Canyonlands Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is the most photographed feature in Canyonlands National Park and one of the most iconic images in the national park system. A modestly-sized natural arch perched on the edge of a 500-foot cliff, it frames a vast canyon landscape that includes the La Sal Mountains, the Colorado River canyon, and layers of geological time in colored rock strata.

The hike is remarkably short -- 0.5 miles on a loop trail, taking 10-15 minutes. The trail winds through pinyon-juniper forest and across slickrock before the arch appears suddenly at the cliff edge. The accessibility makes it one of the best family hikes in any national park -- significant reward for minimal effort.

At sunrise, Mesa Arch becomes transcendent. Sunlight reflects off the orange canyon floor below and illuminates the underside of the arch, creating a fiery glow that photographers travel from around the world to capture. The effect lasts about 15-20 minutes.

Spring and fall equinox sunrises are most dramatic. On popular weekends, 50-100 photographers gather -- arrive 45 minutes early for a position.

During the rest of the day, Mesa Arch is much less crowded and still beautiful. The view through the arch at midday is spectacular, and you may have it to yourself on a weekday. For families not willing to wake before dawn, a daytime visit is perfectly worthwhile.

Safety is the primary concern. The arch sits on a cliff edge with a 500-foot vertical drop. There are no railings. Supervise children closely and keep everyone back from the edge. The arch itself is low to the ground, and standing on top of it (which some visitors do) puts you on the cliff edge.

Mesa Arch is in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, accessed via the same Highway 313 as Dead Horse Point State Park. Most families visit both in a half-day trip from Moab (40-minute drive to the trailhead).