When travelers think of the spectacular twin parks on the eastern edge of Utah, Canyonlands and Arches, they think of Canyonlands as having,…well,…canyons. And Arches as having,…well,…arches.

For the most part, that’s true. But one very notable exception is Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Mesa is a massive fin of Navajo Sandstone that has been formed by a vertical joint in the bluff, literally turning the edge of a precipitous cliff into an arch.

Many avid nature photographers have seen pictures of Mesa at sunrise in visual essays and portfolios. The unique lighting and setting is unforgettable. As the sun rises, the arch appears to glow from within, turning the color of an active lava flow. As you wonder at the arch itself, sunlight begins to touch the Colorado River canyon in the valley below. When the two come together, Mesa’s curve forms an orange frame around the spires and cliffs of Buck Canyon with the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop.

You can’t make a sunrise trek to Mesa Arch by accident. It is a forty-two mile drive from Moab to the trailhead, and then another half-mile walk to the arch. The trail itself is easy, even in the pre-dawn darkness. Because the beautiful span is so well known, you may be startled to turn that last corner and find a group of folks hunkered down in the sandstone pockets. Waiting, like you, for the first touch of sunlight.

If pre-dawn excursions are not your thing, then take the half mile loop hike anyway. Morning is best. It is a self-guided nature trail, so cactus, pinyon, juniper and other desert flora are marked along the way. Mesa Arch is reached by a short spur trail, so watch for the signs. Bring a picnic lunch and sit in the rocks at the top of the arch’s curve for awesome views of the Colorado River, Monster Tower, Airport Tower, the La Sals and Washer Woman Arch.

Mesa Arch is located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands, about ten miles south of the visitor center.