Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, San Juan County, Utah, United States

Mesa Arch is also known as Rotary Arch and Trail Arch. Its a pothole arch on the eastern edge of the Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park in northern San Juan County, Utah, United States. Mesa Arch is a spectacular natural stone arch perched at the edge of a cliff with vast views of canyons, Monster Tower, Washer Woman Arch, Airport Tower, and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. Mesa Arch Trail is a 1.1 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near La Sal, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Canyonlands National Park charges a fee to enter. Users can also purchase a park specific annual pass.

Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit Mesa Arch. According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a cold semi-arid climate zone, which is defined by the coldest month having an average mean temperature below 0 °C (32 °F) and at least 50% of the total annual precipitation being received during the spring and summer. This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter. 

This is an easy walk to an arch perched on a cliff edge. Users especially recommend this as a great sunrise hike in Canyonlands National Park with its amazing morning views. Getting to this day hike early is also a great way to avoid the busy crowds and full parking lot that tend to start in the mid-morning, making this a more nature-like experience. As this climate varies tremendously throughout the year and days, definitely bring layers for the cold mornings and hot days.

The Island in the Sky mesa rests on sheer sandstone cliffs 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Every overlook offers a different perspective on Canyonlands' spectacular landscape. The Island is the easiest district to visit in a short period of time, offering many pullouts with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive. Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips. Mesa Arch Trail is easy and offers great views from the arch perched right on a cliff edge. 

 

Mesa Arch is classified as a pothole arch because it was formed by surface water that pooled on the sandstone behind the arch, slowly eroding the rock. The result is an arch that dangles across the mesa’s edge. Geology aside, the arch provides the frame for a stunning Utah landscape. Along the mesa to the east is another arch, named Washing Woman Arch. Below the mesa is the prominent white rim of spectacular canyons carved by the Colorado River. Rounding out the view, the snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains meet the sky at the horizon.

The arch is beautiful any time of day, but if you end up here around sunrise or sunset, you will likely be in for a beautiful show.