Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah provides the frame for some of the most stunning landscape in Utah. A short, easy hike will take you to the edge of the canyon and right to the rim of the arch. Sunrise at Mesa Arch with the brilliant red glow of the rising sun reflecting off the underside of the arch will most certainly have you in awe of this spectacular scene.
Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Sunrise at Canyonlands Mesa Arch offers a magnificent view of Buck Canyon below. The arch frames the dramtic view of the rugged White Rim below and the La Sal Mountains in the background. It can be seen through the arch after a short .5 mile round trip hike. On most days, the underside of the arch glows from reflected sunlight just after sunrise, an absolutely magnificent scene.
We left Moab, Utah where we were staying around 4:30 am for the 1 hour drive to Canyonlands National Park. Although the hike to get to the arch takes only 15 minutes there are two reasons for leaving so early…1) the arch is small and 2) it’s very popular.
Arriving at Mesa Arch Early
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Hi! We are Lou and Barbara, a world traveling, nature loving couple searching out new and interesting places to explore, photograph and share with you our readers.CONTINUE READING
Photographers at the arch arrive early! Some of the finest photos of the arch are taken at sunrise. Be prepared to jockey for position on most mornings well before sunrise. This is what we were greeted with when we arrived before first light. The entire opening of the arch was packed with photographers that had already staked their claim to their chosen spots.
Where is Mesa Arch?
The arch is located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Drive south for 6.3 miles from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and turn left into the parking area for Mesa Arch located on Grand View Point Road. The trailhead which begins here is a short, well marked and easy to follow trail. The arch is located right on the rim of the plateau.
Mesa Arch is perched on a cliff with the entire canyon and the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop. The trail will take you to the edge of the plateau where you will have an expansive view of the rugged terrain below.
More fun things to see & do in Utah, Arizona & Colorado!
Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
Zion National Park – Canyon Overlook Trail – Utah
Antelope Canyon – Arizona
Monument Valley – Arizona
Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado
Estes Park – Base camp to Rocky Mt. Nat. Park – Colorado
The flowers in Canyonlands National Park were beautiful. We saw many brilliantly colored flowers along the trail which meanders through an attractive juniper and piñon woodland.
This lizard and grasshopper seemed to be facing off as we walked along the trail. I’m not sure of the outcome as we continued on our way back to the parking area.
The nature guide we picked up at the trail head informed us of how our footsteps can damage the cryptogamic soil that is just off trail. It explained how the black crust on the ground forms the basis for desert ecosystems. This vital mixture of algae, lichen mosses and fungi prevents soil erosion to helps support the growth of larger plants. Please be careful to stay on the trail to help prevent damage to the delicate environment.
What is Mesa Arch?
Mesa Arch is classified as a pothole arch. The arch was formed by surface water pooling on the sandstone behind the arch which slowly eroded the rock. This erosion resulted in an arch that is suspended across the mesa’s edge. Sitting on the edge of the mesa, admiring the view of the expansive canyon below through the arch, I was definitely not in a hurry to leave.
This is the view from the top of Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. The arch spans fifty feet across the top of a 500-foot vertical cliff. The arch itself is not very wide. I felt like I was standing on top of the world. Although we saw several visitors walk across the arch the day we were there I could only stand at the beginning of the arch and would not recommend anyone trying to walk the length of the arch. It’s a long way down!
Sunrise revealed Washer Woman Arch which can be seen in the distance just as the sun was making its first appearance. Washer Woman is an arch resembling a woman standing at a wash tub washing clothes. Below is White Rim Canyon, carved over years by the Colorado River. The La Sal Mountains can be seen in the distance beyond the canyon.
Sunrise at this spot would have to be one of the more spectacular experiences in Canyonlands National Park. The scenery here is amazing any time of day but standing in front of this arch witnessing the beginning of a new day with the red glow of the rising sun lighting the arch is awe-inspiring!
Canyonlands National Park is located 35 minutes (30 miles) from the town of Moab. With Arches National Park located 1-1/2 hrs (72 miles) from Moab. We highly recommend a stay in the Moab area for several reasons; 1.) You can experience 2 national parks, Canyonlands and Arches, with some of the most dramatic landscape on Earth from one convenient location 2.) Moab has a small town atmosphere that has made it one of travelers favorite locations in all the Southwest. 3.) Moab has restaurants, microbreweries, shops, galleries as well as tour guides, outfitters and more! Check out Booking.com. for lodging deals in any season in Moab.
Have you visited Canyonlands National Park? Did you witness sunrise at Mesa Arch? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
what a place of utah .its look like heaven
The view from Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park is almost like a fairyland, I wish everyone had the opportunity to visit this beautiful National Park!
Just found your website as I’m beginning to ponder a trip to Canyonlands/Arches NP’s next year. I would love my own classic sunrise shot at Mesa arch as well. I did read in a seperate article that during some months of the year the sun was out of position to light up the underside of the arch. Does anyone have any idea what time of year this occurs? I believe October is prime month as the sun is directly opposite, but I wanted to visit in May after going to Havasu Falls. Anyone have a shot from mid May?? Thank you!! email me back at catmaster@comcast.net if you have any good info!
Would LOVE to visit Utah… it is on my list! LOL
Hi Ciki – I hope you are able to visit Utah. When you do be sure to put Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park on your list. The natural beauty there is amazing!
Do not hesitate GO !
I have yet to travel to Utah, but these photos definitely make me want to pay a visit ASAP!
Hi, Annette! I think you would love visiting Utah and the many National Parks there, the scenery is amazing!
Very cool photos Barbara, you must be a professional photographer.
Thanks for that awesome compliment, Raymond and welcome to our site. We are not professional photographers but sunrise at Mesa Arch in the right conditions can certainly produce some professional looking images!
Such beautiful photos!
Thank you, Becky! I’m glad you like the photos!
Such gorgeous pictures!! Makes me want to go there. I’ve never even been to Utah…
Thanks, Val! Utah has so many scenic areas to visit, I hope you will be able to visit there one day. Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park is just one of many!
Hello, I have nominated you for “Travel you way” photo competition! It’s fun to participate, if you want! Details in my blog! http://theitalianbackpacker.blogspot.it/2013/09/travel-your-way-photo-competition.html
Thank you so much for the invite Stefania, we are honored that you would consider us for this photo competition! I will definitely check it out.