The Mesa Arch Trail Guide —Canyonlands National Park

Spanning 50 feet along a stunning cliff’s edge, Mesa Arch is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in the National Park Service. What most people don’t realize is that this iconic arch is in Canyonlands National Park (not in nearby Arches National Park) and that all it takes to see this gorgeous view is half an hour and a short hike from the parking area!

Mesa Arch is undeniably one of the most popular attractions in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park — and for a good reason.  The magnificent backdrop is perfectly framed by the forces of nature and the spectacular views will leave you breathless!

What You Need to Know About Hiking Mesa Arch

• The hike to Mesa Arch is a short loop trail and is extremely easy to follow.
• Be sure to use the Island in the Sky park entrance, not the entrances for the Needles or Maze Districts of this park.
• Both sunrise and sunset can be a crowded time of day to visit Mesa Arch because it is such a favorite place for photography. Plan to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon so you can choose one of the best spots for photos!
• Even though this is a short trail, it is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to the rocky and uneven terrain.
• If you are hiking the Mesa Arch trail in the winter months, traction devices or microspikes may be needed.
• No pets are permitted on this trail.

This easy hike is a must-do during your first time in Canyonlands National Park. The Mesa Arch hike is only 0.5 miles round trip with 65 feet of elevation change. The difficulty level of this trail is easy.

The Mesa Arch Trail

As you begin the hike from the small parking lot, the trail will offer you two options — one path straight ahead and another to your left. It doesn’t really matter which direction you go. Either way, you’ll gain some elevation as you head up the hill!

In the picture below, you can see that the trail itself is a combination of dirt and slickrock, with many stone steps carved into the rock.

After a quick climb to the top of the hill, you’ll start to descend toward the edge of the cliff.  This is when you will likely get your first glimpse of the front of the arch!

A few more steps will bring you to the base of this gorgeous arch, which is perched delicately among the rock formations on the edge of a 500-foot cliff over the canyon below.

This is the part of the hike where you will want to carefully watch your children as you enjoy the view. (Did we mention the edge of the cliffs?!)

The view beyond the arch is phenomenal!  The stunning canyons of the national park decorate the ground below, and the dramatic La Sal Mountains can be seen along the horizon.

The iconic photos of the opening of Mesa Arch are usually taken at sunrise, which is the most popular time to view this east-facing arch.  The lighting at sunset also puts on a nice show.  Regardless of when you go, you are guaranteed dazzling views of the majestic landscape of high mesas in the distance!

After soaking in the views, complete the loop to return back to your car in the Mesa Arch parking lot.

The hike to Mesa Arch is 0.5 miles round trip and gains 65 feet of elevation, classifying it as an easy and family-friendly trail.

Getting Here

From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive approximately 6 miles along the Grand View Point Road until you see the Mesa Arch Trailhead parking lot on your left.  If you reach the intersection in the road that leads to the Willow Flat Campground and Green River Overlook, you have gone too far.

Have a great time hiking the Mesa Arch Trail! Click Next to discover 12 can’t-miss things to do in Canyonlands National Park!

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