Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is a 27-foot-long natural sandstone arch on the eastern rim of Island in the Sky. Its low opening frames the canyon below and, on a clear day, the La Sal Mountains. It is one of the district's signature sights, and I'd make time for it even if you're not coming for sunrise.

The marked route is about 0.6 mile round trip and takes roughly 30 minutes. The trail is short but rocky and uneven, with stone steps. Take the clockwise approach to reduce the stairs, then retrace your steps. This is not a wheelchair-accessible walk; dogs are not allowed on the trail, though service animals are.

The arch frames the White Rim country and the canyon far below, with the La Sal Mountains on the distant skyline. Washer Woman Arch is off to the left when you look through Mesa Arch. For a photo that shows the scale of the setting, step back a few paces so the distant mountains fit above the opening.

Mesa Arch is a pothole arch: water pooled in the sandstone and gradually wore through the rock at the mesa's edge. The stone is Navajo Sandstone, left by ancient dunes. At sunrise, light reflecting off the canyon wall can turn the underside bright orange. That glow depends on the light; the arch and canyon view are here all day.

Sunrise is the famous hour, and also the busiest. Photographers gather for the orange glow, and visitors report waiting for room at the arch or for a clear photo position. If the glow is your reason for coming, expect to share the viewing area. If you mainly want the canyon view, consider coming later; some visitors find it quieter after the dawn rush.

The trailhead lot is about 6.3 miles south of the Island in the Sky Visitor Center on Grand View Point Road. There is parking and a reported pit toilet at the lot, but food service and potable water weren't confirmed here, so bring what you need. Snow and ice can make the uneven trail slick in winter; traction devices are useful.