proper shoes--the terrain is uneven and sandy * Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential--the sun is strong and there's little shade * Check if timed entry reservations are required during peak season * Don't rush--plan stops and take your time at viewpoints, even if you're not hiking far Even with the heat limiting our hikes, this was an unforgettable experience. We'll definitely come back--next time earlier in the day!

    Mesa Arch - hiking - Updated May 2026

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