Mesa Arch, Canyonlands
Moab, UT
A half-mile walk to an arch on the edge of a cliff. At sunrise the underside glows red.
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) near Moab (Utah) is a rock arch right on the edge of a cliff, about 1,500 ft (460 m) above the forks of Buck Canyon. The loop trail to it is only 0.6 mile (1 km) long and gains about 56 ft (17 m); allow roughly 30 minutes. The path is rocky and uneven, with stone steps, and is not suitable for wheelchairs. Walking clockwise to the arch means fewer steps.
The sunrise is what makes it famous: the first light turns the underside of the arch orange-gold. Even in midsummer, when the sun rises before 5 a.m., at least a dozen photographers are waiting there. The trailhead parking lot can fill up, so arrive early. The view is good at any time of day. In winter there may be snow or ice, and the park recommends traction devices for your shoes. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, except service animals.
- Nearest town
- Moab, UT
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.3890, -109.8680
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cowboy CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Mesa Arch, Canyonlands · 7 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Sun Outdoors Moab DowntownMotorhome stopover21 mi from Mesa Arch, CanyonlandsTentsCaravansMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Sun Outdoors North MoabCampsite21 mi from Mesa Arch, CanyonlandsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Sun Outdoors Arches GatewayMotorhome stopover22 mi from Mesa Arch, CanyonlandsMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Moab KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover22 mi from Mesa Arch, CanyonlandsTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Red Desert RV ParkCampsite23 mi from Mesa Arch, CanyonlandsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mesa Arch, Canyonlands?
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands is in Moab, UT, at GPS 38.3890, -109.8680. It is about 5 mi from Island in the Sky.
Can you camp near Mesa Arch, Canyonlands?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Willow Flat, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 89 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mesa Arch, Canyonlands?
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Utah's five national parks, in one loop from Las Vegas.
What is there to see near Mesa Arch, Canyonlands?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grand View Point Overlook (5 mi), Dead Horse Point State Park (9 mi), Canyonlands – The Needles District (16 mi) and Corona Arch Trail (19 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mesa Arch, Canyonlands?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)