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Mesa Arch is one of at least 80 arches at Canyonlands National Park in Utah. It’s located along Grand View Point Road in the Island in the Sky unit, near the intersection with Upheaval Dome Road.
The short hike to the arch is only a half mile loop. You can allow 15-30 minutes to complete it. It’s most popular at sunrise. There may be a chance you won’t find parking when you get there because of its popularity, no matter the time of day.
The Loop
The trail is mostly sand before reaching the arch.
Mesa Arch was created by water that collected behind sandstone, eroding it slowly over time. It spans 50 feet across the edge of a cliff. The arch is one of the most photographed features at Canyonlands National Park.
There are spectacular views of Buck Canyon from the arch. The drop to the bottom is 500 feet.
The rest of the loop back to the parking lot is also on sand, with views of Aztec Butte on the way back.
