Where to See the Best Arches National Park Sunrise in 2024

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Are you looking for the perfect Arches National Park sunrise? You’re in the right place! In this post we go over the best tips and places to see the best sunrise in Arches National Park. After all, one of the famous Arches National Park quotes is “Arches National Park is be-Utah-ful”!

Arches National Park is one of the most stunning USA national parks you can add to a road trip from Arizona to Utah or to a 2 week road trip on the West Coast. But the park specifically offers the best Moab sunrise with stunning views and unique rock formations whose colours shine with the morning light. Hiking Arches National Park with your partner is one of the greatest morning date ideas you could ever do! With over 2,000 arches in the park, you might be wondering what part, of this national park Utah offers, is the best to see the sunrise. 

You’ll find all the answers you’re looking for in this post from what gear you need to bring, what time of the year is the best to see the sunrise in Arches, where you should stay, to how to take the best photos at sunrise, and more! 

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Before heading to Arches National Park for sunrise, we recommend purchasing this cheap and comprehensive self-driving tour of the park so you can have the best experience in the park.

Is an Arches National Park sunrise or sunset better?

Should you visit Arches National Park at sunrise or sunset? 

Well, it all depends on your preference because both are absolutely gorgeous. Sunrise usually offers a softer light at first and then a bright light while at sunset, it is usually the other way around. 

Another thing to consider is the amount of clouds on the day. If you plan on visiting Arches National Park at sunrise, you won’t know if the skies are clear or not ahead of time. If you’re visiting at sunset, you’ll have the whole day to see if it is cloudy or not. This is especially relevant if you’re visiting to take lots of photos and have a certain idea in mind.

Some of Arches National Park sunset spots are the same as the sunrise spots while some are different. For example, Delicate Arch, Broken Arch, and Double Arch are great sunset spots.

If you want to visit Delicate Arch in particular, the best time is at Sunset as that’s when the light hit the arch specifically. But fear not, sunrise at Delicate Arch is quite impressive too! The sunrise Moab Utah offers is one of the best ones after all! To see the sunset in Arches National Park in a different way, we recommend booking a jeep tour from Moab for an unforgettable experience together.

One last thing to consider is whether you mind the spots being crowded or not. At sunset, the different arches become quite crowded which can be a bit overwhelming especially if you are trying to relax, have a peaceful night or get some good content. Sunrise is much quieter as most people don’t or can’t get up that early in the day, for example, due to traveling plans. 

In conclusion, if you would like to have a quiet experience with amazing light, we would recommend visiting Arches National Park at Sunrise. If you don’t mind large crowds and want to experience the best light on Delicate Arch, then sunset is better. 

Sunrise sunset times at Arches National Park

Sunrise at Arches National Park is often mentioned as the best sunrise in Moab so you don’t want to miss it! The sunrise sunset times in Arches National Park vary throughout the year. 

Sunrise times in the high season (spring and summer)

The earliest sunrise times are in May and June with the earliest sunrises happening at 5:55am. That’s the time of the year where the days are the longest too so sunset is the latest at that time of the year. For other months during the high season, sunrise happens between 6am and 7am. 

Sunrise times in the lower season (fall and winter)

During fall and winter, the days are the shortest of the year, meaning sunrise happens later in the day compared to spring and summer. During those months, you can expect sunrise to happen between 6:40am and 7:40am.

You can check the exact time of sunrise and sunset during your trip here. 

Can you enter Arches National Park before sunrise?

The general answer to this question is yes as Arches National Park is open year round 24/7 and you can enter the park at any time. 

Since 2022, there has been a couples of changes as to how you can enter the park to mitigate and regulate traffic so we’ll go through those in this section as well.

Can you enter arches before 6am? or How early can you enter Arches National Park?

As the park is open 24/7, you can enter at any time, including before sunrise, but conditions vary, especially due to the introduction of the Timed-Entry Pass. 

Do you need a Timed-Entry Pass to see the Arches National Park sunrise during spring and summer?

During spring and summer, sunrise happens between 6am and 7am. As it is likely that you’ll need to walk a bit before reaching your sunrise spot, we would recommend heading to the park at least one hour before sunrise time so between 5am and 6am. Note that since 2022, the park is testing a Timed-Entry Pass between April and October from 6am to 5pm daily. This means that to enter the park during those times, you need a reservation (which you can make online) that gives you an hour window to enter the park. For example, you can book in April, a slot for May. There is a $2 reservation fee attached to the Timed-Entry Pass. However, a reservation is not needed if you enter the park before 6am. 

Do you need a Timed-Entry Pass to see the sunrise at Arches National Park during fall and winter?

The answer depends on when you are planning to come visit. If you are visiting in October, sunrise is around 7:15. If you plan to arrive only one hour prior to the sunrise, you will arrive at 6:15 which means it is likely that you will need a Timed-Entry Pass. The easiest solution to this is to arrive before 6am.

During the rest of fall and winter, it seems that, for now, no Timed-Entry Pass will be required, meaning you can enter the park at any time without a reservation. This might change in the future so make sure to check Arches National Park official website and we will also do our best to update this post. 

Best time of the year to see the best sunrise Arches National Park offers

To see the sunrise at Arches National Park, you will need to decide whether you prefer waking up early and be warm or waking up later and be cold. During summer, the sunrise is usually between 6am and 7am with a couple of days at 5:50am. This means you’ll need to wake up at least an hour earlier to have time to drive, enter the park and walk to the right spot, most likely in the dark. Though that’s an early morning call, you’ll have pleasant temperatures and hot weather during the day. 

In the winter, sunrise times are later but temperatures are much colder. You’ll need to bring lots of warm clothes and be happy to wait in the dark and the cold for a bit. 

Both experiences have pros and cons but one thing that’s certain is that they will provide unforgettable memories!

Budget to see Arches National Park sunrise

Arches National Park is in my experience, one of the cheapest national park to enter. It isn’t very big though there is definitely a lot to see and do. The cost to enter the park for one vehicle and its passengers is $30. As stated above, if you are visiting during spring, summer and fall, you may have to book a visiting slot for the additional cost of $2. 

In addition to the entry to the park, you’ll need to account for gas. As prices vary year to year (and sometimes month to month), we can’t give you an estimate.

At the moment there is no free public transportation inside Arches National Park contrary to Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park who both offer free shuttles inside the park. This means that having a car is quite essential to visiting Arches, especially at sunrise.

Additional expenses to account for include food and drinks, gear (see section below), the cost of a hotel nearby, and the cost of the rental car.

Once you are in the park, your expenses will be visited as most things to do are just free. 

Is watching the sunrise in Arches National Park a good idea for couples?

Our instinctive response to that question is yes. Arches National Park is one of the most romantic places in Utah as a one of the most beautiful national parks in Utah and in the USA. Visiting Arches in the early morning before hundreds of tourists arrive has quite an intimate and privileged vibe. The light and the view definitely add up to the romanticism of the situation and also make for great couple photos! Don’t forget to use some of these road trip quotes to add to your social media Arizona captions when sharing with friends.

That said, if you’re anything like us, waking up early can be a source of grumpiness (lol). We are both very willing so we will wake up early but not always with the best attitude or will to exist (especially for me, Marie, although I’m usually the one that comes up with those crazy ideas!). To make sure I don’t stay grumpy for too long, a couple of things help such as food and a hug! So if your partner isn’t an early morning person, make a note that that can help. 

Where should I stay to see Arches National Park at sunrise

Devils Garden campground

There is only one accommodation site inside Arches National Park and that is the Devils Garden campground. Between March and October, a reservation is necessary as the site if full every night due to the number of visitors. You can book months in advance which is highly recommended. You can learn more about it here. If you don’t want to camp or cannot get a reservation, then you’ll need to stay outside the park.

Accommodations near the entrance of Arches National Park

Since you will most likely have to wake up early to see Arches National Park sunrise, we have selected a range of hotels and accommodations near the entrance of the park to decrease the amount of driving needed early in the morning.

Cheap stays near the entrance

• This is one of the closest and cheapest motel near the entrance of the park. It is perfect for a one night stay! You can check availabilities here. 
• This is a budget-friendly and authentic Inn with a hot tub just a few minutes from the entrance of the park. You can check availabilities here.

Mid-Budget stays near the entrance

• You can’t go wrong with this hotel. With a pool, a hot tub, and comfortable modern rooms, this is one of the best value places in the area to relax after a long day exploring Arches National Park. You can check availabilities here.
• Would you like to stay at a lodge with incredibly beautiful surrounding landscapes? Then this midwest style lodge is for you! You can check availabilities here.

High-end stays near the entrance

• These luxury tents with all the comfort you could need are one of the gem stays in the area. They are perfect for a romantic and unique experience! You can check availabilities here.
• With a spa and a pool, these stunning ranch cabins are perfect for a romantic stays. You can check availabilities here.

Incredible experiences to see Arches National sunrise and afterwards

Before we head into the bets spots to see Arches National Park sunrise, we wanted to list out a few activities that are so fun to do either at sunrise or afterwards. These activities will leave you with unique memories and will provide you with a completely different experiences than most visitors have! If you like to do things differently, this is for you! 

• Take this guided sunrise tour of Arches National Park if you don’t have time to research and plan it yourself!
• Take this 4×4 off-road vehicle tour for an adventure full of adrenaline in the petrified sand dunes! Do you want to drive it yourself? Check availabilities here!
• While every visitor is watches the sunrise at Arches National Park from the ground, why not take a different view and watch it from the air? This scenic airplane flight will provide you with the most incredible memories! You can check availabilities here.

Arches National Park Sunrise Photography tips

If you’re anything like us, it is likely that you will want to capture great Arches National Park sunrise photos. In this section, we provide a few tips that have helped us capture nice photos at sunrise no matter where we were!

Arches National Park Sunrise Photography: Shadows, light and composition

At sunrise, you get three phases of light:

• The first one is a soft light phase: during this phase, the sun isn’t too bright yet and is barely visible though it is already light out. The soft light is great to avoid shadows and harsh lines and usually gives you a bit more flexibility as to the location of your photos and which side you’re photographing from and to. This is also when you can get the most good photos as there really isn’t anything in your way.
• The second one is, what we like to call, the rising sun phase: this is when the sun is coming up and fully visible but the light is quite golden and not harsh yet. This phase is fun to work with for composition and bokeh. It is the most interesting phase at sunrise. But it is also the fastest phase, making it difficult to get a range of different shots as you’re going against time!
• The last phase of Arches sunrise photography is the end of the sunrise: This is when the sun is already up in the sky and the light has become harsh. This will create harsh shadows and light that can make it difficult to photograph anything as it can impact composition quite a bit. Most photographers focus on the first two phases and come back at sunset for softer light. 

Arches National Park Sunrise Photography: Composition and photo ideas

If the sky is clear

A clear sky is the best thing that can happen to you when having a go at Arches National Park sunrise photography. In that context, you’ll be able to see the sun rise with all the rays which makes for great photo composition ideas, such as:

• Start with taking a photo of the sun on the side of one of the arches; you can be on the photo on the same side of the sun looking to the other side
• Then take a photo with the sun in the centre of the arches; make sure to stand or sit a little bit to the side, off-center.
• You can also have some fun with the photos and play with angles to make it look like you’re holding the sun!

If the sky is cloudy

A cloudy sky doesn’t necessarily mean that your photos won’t be good. Actually, it makes for some unique photo ideas such as:

• Use a mirror to position your phone on so you can capture both the arches and the coloured clouds in the sky. The sun light usually makes the clouds look kind of pink which can make for great photos!

Other Arches National Park Photography ideas and tips:

• There will most likely be other people watching the sunrise at Arches National Park with you. Most people want a photo under an arch, which to be honest, doesn’t always give the best result for composition! Instead, steer away from the crowd and try to find a different angle, one that is a bit more unique and that will put enough distance to make people look far enough (they are also easier to remove later if they are far away).
• Bring an intervalometer and a tripod: Our intervalometer has allowed us to take so many cute photos and play with blurred backgrounds and bokeh. It also allows you to set up your tripod further from you making it possible to capture a wider landscape! Our tripod is our best friend, it makes it so easy and quick to take photos!

What to bring to see the best sunrise in Arches National Park

Finding the best place for sunrise in Arches National Park can require some efforts, most likely in the dark so there are a few things you should bring with you:

• A flashlight or a headlamp: To find the best place for sunrise Arches National Park offers, you will most likely be required to walk a few meters for the easiest spots to reach or hike for about an hour for the other spots. In order to see the sunrise at the arches, you will need to walk before the sun rises so it will either be quite dark. We highly recommend bringing a flashlight so you can see where you are going. A headlamp is even more practical as it doesn’t require you to use your hands to hold it! 
• A blanket to warm up: Before the sun rises and depending on the season you are visiting, it can be a bit chilly this early in the morning. We recommend bringing a blanket to keep warm.
• A blanket to sit on: Unless you get to the arches right on time for sunset and don’t plan on sticking around, it is likely that you’ll want to sit to watch the show. The arches can be a bit brittle and get into and on your clothes. So we recommend bringing a blanket to sit on. 
• Food and water: We would like to remind you that you won’t find any food or drinks on your Arches National Park sunrise adventure. Remember to bring your own especially if you’re anything like us and tend to get hangry in the morning!
• A card game: It’s quite possible that you’ll be waiting for a while before the sun rises. Considering it will be quite dark there aren’t many things to do while waiting. You can bring a deck of cards to play and pass time while you wait for sunrise at Arches National Park. 

Best place to watch the sunrise in Arches National Park

It’s quite difficult to pick one best place to watch the perfect Arches National Park sunrise as there are a few and it will depend on whether you’re happy to hike or want a quick stop type of spot. In general, the spots that visitors consider the best to watch the sunrise at Arches include Mesa Arch, Turret Arch, the Devil’s Garden Loop and La Sal Mountains viewpoint. We go into more details in the next sections. 

Sunrise hikes in Arches National Park

In this section, we set out a range of sunrise hikes in Arches National Park that you can consider to see the best sunrises. From easy hikes, to more difficult (but rewarding) ones, you will for sure find one Arches sunrise hike that suits you!

Easy sunrise hikes in Arches National Park

Landscape Arch sunrise: the best sunrise hike in Arches National Park for Sunday hikers

One of the easiest sunrise hikes at Arches National Park is Landscape Arch. Landscape Arch is over 90 meters (300 feet) long with a large opening that lets light come through. The trailhead is located about a 30 minute drive north of the entrance of the park in Devils Garden. There is a parking lot nearby with drinking water available year-round and toilets on site. 

The trail to Landscape Arch is rather easy and is 2.9km (1.8 miles) long roundtrip. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the arch and 30 minutes to come back. Note that right before arriving at the arch, there is a section with steep slopes. Some parts of the trail are quite sandy so it’s best to wear closed shoes as well. 

At sunrise, the light comes to hit the arch directly and brings its orange colours forwards. There are lots of opportunities for photos with Landscape Arch. If you clim the arch a bit, you cant take photos looking away from the arch. If you stay at the base of the arch, you can use the Juniper trees to frame your photo of the arch itself. 

Turret Arch sunrise, a short sunrise hike Arches National Park offers

Turret Arch is a popular arch to photograph from The Windows (see below) but in this section we want to address being at Turret Arch for sunrise. This Arch is very easily accessible. First you’ll need to drive about 20 minutes to the Windows Section of the park. Once parked at the trailhead, it takes about 4 minutes to walk to the arch. It is part of the trailhead to The Windows so you can do both if you’d like. 

Turret Arch gets its name from the spire (turret) that is attached to one side of the arch. Though not the biggest, Turret Arch is quite interesting in its design and a great spot to watch the sunrise. Indeed, it provides views onto The Windows, Double Arch and the park in general. 

Turret Arch is also not the most popular arch so if you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the overwhelming crowds of visitors, you may have a chance here. 

Double Arch sunrise, an easy but rewarding Arches National Park sunrise hike

Double Arch is one of the most visited arches in the park. It is located about 20 minutes from the park’s entrance with an easy 5 minute walk tor each the arch. Standing at about 38 meters (124 feet), Double Arch is the tallest arch in the park. The hike to reach the arch form the parking lot is really easy with low elevation. The combination of the easy hike and the height make it a very attractive spot and usually result in a very crowded visit. That said, when coming for sunrise, most of the crowd isn’t up yet so it is a nice way to experience the arch in a quieter set up. 

Sunrise at the Windows Section Arches National Park: the Spectacles Arches National Park

The Windows at Arches National Park are a group of two arches called North Window and South Window in the Windows Section of the park. To get there it takes 20 minutes by car. Once you’ve parked, it is about a 15 minute walk to the windows themselves. The Windows trail Arches National Park offers covers both Windows, and Turret Arch. It takes about one hour to complete roundtrip and is fairly easy. 

North Window and South Window are also called the Spectacles. North Window Arches National Park offers is very large and is accessible to see up close with a set of stairs. It is not possible to clim up to South Window but you can see it from the trail. 

This trail i sone of the most popular of the park. One of the greatest advantages of visiting Windows Arches sunrise is that it will be a lot less crowded than during the day! The sunrise at Arches National Park North Window and South Window arches is quite incredible. One of the prime spots to watch the sunrise is through North Window. Through North Window, you’ll be able to see the park but also have a direct view on Turret Arch, lightened up by the sun rising. It is truly a spectacle! From the Windows Arches National Park offers, you’ll be served many remarkable stunning views at sunrise so it’s a great spot to head to early in the day!

Difficult Arches National Park sunrise hike

Though only 5km (3 miles) long, the Delicate Arch trail is one of the most difficult trails to complete and is often underestimated by visitors who end up calling rangers to come and rescue them. This is why we have added this arch in the difficult sunrise hike section. If you feel up to it though, this section will tell you all you need to know about hiking Delicate Arch for sunrise.

Is it worth it to visit the Delicate Arch in Utah?

Absoluty! Delicate Arch is a symbol of Utah and is an impressive geological formation. Delicate Arch is 12 meters high (42 feet) and 9.7 meters wide (32 feet). It is the free standing Arch with the biggest light opening. On top of being an impressive Arch, the area of Delicate Arch offers incredible views on Arches National Park and the range of mountains surrounding it. It’s a must-see in the park, hence the thousands of visitors it receives!

Is Delicate Arch better at sunrise or sunset?

Is Delicate Arch sunrise or sunset better, you ask? Well, It is difficult to choose whether Delicate Arch is better at sunrise or at sunset. The truth is, hundreds of visitors hike to Delicate Arch everyday during peak season to see it whether at sunrise or sunset. From that fact, you’ll probably be amazed at either of those times. Though the Arch is popular at sunrise, it is important to note that the sunset light hit it right on and makes its red colour really come out. Consider it is a bit of a longer hike, it might be a bit optimistic to do it in the dark early in the morning, but again, nothing is impossible!

Will sunrise at Delicate Arch be busy?

The short answer is yes. Delicate Arch being one of the icons of the park, it is essentially always busy. People do not hesitate to get up early to see the sunrise and take photos. Be prepared to not be alone even if you show up at 5am, unless it’s the middle of winter. Be also prepared to have people walk in your photos (time to learn photoshop!). 

Delicate Arch hike sunrise: How to get there & length of the hike

Once in the park, it is about a 30 minute drive to the parking lot. There are two parking lots you can use. The first one is the Wolfe Ranch parking lot which is right by the Delicate Arch hike trailhead. To see the sunrise Delicate Arch offers, you’ll then need to start your hike. The loop is 5km long (about 3 miles) and has an elevation of 146 meters (about 480 feet). On busy days, this parking lot can fill up quickly even at sunrise.

If this parking lot if full, you will need to park at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot. Though it has the same name as the trail, this parking lot actually adds 1.6km (about 1 mile) to your Delicate Arch sunrise hike each way. That brings the length of the hike to 8km (5 miles). All together, you should count at least 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike taking into account the time waiting for sunrise. 

Hiking Delicate Arch: Difficulty of the trail

The hike to Delicate Arch is steadily uphill which makes it difficult. At peak of summer, you shouldn’t be too hot in the morning but note that temperatures rise quickly and you should bring enough water and necessary gear with you. Note also that part of the hike is in a narrow ledge which can be dangerous. You’ll want to bring a headlamp (see below) or a flashlight with you to see where you are going. 

How to see Arches National Park sunrise without hiking

The best place to see sunrise in Arches National Park without hiking or walking is La Sal Mountains Viewpoint. This is your best option to see the sunrise in Arches National Park if you:

• didn’t plan to see the sunrise but happen to be there and you need to stop quickly
• don’t want to or cannot hike 
• are short on time and need to see the sunrise in Arches in the most efficient way possible
• prefer having a wide view during sunrise rather than just from one arch

The La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is located just a 10 minute drive from the entrance to the park. After about 5 km, you can turn right onto a small road with a parking lot. There is a sidewalk by the parking lot where you can observe the sunrise from. From there, you can see the La Sal Mountains, Balanced Rock, the Windows Section and the Courthouse Towers with the rock formations named Three Gossips, The Organ and Sheep Rock. 

There is also an uneven rocky bench that takes you to a second lookout. This is a great option if the area is busy and you want to step away from the crowds. Note that the view is pretty much the same from the lookout and the parking lot. 

This prime spot in Arches National Park will give you a great wide view of the park at sunrise and you’ll be able to see the light hit the different rock formations differently. Think about Simba looking at his kingdom in the morning, that’s you!

La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is definitely the best sunrise spots in Arches National Park if you want to see a range or rock formations with incredible light with minimum efforts!

Recommended itinerary to see Arches National Park sunrise

The time to see arches at sunrise is limited everyday. After the sun starts to appear, you have about 15 minutes before the sunrise is over. Below, we have set out two quick itineraries for:

1. Visitors who don’t mind getting up a bit early and hiking max 30 minutes one way before sunrise
2. Visitors who don’t want to get up too early and don’t want to hike to see the sunrise

Arches National Park sunrise itinerary for easy hikes

If you would like to see arches at sunrise with minimal hiking efforts, we would highly recommend heading to The Windows Section. There you will be able to choose between less crowded Turret Arch, stunning North Window Arch or the large Double Arch to watch the sunrise from. If you are heading to North Window, Turret Arch will be on your way so you get to see it too.

 When the sunrise is over, there is still so much to see in the area and it will be easy for you to hop from one arch to another without having to drive much. Some other interesting arches and rock formations in the area include Elephant Butte, Parade of Elephants, Cove Arch, Ribbon Arch and the Garden of Eden. This is definitely an area of the park where there is lots to see after watching the Arches National Park sunrise. 

No effort Arches National Park sunrise itinerary 

If you’re not looking to wake up too early and want to take it easy, we would recommend:

1. Stop at the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint for the best sunrise at Arches National Park without having to walk or hike
2. Head to the Windows Section afterwards

List of Arches in Arches National Park

Making a list of arches in Arches National Park is quite difficult as there are over 2,000 documented arches in the national park. To count as an Arch, the rock formation must have a light opening of at least one meter (about 3 feet). Not all of them have names of course but we do have names of arches in Arches National Park for the most famous ones, see as follows:

• Delicate Arch
• Mesa Arch
• North Window
• South Window
• Sand Dune Arch
• Turret Arch
• Double Arch
• Landscape Arch
• Navajo Arch
• Tapestry Arch
• Pine Tree Arch
• Partition Arch
• Tunnel Arch
• Skyline Arch
• Private Arch
• Broken Arch
• Cove Arch
• Ribbon Arch
• Corona Arch
• Ring Arch

In addition to giving the arches names, they are also classified by type of arches such as cliff wall arches, free-standing arches, pothole arches, natural bridges. 

Mesa Arch at Sunrise in Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is located just a 30 minute drive from the entrance to Arches National Park. If you are planning to stay in the area of Arches National Park for more than one morning, watching a Canyonlands arch sunrise should definitely be on your list.

Why you should see a sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

Mesa Arch is one of the most iconic arches in Canyonlands National Park. Mesa Arch is located in the Island in the Sky District of the park. It offers incredibly wide views on Buck Canyon with the La Sal Mountains in the backdrop. It is one picture perfect view to remember!

Mesa Arch at sunrise

The times for a Mesa Arch Canyonlands sunrise are similar to the ones for Arches National Park sunrises. In the summer, sunrise is around 6am while in the winter, it is closer to 7:30am/8am.

At that time of the early morning, the park is still relatively quiet compared to the mid-day part of the day, especially during peak season. 

In addition, the sunrise Mesa Arch offers is quite incredible. The sunlight comes to hit the orange and red colours of the arch, making it super bright as if the arch had been set on fire. The alliance of the bright colours with the perfect background is a spectacle in itself. Of course, it also makes for a perfect photo spot. You can use Mesa Arch to frame your picture and capture both the light on the rock formations and the backdrop with the canyon and the mountains. 

Which trail for a Canyonlands Mesa Arch sunrise?

Mesa Arch being the best Canyonlands sunrise arch, you’ll want to park at the Mesa Arch Trailhead. The parking lot is located about a 14 minute drive from the entrance of the park. At that time of the day, you should be able to find a spot among the available 25 parking spots. The trail is easy and it only takes 15 minutes to hike to Mesa Arch. 

Crowds at Mesa Arch at Sunrise in Canyonlands

If you are wondering whether you’ll be all alone for a sunrise at Mesa Arch, the answer is probably not. This is a top spot for photographers. Unless you’re visiting on a very cold day in the middle of winter, you’ll most likely be accompanied by photography enthusiasts. The one shot that everyone wants to get is the one with the arch and the backdrop. So you’ll find a number of tripods aligned in that direction. I always think that the shot everyone gets naturally see its value decreasing so I would recommend getting creative and finding different angles where you’ll have the view a bit more to yourself. To be honest, it is difficult to get a bad shot here since everything is so beautiful. One tip we can give you is to arrive early enough that you can either set up first or have time to explore your surroundings and find the one spot no-one has thought of. 

What to do after watching Arches National Park sunrise

Arches National Park is the perfect park to include either on a West Coast road trip or on a Utah and Arizona road trip. This section gives you quite a few options as to what to do after visiting Arches National Park beyond going on a road trip.

Take a full moon hike

Now that you have seen the sunrise at Arches National Park, why not follow your guide to look at stars and the full moon at night? Check out the availabilities for this tour here. 

Visit the Potash Ponds

The Potash Ponds are blue ponds located between Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State. The ponds are actually a mining site and are on private grounds. However you can see them really well from spots all around the private location. The blue colour is due to the dye that is added to the water to make the evaporation go faster. It creates a very interesting contrast with the orange and pink colour of the surrounding rock formations. 

Head South to Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods

Monument Valley and the Valley of the Gods are know for their incredible butte rock formations reminding anyone fo cowboy movies! Monument Valley, especially, is one place that I (Marie) love dearly. I have incredible memories horseback riding across Monument Valley at sunrise and is an experience I recommend to anyone! And yes, that’s another sunrise adventure for the not-such-a-morning-person that I am!

Head to the West to Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is a must see if you’re going west. With hoodoos and goblins, these orange coloured layered rock formations, the park is quite unique and still flying a bit under the radar.

First, stop by the Observation Point to get a panoramic view of the park. Second, head to Valley 3 which is known for having the best hoodoos to explore. With lots of caves, nooks and crannies, you can also climb to the top of the hills. You can wander around the valley freely which is quite nice! If you’d like, you can then go on a hike at the Three Sisters. 

Head to the West to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is an incredible visit and looks nothing like the Grand Canyon in case you were wondering. With pink and orange coloured layered rock formations, the canyon also differentiate itself from other as it is covered in pine trees in some areas. Sunrise and Sunset Points are greta viewpoint’s of the canyon. There is lots to explore at Bryce Canyon, so we suggest you check out our Arizona to Utah road trip itinerary to learn more about it!

Arches National Park Sunrise Q&As

What is the best time of day to visit Arches National Park?

The best time of the day to visit Arches National Park is before 9am and after 4pm or 5pm. Between 9am and 5pm is the time when most visitors enter and visit the park which can make it quite crowded. During peak season (July and August), traffic is congested and it can take up to 45 minutes to enter the park. It’s also difficult to find parking during these hours. Entering the park before 9am is a good solution to avoid the congestion.  

What time of the year is suitable to visit Arches National Park to avoid crowd?

Summer, Easter week, Memorial Day, Labor Day and school breaks are the busiest times of the year at Arches National Park. If you want to avoid crowds during those times, aim to enter the park before 9am. Note that between April and October, you will need to book a Timed-Entry Pass to enter the park after 6am and before 5pm. 

If you want to avoid crowds all together and don’t want to have to book a Timed-Entry Pass, it is best to come visit during late fall or winter, when the park is the quietest. 

Can you drive through Arches National Park?

Yes, you can drive through Arches National Park. It is recommended to come with your car as there is no public transportation available in the park at this time. 

What mountain range can you see from Arches National Park?

From Arches National Park, you can see the La Sal Mountains.

Where to watch the sunrise in Arches National Park?

Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Mesa Arch and La Sal Mountains Viewpoint are popular spots to watch the Arches National Park sunrise. 

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