Nicole LaBarge - American Southwest Obsessed

A Mesmerizing Sunrise Adventure: Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah Imagine visiting Mesa Arch at sunrise and standing on the edge of a natural wonder, bathed in the soft, golden hues of the rising sun. As dawn breaks over the majestic red-rock landscape of Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch comes to life in a breathtaking display of colors. This iconic stone arch, perched on the edge of a rugged cliff, has become synonymous with the allure of the American Southwest. If you're an adventurer at heart, an early riser, or simply someone seeking the extraordinary, witnessing the sunrise at Mesa Arch is a journey well worth undertaking. This guide invites you to embark on an unforgettable expedition to one of nature's most captivating spectacles. Discover the secrets of planning the perfect Mesa Arch sunrise adventure, and uncover the tips and tricks to ensure your visit is nothing short of spectacular. Visiting Mesa Arch at sunrise is a lovely experience if you are a morning person but well worth the early wake up time! Mesa Arch is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. If you are staying in Moab, you will need to leave 60-90 minues before sunrise as it is a 45-60 minute drive and then a 10 minute walk. Plus you'll want to set up your photography gear as well. Why Mesa Arch at Sunrise? Mesa Arch is undeniably the crown jewel of Canyonlands National Park. The good news? Getting there is a breeze, and it's a relatively easy hike. The spectacular sunrise view alone is well worth waking up early for. Planning Your Visit to Mesa Arch at Sunrise When to Go: The ideal time for Mesa Arch at sunrise is early morning. Leave Moab about 60-90 minutes before sunrise for the 45-60 minute drive to the park entrance. Be sure to account for time to set up your photography gear. Crowd Alert: Be prepared for crowds. This is the top attraction in Canyonlands, especially for sunrise seekers. Can you take a picture on top of Mesa Arch? It is illegal to stand on top of any arches or walk on them in Canyonlands National Park. Climbing or walking on the arches damages them and can also be dangerous. Stay off of the Arches. Tips for Hiking to Mesa Arch - Mesa Arch Trail Canyonlands National Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a hike for everyone on this list and for different fitness levels. Also, note that it is dry and hot (in the summer) and make sure you know what you are getting into before you start. Here are a few tips for Canyonlands hiking: Bring a reusable water bottle and lots of water! Remember you are in the sun and you will need to drink lots of water. I love my LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle. I can refill this bottle anywhere and it comes with a carabiner to connect it to my daypack. Check the Weather – days over 100 degrees are very common. There also is not much shade in Canyonlands National Park. Make sure to check. Hiking boots or sandals that will protect your feet! I love good shoes. I need all the support and help I can get. I actually love these sandals for hiking and have a whole post on Merrell vs Keen shoes for hiking. I also love these hiking boots which I used for Hiking in the Grand Canyon. Bring hiking poles for balance and to protect your knees. I know many experienced hikers (and even amateur ones) think that hiking poles are for old people who lose their balance. Actually, hiking poles can help when going down steep inclines or when scrambling over rocks. They are great to hike with even for the most experienced hiker. Wear a sunhat. I feel like this whole post is about how high you are in the mountains and how much closer you are to the sun but it is so true. At elevation, you are closer to the sun and more likely to burn. Wear sun protection such as a sun hat and sunscreen. Be aware of the wildlife. This is the Southwest and you will need to watch out for snakes and other wildlife. Please stay away from wildlife and do not feed them. Start Early – If you want to avoid the traffic and the heat you will need to start your hike early. That way it will be nice and cool and the smog will not affect you either. Leave no trace. If you are new to the concept of Leave No Trace it is all about preserving the environment to ensure it is in the same or better condition when you leave it. This means that you should stick to the trails and carry out everything that you carried in. This is a great explanation of the Leave No Trace principles! Water shoes are great for water hikes– If you don’t have a pair, I highly suggest it as they are affordable. I have an article on the pros and cons of several pairs of water shoes. Bring Bug Spray and a snack: Be sure to bring everything you need including a snack like a protein bar plus BUG SPRAY. Navigating to the Mesa Arch Trail Mesa Arch is located within Canyonlands National Park, accessible via U.S. Highway 101 north of Moab. Turn left onto Utah highway 313 for a 22-mile drive to the Islands in the Sky entrance. While the drive may seem uneventful, the payoff is well worth it. Upon arrival at the Mesa Arch parking lot, it's a short 10-minute walk to the arch. If you're there before sunrise, the path can be dark and rocky, so remember to bring a flashlight. Tips for Capturing the Perfect Mesa Arch Sunrise Arrive Early: To secure your spot and set up, arrive well before sunrise. Bring a Flashlight: For the dark hike to the arch, consider a headlamp or flashlight. The Short Hike: The trail to the arch is just half a mile round trip, mainly over large rocks. Patience Pays Off: Plan to spend a couple of hours at least, as the sunrise show keeps improving. Photography Essentials: A tripod is essential for capturing the perfect shot. A quality camera helps, but you don't need a professional one. Respect Other Photographers: Space is limited, so be mindful of others. Be cautious not to bump into tripods. The Best Time to Visit Mesa Arch While Mesa Arch attracts more visitors in spring and summer, these seasons also offer the best chances for the mesmerizing sunrise you came to see. Winter can be intriguing, especially with snow on the ground to enhance the scenery. Mesa Arch at Sunrise: Worth the Early Wake-Up Call Even if you're not a photographer, witnessing the mesmerizing colors and changing light at Mesa Arch during sunrise is a priceless experience. It's hands down one of the best adventures you can have in Canyonlands National Park. Mesa Arch sunrise photo tips Which season is best for taking photos of the Mesa Arch sunrise? The Arch will definitely be more crowded in spring and summer and you'll also have to wake up earlier to photograph sunrise but it is the best time to capture sunrise at Mesa Arch. Winter would be interesting especially if there is snow on the ground to reflect the light. Should I go to Mesa Arch sunrise even if I am not a photographer? It is definitely worth it to wake up for sunrise and visit Mesa Arch. The colors are unbelievable and as I mentioned before the sunrise keeps getting better and better. I think everyone should experience seeing Mesa Arch lit up in bright orange. Hands down one of our best experiences at Canyonlands National Park. What do you think? Is it worth the early wake up call? Other things to consider when visiting at Sunrise at Mesa Arch Winter Visit Advantages: Mention the unique aspects of visiting Mesa Arch in winter, such as fewer crowds and the scenic beauty of snow contrasting with the arch. Photography Equipment Recommendations: Include specific recommendations for lenses, tripods, and camera settings to capture the sunrise effectively. Visitor Etiquette: Emphasize the importance of respecting other visitors and photographers, especially in crowded conditions. Safety Tips: Provide safety tips for hiking in the dark and navigating the rocky terrain. Environmental Considerations: Highlight the importance of Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Where to stay near Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands makes for a great weekend escape. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and being in nature does a world of good for the soul. I recommend staying as close to the park as possible and even treating yourself with a cabin with a spa pool to relax at night. There are lots of fantastic Airbnbs in Moab. There are many beautiful places to stay near the park and this allows you to spend most of your time experiencing the park instead of driving to the park. I stayed at the Castle Valley Inn. This is one of the best Moab Hotels and it has amazing amenities and is close to everything. I have a whole post on where to stay in Moab, Utah if you are looking for more ideas and also a post on Where to Stay near Canyonlands National Park. If you are taking a road trip remember to reserve a car in advance using Discover Cars .