Photography at Mesa Arch at Sunrise
ScenicEasySpringYear-roundWinter
Join the morning pilgrimage to witness the bottom of the arch glow like a neon light as the first rays hit the canyon floor below.
Itinerary tips
- 1Aim to arrive at the trailhead at least 45-60 minutes before scheduled sunrise to secure a spot for your tripod.
- 2Pack a wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm) to capture both the arch's interior glow and the expansive Buck Canyon backdrop.
- 3Bring a headlamp for the short, 0.5-mile hike as the trail is uneven and completely dark before dawn.
- 4Dress in layers even during summer, as temperatures in the high-desert mesa are significantly colder before the sun rises.
- 5Ensure you have a valid Southeast Utah Parks pass or an America the Beautiful pass for entry into the Island in the Sky district.
- 6Stay for 20 minutes after the initial sunrise to capture the most intense 'neon' orange glow on the underside of the arch.
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