Are dogs allowed on Mesa Arch Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Mesa Arch Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Mesa Arch Trail?

No, Mesa Arch Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Mesa Arch Trail?

Mesa Arch Trail is rated easy. It is 0.6 miles long with 56 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Mesa Arch Trail?

Mesa Arch Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is Mesa Arch Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Mesa Arch Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Utah trail conditions

EasyLoop

Canyonlands National Park/Utah

Mesa Arch Trail

Moab, Utah

0.6 mi

Distance

56 ft

Elev. Gain

30m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

A 0.6-mile loop across the Island in the Sky mesa top to a 27-foot sandstone arch perched on the canyon rim. The arch frames a 1,000-foot drop into Buck Canyon with the La Sal Mountains beyond, and its underside glows red at dawn — making it the park's signature sunrise photo spot. The path climbs a short rocky hill with stone steps over slickrock and gravel.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Unfenced cliff edge directly behind the archRough, uneven rock and stone stepsSnow and ice on slickrock in winterSummer heat with zero shade

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Gravel

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:435-719-2313
Address:Island in the Sky - 33 miles from Moab on UT 313, The Needles - 49 miles from Monticello on UT 211, The Maze - 68 miles from Hanksville off UT 24 - unpaved roads · Moab, UT · 84532

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Highlights

27-ft arch hanging on the cliff edgeFamous sunrise glow under the archViews of Buck Canyon, Washer Woman Arch and the La Sal MountainsOne of the quickest payoffs in Canyonlands

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from NPS ArcGIS

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Utah hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Mesa Arch Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Gooseberry Trail

Potash Road OHV Trail

Big Horn Overlook Trail

Colorado River Overlook Trail

Dead Horse Point Tour

Great Pyramid Loop Trail

Other trails in Canyonlands National Park

Cave Spring Trail

Gooseberry Trail

Potash Road OHV Trail

Colorado River and Indian Creek Scenic OHV Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground

Murphy Point Overlook: At-Large Backpacking Zone

Airport A: Backcountry Campsite

Airport B: Backcountry Campsite

Gooseberry: Remote Backcountry Campsite

Murphy Hogback: Remote Backcountry Campsite

Similar trails in Utah

Observation Point Trail

Ensign Peak Trail and Overlook

Rocky Mouth Falls Trail

Lisa Falls Trail

Silver Lake Loop Trail

Grotto Falls Trail