Mesa Arch Trail Hiking Guide
Mesa Arch sits right on the eastern lip of the Island in the Sky mesa, so the view through it drops straight into canyon country with the La Sal Mountains on the horizon. The walk is barely more than half a mile, which is why the trailhead lot is full of tripods before dawn. Here is how to time it and what to expect on the rim.
Permit: Canyonlands charges its own entrance fee at the Island in the Sky entrance station (cards only): $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle (valid 7 days) or $15 per person on foot or bike, 16 and older. The $55 annual pass covering Canyonlands, Arches, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep, or an America the Beautiful pass, also works. Canyonlands does not use timed-entry reservations.
A Short Loop to the Rim
AllTrails maps Mesa Arch as a 0.6-mile loop with 75 feet of gain, rated easy, and the park lists the same 0.6 miles round trip with about 30 minutes needed. AllTrails' description calls the path easy but a little uneven, with some rocks and stairs; the trail ends on slickrock at the arch. The far side of the arch is a sheer cliff, so keep children close at the end, and remember that Canyonlands bans climbing on its arches.
Sunrise at Mesa Arch
The park calls it a classic sunrise spot popular with photographers, and the crowd that gathers at the span before first light reflects that, especially in spring and during Utah's October fall break, which the park lists among its busiest stretches. If you'd rather have room to move, the park notes the view toward the La Sal Mountains is stunning at any time of day, and a mid-morning visit is far calmer.
What You're Looking At
Mesa Arch is a pothole arch on the mesa's eastern edge in northern San Juan County. Through and beyond the span you can pick out Washer Woman Arch, Monster Tower and Airport Tower on the benches below, with the La Sal Mountains on the skyline.
Canyonlands Fee and Entry
Island in the Sky has its own entrance station, separate from Arches, and it takes cards only. A private vehicle pays $30, a motorcycle $25 for seven days, and someone walking or cycling in pays $15. The Southeast Utah annual pass ($55) covers both parks plus Natural Bridges and Hovenweep, so it costs less than paying the vehicle fee at Arches and Canyonlands separately. Canyonlands doesn't require a timed-entry reservation, but the park warns of long lines at the entrance between March and November.
Water and Services on the Mesa
Island in the Sky has drinking water only at its visitor center, which fills year-round; the campground has none. The park suggests at least a quart per person even on short walks like this one, more in summer heat. Phone coverage is unreliable across the district, so download a map before leaving Moab.
Hiking tips for Mesa Arch Trail
- Get to the trailhead well before sunrise if you want a spot at the arch for the classic photo; the park calls it a favorite of photographers.
- Fill water bottles at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center; it's the only tap on the mesa.
- If you're doing both Arches and Canyonlands, the $55 Southeast Utah annual pass costs less than two separate $30 vehicle fees.
- Pets aren't allowed on Canyonlands trails or at overlooks, so plan dog care before you drive out.
- Stay back from the drop beyond the arch; it's an unfenced cliff.
Nearby trails to explore
- Grand View Point Trail (Canyonlands)
- Upheaval Dome Trail
- Dead Horse Point East and West Rim Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Sunrise at Mesa Arch means a pre-dawn drive from Moab that's easier shared. Use TrailMates to find Moab hikers headed for an early start at Island in the Sky. Download the TrailMates app to connect.