Where is Mesa Arch, Moab, Utah?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Mesa Arch is located in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA. It lies between the Island in the Sky plateau and the vast canyons below and is situated in a high desert area. It is famous for its beautiful sunrise views and natural sandstone arch formation.

Mesa Arch Location Map, Moab, Utah

Where is Mesa Arch Located in Moab, Utah
About Map: The map showing location of Mesa Arch in the Moab, Utah in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Mesa Arch

  • Mesa Arch Viewpoint – Famous natural rock arch offering iconic sunrise photography opportunities.
  • Hiking Trails – Short, scenic trail leading to the arch with panoramic views of the canyon below.
  • Photography Spots – Ideal locations for capturing the arch framing the surrounding landscape.
  • Canyon Overlooks – Stunning vistas of canyons, mesas, and distant mountain ranges.
  • Sunrise Experience – Popular spot to witness dramatic sunrise lighting through the arch.
  • Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to spot desert flora and fauna around the trail.
  • Interpretive Signs – Educational information about geology, rock formations, and natural history.

Mesa Arch Facts

Official NameMesa Arch
LocationIsland in the Sky district, Canyonlands National Park, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Latitude & Longitude≈ 38.3892° N, 109.8681° W
Elevation≈ 6,099 ft (≈ 1,860 m) above sea level :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Natural Arch TypePothole / cliff‑edge natural sandstone arch — carved from Navajo Sandstone :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Span / Size (Arch)Approx. 27 ft (8.3 m) long opening / span :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Access / Trail InfoShort hiking trail (~0.6 miles round‑trip / ~1 km loop) from trailhead parking; easy difficulty with some rock steps; ~30 min recommended time (walk or short hike) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
View & SurroundingsPerched at edge of mesa cliff — offers dramatic views over deep canyon country, including Buck Canyon / White Rim, and panorama to surrounding rock formations and distant La Sal Mountains :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Best Time to Visit / Notable ExperienceSunrise — arch glows with warm light while framing canyon + mountain views — one of the most photographed arches in Southeast Utah :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Park / Managed ByCanyonlands National Park, managed by National Park Service (NPS) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Region / Geologic Setting{{Colorado Plateau / Colorado River canyon‑country, Southeastern Utah}}
Trailhead / Access InfoParking area along Grand View Point Road in Island in the Sky; drive from Moab via UT‑313 then Grand View Point Road (~45 min drive from Moab) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) — UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Entry / Admission InfoAccess via Canyonlands National Park entrance — park entrance fee applies; no special permit required for Mesa Arch hike (standard park fee) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Notes / WarningsArch sits on cliff edge — drop of ~500‑600 ft plus steep canyon below; no guardrails — caution advised especially with children; trail rocky and uneven, not wheelchair accessible; no dogs allowed (except service animals). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.nps.gov/places/mesa-arch.htm

Distances from Mesa Arch to Nearby Landmarks

  • Grand View Point – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Green River Overlook – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Dead Horse Point State Park – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Island in the Sky Visitor Center – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Upheaval Dome – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Shafer Canyon Overlook – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Potash Road / Colorado River Access – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Needles District (Canyonlands NP) – 120 km (75 mi)
  • Moab, Utah (town center) – 44 km (27 mi)
  • Arches National Park – 48 km (30 mi)
  • La Sal Mountains – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Canyonlands Scenic Drive – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • White Rim Road – 15 km (9 mi)
  • Lockhart Basin – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Dead Horse Point Overlook – 16 km (10 mi)