How to Hike the Mesa Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park

The Islands in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is best explored by driving the park road and stopping at several short hikes and viewpoints along the way. One of the best hikes is the Mesa Arch Trail in Canyonlands NP. This is an easy loop trail that pays off with views of the valley through this wide and low arch.

We recommend combining this hike with another short hike in the park (like the White Rim Overlook Trail) and stopping at a few viewpoints in the area. Learn more about exploring Canyonlands National Park, or if you are looking for a longer hiking in Canyonlands, check out the Chesler Loop Trail.

Quick Look at the Mesa Arch Trail

Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 90 feet
Difficulty:Easy

The Mesa Arch Loop hike is a short, family-friendly trail that takes visitors loop to the iconic Mesa Arch, offering stunning views of the surrounding canyons and cliffs. This easy hike is particularly popular at sunrise, when the arch glows with vibrant colors, providing a breathtaking photo opportunity.

Things to Know about Hiking the Mesa Arch Trail

Where to Park for the Mesa Arch Trail

Located in the Island in the Sky district of the park, Mesa Arch is easily accessible via a short, well-marked trail. You can’t see the arch from the road so you will need to take the short hike to see it. The Mesa Arch parking area is located along the main road in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, and it’s well-marked with signs. The trailhead is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it easy to access the start of the hike.

How Hard is the Mesa Arch Trail

This is a very easy and short hike and the trail to the arch is mostly flat. This is a great choice if you are limited on time or have young kids.

Best Time of Year to Hike the Mesa Arch Trail

Canyonlands can be very hot in the summer. If you are visiting during the warm season, it’s best to hike early in the morning or later in the day. The best time to explore this part of Canyonlands is the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler.

Packing List for the Mesa Arch Hike

This is a short hike, so you can get away with packing light. We do recomend wearing close toed shoes (sneakers or hiking boots) and packing water, especially during the summer months.

Sunrise at Mesa Arch

One of the unique features of Mesa Arch is the way it frames the view of the canyonlands below, especially at sunrise. As the sun rises, it illuminates the underside of the arch with a fiery glow, creating a breathtaking and highly photogenic scene. This phenomenon attracts photographers and nature lovers from around the world.

Is there a Fee to Visit Mesa Arch

There is a fee to enter Canyonlands National Park. You will need to enter at the gate to get to the parking area. You can see more about these fees at the National Park Service.

Our Experience Hiking to Mesa Arch

I did the hike to Mesa with all 3 kids (well teenagers) during April of 2024. This trail itself is incredibly easy and can be hiked in either direction. We chose to go clockwise and completed the entire hike plus taking some photos in about 30 minutes. If you want a photo right at the arch you may need to be patient, but we didn’t find it too crowded in April.

Other Adventures in Utah

Check out our guides on Arches, Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Parks.

You can also see our epic 1 month National Park Road Trip, or see more about the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.