The Mesa Arch Trail in Canyonlands National Park is one of the best short hikes in Utah. It’s only half a mile long and has almost no climbing, so it’s great for families, beginners, and anyone who wants beautiful views without a tough hike. The trail starts near a small parking area with signs about the park’s history and landscape. From there, it goes through a desert area with juniper trees, bushes, and sandstone.
The main attraction is Mesa Arch, a natural stone arch sitting right on the edge of a high cliff. Through the arch, you can see stunning views of deep canyons carved by the Colorado River and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. The trail is easy, but the viewpoint has steep drop-offs, so you need to be careful.
Many people visit Mesa Arch at sunrise, when the sunlight glows orange under the arch. But it looks beautiful at any time of day, with changing colors and shadows across the landscape. The best months to visit are April–May and September–October when the weather is comfortable.
Canyonlands National Park is close to Arches National Park, so most travelers visit both during the same trip. You can stay in places like Ulum Moab for luxury glamping or Sorrel River Ranch for a more rustic lodge experience.
If you have more time, the area is great for road trips. You can drive south to Monument Valley, then on to Page, Arizona, to see Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. Another option is to drive west on I-70 to explore Utah’s other famous parks like Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.
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