Mesa Arch — Attraction in Four Corners States

For photographers this is among the best locations to catch a sunrise in the entire world, the only drawback is a lot of folks know it!

At nearly one hour drive from Moab the longest part of the adventure will most likely be spent in the car because once you arrive in the parking lot it's just a short 10-20 minute hike to the Arch.

The biggest drawback to this trail is how popular it is, but you can't blame people for realizing that the drive plus short hike is well worth it for the views. The other drawback is the parking lot is a little bit small so you may have to loop around, but we got lucky!

Been here twice so far, once was a November sunrise so I thought we'd have the place to ourselves arriving so early, but to my surprise there was already a horde of photographers lined up in front of the arch like it was Beyonce at a red carpet!

I waited my turn and snuck in shots when I could, but there was no room for me at the arch when the sun broke the horizon!

You can sneak in plenty of scenic shots that other photo-seekers miss while they are fixated on the star of the show (the arch). If you want to get a primo spot for sunrise then get here early! I overheard two photographers that had slept in the parking lot for two nights to get...

Mesa Arch isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s an experience. Tucked into the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, this modest-looking arch becomes something extraordinary when the sun rises behind it. If you get there early, you’ll see the underside of the arch glow with fiery orange light, framing a vast canyon and distant peaks in a way that feels almost unreal.

The hike to the arch is short and easy—just about half a mile round trip on a well-marked trail. But despite its simplicity, the reward at the end is immense. You walk up to it and suddenly, the entire world seems to open up through that stone window.

It’s one of those places where time feels like it slows down. People speak in hushed tones, cameras click softly, and everyone is just…watching. Watching the light change, the shadows dance, and the canyon come alive beneath the arch.

It can get crowded at sunrise, but there’s a quiet reverence among those who make the early trek. It’s not just about the photo (though you’ll want to take plenty)—it’s about being there, in that moment, witnessing something timeless.

Mesa Arch may not be the biggest or the longest, but it holds something special. It’s one of those rare places that stays with you, long after you’ve walked back...

Mesa Arch is beautiful! (Be-UTAH-ful!) :) Easy hike. Photographers dream. Well worth a visit.

Mesa Arch Trail is a 0.7 mile loop trail, inside Canyonlands NP, located near Moab, Utah. It is an easy hike and good for most skill levels. The hike can be heavily tracked during peak times (of day and season). The parking lot can fill during these times.

Sunrise (or sunset) is a great time of day to view the arch. But it is worth a visit any time of day, if you cannot make sunrise. I hiked out there just before sunrise one January and there were still quite a few keen hikers and photographers even during this less-popular month to visit the park. The sun rises in the distance over the La Sal Mountains and illuminates the underside of the arch a brilliant orange. The sun continues to illuminate the underside of the arch for a while after sunrise.

Be careful during your hike to avoid the delicate cryptobiotic crust off the edge of the main hiking trail. This 'desert glue' takes many years to form and helps to hold the soil together from erosion. Pretty wildflowers can be seen in the late spring.

Tips: *Bring along a headlamp if viewing for sunrise or sunset. *Wear yaktrax on your shoes if visiting in the...