mesa arch

Ht0wn_Traveler

This would be an outstanding sunrise photo opportunity. The beautiful canyons below and the gorgeous snow-topped La Sal Mountains are perfectly framed in this small but impressive arch. The walk to the arch is a half mile round trip (relatively easy). One of my favorite two spots in Island in the Sky. Don't miss!!

603triciam

I could really leave a review with the title I've given this one to so many of the trails in the Moab area, but honestly, nothing amazed me quite as much as the gorgeous view through Mesa Arch. I guess it really just fit so perfectly with my aesthetic, but it's hard to imagine anybody walking up to this little formation, taking a peek through, and not being amazed. This view is awesome, in the very literal meaning of the word. It's a very easy trail and should not be missed! Be prepared for plenty of people, though, because there are always a fair number, but when I've visited, everyone has been very respectful of one another and taken turns looking, taking photos, etc. Do not miss this hike!

TalkTalk1980s

What made this arch unique from the other arches was the amazing view behind the drop-off of over 1000 feet. Although the cliché photo-op of the sunrise peaking through the arch was nice, I really thought the view right after sunrise when the entire canyonlands lit up was just phenomenal. I only wish I could have visited during a warmer time of year as I visited just before mid-November, but it was worth seeing the sunrise at Mesa Arch even in freezing cold weather in the morning. The Arch itself is not very big/tall, but it is situated in a very unique location that is not to be missed! And the hike to the arch was super easy.

NikkiBee13

This is a must see in this park, and therefore it is also very crowded. This is unavoidable, so just accept it. It is a short (5 min) trail to the arch- quite sandy. The arch itself is beautiful, more so for the scenery that surrounds it than the arch itself. You will see better arches at Arches NP in terms of height and width, but this arch is not to be missed. We stood in a sort of line and waited for our turn to take a quick pic right in front of the arch. It moved quickly and was not particularly disrupting. We took a moment or two to look down, but the great views are just looking straight out the arch with canyonlands spread out behind it. The colors were beautiful (a lot of pinks and purples).It is a must. You cannot go to Canyonlands and not see this!

dsgilber

So I guess the thing is to take sunrise pictures here. But we still took beautiful pictures in mid-morning, with the rocks all lit up down below. We came in January and had the place all to ourselves. So we took a bunch of fun pictures. Don't miss this beautiful arch even if you do miss sunrise.

MS624

You can watch the sunrise rise through the arch as its starts to peer over the horizon. It puts a warm glow on the edges of the arch. For photographers, this is the most sought after photograph so it can get very crowded at sunrise. The views are well worth the early wake call. The day we were there, the sunrise was spectacular. Just driving through the park to the arch was amazing.

JK328

After checking out the views in Dead Horse Point State Park, we headed over to Canyonlands to see Mesa Arch. After parking, it was an easy hike to the arch (we followed the map at the trailhead and opted to do the loop). We were there in the late afternoon and the view was just lovely. Many people also there taking photographs and turns to lie down and see the view below the arch. If our itinerary had more time, we would have loved to see more of Canyonlands, but Mesa Arch was a wonderful stop and a great introduction to the arches of Utah.

533brentm

Up at 4 am drive 35 miles in 14 degree weather hike 15 minutes in the dark and voila you have the experience of a lifetime I took probably 200 images a place I will always cherish and a must do if you are in the area

lysmekah

After 2.5 weeks on the road, this was by far my favourite photographic spot of the trip. I had researched the arch and heard it was a great photographic point, but was worried it was a little overrated, so I skipped the sunrise shot and almost skipped it all together. However, we had extra time in the park and my husband was off on a longer hike, so I decided to stop. And I was TOTALLY wrong. It was WAY WAY WAY underrated. Even in the rain at 3pm in the afternoon this was my FAVOURITE view of the entire trip. I could have spent hours photographing here. Such an amazing view. Do yourself a favour and DO NOT MISS IT!

SusanS378

This is an easy hike but one that you should not miss. The views are awesome views. It is such a beautiful arch.

275MichaelG

have to see to believe///// pictures of this area do not do it justice if you can ever go when there is a little snow around it will blow your mind when the sun hits iy

TNF_12

Arrive at dawn to see one of the most iconic images of the Colorado plateau - sunrise at Mesa Arch. The view of the canyonlands and the distant LaSal mountains through Mesa Arch is not to be missed. The Arch is a ~1/2 mile hike from the parking lot and does require a small amount of uphill walking. Advise to wear hiking boots to get the best footing. There is a restroom at the parking lot.Simply stunning, viewing Mesa Arch is an experience that you will cherish.

meganephron

Late afternoon. Sturdy arch you can walk on just be careful of the 1000 foot drop off the back. Beautiful vista beyond

Kennedyc67

If you can get to the park in time for the sunrise in the morning, this is one of the most spectacular places to see one. See photo here: https://500px.com/photo/90944459/a-sunrise-everyone-should-see-by-craig-kennedy?from=user_library

Inazumamazzy

This was the only place I decided we had time for in canyonlands on our trip, and having read a little it was obvious sunrise was the time to go. So trundled up at 5am or so and waited for what felt like forever among a gaggle of keen photographers. But when the sun finally peeked out from the clouds it was so worth it- the formations in the distance, with the early mist and sun was beautiful. If you go; go before sunrise. It's 100x better then, and if you have no time to make a day of it go here.