Sunrise at Mesa Arch
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Arrive early at this Island in the Sky landmark to see the underside of the arch glow like a neon light as the sun rises over the La Sal Mountains.
Itinerary tips
- 1Aim to arrive at the trailhead at least 45 minutes before the official sunrise time to secure a spot at the arch's rim.
- 2Pack a headlamp or high-lumen flashlight for the 0.5-mile walk to the arch, as the trail involves uneven sandstone steps in total darkness.
- 3Bring a wide-angle lens and a tripod if you are a photographer, but be prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with others in a designated line.
- 4Dress in layers regardless of the season, as the high-desert elevation of Island in the Sky remains significantly colder than the Moab valley floor.
- 5Verify your vehicle has a valid Southeast Utah Parks pass or an America the Beautiful pass to avoid delays at the self-pay station.
- 6Plan for a 45-minute drive from downtown Moab to the trailhead, accounting for slow speeds on the winding park access roads.
More in Moab
Drive the Shafer Trail Switchbacks
Navigate a white-knuckle descent on a dirt road that drops 1,500 feet from the Island in the Sky mesa to the canyon floor.
ScenicStargaze at Dead Horse Point
Visit this International Dark Sky Park after hours to see the Milky Way arching over the gooseneck curves of the Colorado River far below.
ScenicWatch the Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Peer through the 'eye' of the arch as it frames the vast canyon system of Canyonlands, illuminated by the first light of day.
ScenicStargazing at Arches National Park
Take advantage of the long November nights in this International Dark Sky Park to view the Milky Way framed by massive sandstone silhouettes.
Scenic