How to Catch Sunrise at Mesa Arch: Canyonlands National Park

If you plan to visit Canyonlands National Park, we suggest you spend one of your mornings seeing the Sunrise at Mesa Arch. 

Mesa Arch is one of the most memorable experiences you can have during a Mighty Five Utah road trip. And the best time to visit Mesa Arch are the minutes before sunrise!

This short hike in the dark will be well worth it when you are able to get the shot of the entire arch as the sun rises over the La Sal Mountains in the distance. 

This guide will give you everything you need to know about this unforgettable experience, but take our word for it – just go. Set the alarm, lace up those hiking boots, grab your camera, and head up to Mesa Arch for sunrise!

What is Mesa Arch?

Mesa Arch is a 27-foot natural sandstone arch. It is one of the most famous arches in Utah apart from the famous Delicate Arch at Arches National Park. The arch is perched on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding canyon. This beautiful, natural formation is estimated to be 170 million years old. 

Why Visit Mesa Arch at Sunrise?

Hiking to Mesa Arch at sunrise is an experience like no other. Here are some benefits of making the effort to wake up early and hike to Mesa Arch:

1. Extraordinary Views

The view from Mesa Arch at sunrise is simply breathtaking. As the sun rises, the arch glows in the golden light, creating a stunning contrast against the deep canyon below. The view is especially magical because you can see for miles and miles, taking in the vastness of the Canyonlands. It’s a view you won’t forget anytime soon.

2. Less Crowds

While there will still be a small crowd, the trail is far less crowded at this time of day. You can take your time taking pictures and soaking in the scenery. The crowds at Mesa Arch will definitely increase in the hour after sunrise!

3. Cooler Weather

The temperature is much cooler at sunrise, making the hike more comfortable. You’ll also avoid the heat of the day, which can be quite intense in the Canyonlands. Plus, the light at sunrise is perfect for photography, creating a warm, soft light that is ideal for capturing the beauty of the arch and canyon.

Plan Your Hike

If you’re planning to experience the breathtaking Mesa Arch sunrise in Canyonlands, you need to ensure that you are well-prepared. Here is some good information to be aware of! 

Necessary Equipment and Clothing

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction to tackle the potentially slippery rocks.
• Comfortable clothing that is suitable for the weather conditions.
• A backpack to carry your essentials.
• Snacks and plenty of water to keep you hydrated during the hike.

Trail Difficulty Level

The Mesa Arch trail is an easy-to-moderate trail that is 0.5 miles each way (1 mile round trip). It is a well-maintained trail with a few steep sections. Most casual hikers will be just fine, but be sure you are moderately comfortable with hiking on uneven terrain.

How to Reach Mesa Arch

Directions to Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is located in the Island in the Sky District. To reach the Mesa Arch trailhead, enter the park on the north entrance of Canyonlands National Park, near Moab. There will be plenty of signage pointing you toward Mesa Arch. Check out this map from our friends over at NPMaps!

Parking Information

The Mesa Arch parking lot can accommodate approximately 30 vehicles. While the crowds will be a bit thinner in the morning, this is still a very popular activity. It’s best to arrive as early as possible! If the lot is full, you’ll have to park at the Grand View Point Overlook and hike an additional 0.5 miles to the trailhead.

Get to Mesa Arch

Trail Features and Landmarks

The trail to the arch has interesting features and landmarks that make the hike worthwhile. After a short walk, you will come across a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding rock formations and canyons. As you continue your hike, you will reach the iconic Mesa Arch. This natural arch frames a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, especially during sunrise when the first rays of light hit the arch.

Along the way, you will also see interesting rock formations and plants that grow in this unique environment. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as lizards, rabbits, and even bighorn sheep.

Best Time to Arrive at the Arch

The arch faces east, which means the sunlight will hit the arch and the canyon walls behind it just as the sun rises over the horizon. The night before, take note of sunrise time and plan accordingly! If possible, arrive at Mesa Arch one hour before sunrise to secure a good spot. 

Photograph Sunrise at Mesa Arch

Photographing Mesa Arch at sunrise could be tough. It’s a popular time to visit the arch (which probably brought you to this post!) You are almost guaranteed to run into other photographers looking for their perfect Mesa Arch sunrise photo. Get there early if you are hoping to capture the sunrise from the front of the arch. 

We’d also recommend hiking around the arch for some additional spectacular views! We captured some beautiful sunrise photos from the side of the arch that were just a short hike away. But no matter where you are in the area, you are guaranteed to capture some incredible photos of Mesa Arch!

Conclusion

Experiencing a Sunrise at Mesa Arch should be at the top of your list while visiting Canyonlands. The hike may be short, but it offers stunning views that will leave you in awe. Remember to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot at the arch. By following these tips, you’ll be able to watch the sunrise in one of the most incredible National Parks in Utah.

Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of one of the best sunrises you’ll ever experience! Happy hiking!