Mesa Arch: Gorgeous Sunrise in Canyonlands NP
- Stephen Warner
- Aug 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
While nearby Arches National Park may be the undisputed king of iconic rock formations, Canyonlands has a few gems of its own, with Mesa Arch being the crown jewel. This short trail leads you right to a dramatic sandstone arch perched on the edge of a sheer cliff, perfectly framing the canyons and spires below.
It’s an especially popular sunrise destination, and though you definitely won’t have it to yourself, watching the sun burst through the arch as the sandstone glows a fiery orange is still worth the early alarm.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Mesa Arch Trail |
Distance | 0.6 miles / 1 km (loop) |
Estimated time | 30 min |
Elevation gain | 50 ft / 17 m |
Highest point | 6,187 ft / 1,886 m (Along trail) |
Permits / fees | National park fee |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | Yes |
Dog friendly? | No (prohibited) |
Know before you go
This trail is extremely popular at sunrise. Don’t expect solitude — expect tripods, elbows, and photographers all trying to get “the shot.”
Other trails nearby
Grand View Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 70 ft (20 m) gain
Details: A scenic rim trail that offers sweeping views of the canyon system. A good add-on after you’ve caught the sunrise at Mesa Arch
The Trail
The loop trail is straightforward — choose clockwise or counterclockwise (counterclockwise might be a dozen steps shorter to the arch). Either way, just follow the clearly marked dirt path.
There are a few rock steps and uneven sections, but overall this is a very accessible trail for all skill levels.
Here’s a shot of the descent to the arch from later in the day. If you squint, you can see a few people standing under the arch.
But let’s rewind to sunrise. This was taken just before the sun broke the horizon. I thought it was fitting to show the reality here: photographers lining up, tripods locked in, hoping for the perfect shot.
Just after the sun peeked through, the couple in front of the arch moved aside and boom! The iconic image came together: sunburst through the arch, canyon silhouettes glowing in the warm light, and that unmistakable orange underglow that makes Mesa Arch so legendary.
Time for a few different perspectives — like this shot looking down at the line of photographers capturing the moment.
And finally, a close-up of that incredible orange glow. Mesa Arch sunrise photo shoot: complete. Now, what's next on today’s Canyonlands agenda?
SS Reflections
Sunrise photo shoots are such a fascinating window into human behavior. I remember one of my first — at The Windows in Arches National Park, over seven years ago — and the experience at Mesa Arch brought all those same emotions flooding back.
There’s this mix of nervous excitement, quiet competition, and shared anticipation. Some people jockey for the best position, others quietly set up, everyone trying to claim their small piece of the frame. And I’m no different. Part of me is wrapped up in trying to capture the moment, while another part is just trying to be present for it.
But then… the sun rises. And in an instant, you hear the clicks of camera shutters firing off like a wave. For a moment, it's like no one can just watch without trying to capture.
Sometimes I wonder if that instinct gets in the way of the experience. But then I look back at these photos, months or even years later, and I remember exactly how it felt. I remember the chill in the air, the buzz of the crowd, the golden glow spreading across the canyons. And in that sense, these shared moments — even the chaotic, tripod-crowded ones — are special. They bring people together to appreciate a natural phenomenon that feels just a little bit magical.
And that, to me, makes the early wakeup and the crowded overlook completely worth it.
Other helpful resources
Official NPS page of the Mesa Arch Trail
