The arch's glow
At sunrise.
Cacophony — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Paxson Woelber — CC BY 2.0 · Farragutful — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pavel Špindler — CC BY 3.0 · Nikater — Public domain
Mesa Arch is a natural sandstone arch on the edge of a cliff in Canyonlands National Park. Through it you see a vast view of canyons and rock towers, with the La Sal Mountains in the distance. It stands on the eastern edge of the Island in the Sky mesa and is also called Rotary Arch. It frames well-known formations such as Monster Tower and Washer Woman Arch. The area is cold desert, with less than 250 mm of rain a year, and spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. You walk an easy trail of about 800 m from the park road. The famous time is sunrise, when the sun lights the underside of the arch and it glows orange; photographers arrive before dawn to claim a spot. It is about 34 km in a straight line southwest of Moab. Do not climb on the arch; the drop beneath it is a high cliff, so stay behind the barriers.
At sunrise.
Below the rim.
On the horizon.
Island in the Sky district, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Yes, about 800 m.
Sunrise; arrive early.