Mesa Arch

Cliff-edge sandstone arch glowing orange at sunrise

A sandstone arch right on the lip of the Island in the Sky mesa, framing a straight-down view into the canyon below. The hike from the trailhead is half a mile and flat. At sunrise the underside of the arch glows orange-red as it reflects the canyon walls — worth setting an alarm for. Check with the visitor center for the exact sunrise time and expect company; this is one of the most photographed spots in the park.

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