Sunrise at Mesa Arch
ScenicEasyYear-round
Witness the iconic glow as the morning sun illuminates the underside of the arch, framing the vast canyons of the Island in the Sky.
Itinerary tips
- 1Arrive at the trailhead at least 45 to 60 minutes before the official sunrise time to secure a spot at the arch.
- 2Bring a headlamp or high-lumen flashlight for the dark, 0.5-mile walk along the well-marked dirt path.
- 3Pack a wide-angle lens if you are a photographer to capture the full span of the arch and the canyon floor below.
- 4Ensure you have a valid National Park Pass or pay the entrance fee at the Island in the Sky gate, which is open 24/7.
- 5Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to navigate the uneven sandstone surfaces near the cliff edge safely.
- 6Plan to stay for 20 minutes after the sun clears the horizon to see the famous orange glow reach its peak intensity.
More in Moab
Drive the Shafer Trail Switchbacks
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Peer through the 'eye' of the arch as it frames the vast canyon system of Canyonlands, illuminated by the first light of day.
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