Moab to Canyonlands
 

Help Fodorites!

I'm visiting Moab later this month and would like to take a side trip to Canyonlands to photograph Mesa Arch one morning. But ... I'm not sure how long it would take to get there. Any experience?

Thanks!

go to www.nps.gov/cany/island/index.htm

this says it's about 40 minutes. don't know about the hike, but there will be info there, or possibly on gorp.com (greatoutdoorrecreation page)

Hi Fletcho,

You sound like a serious photog. Are you? Why the specific interest in Mesa Arch?

Are you aware that most people hike out and shoot the arch facing east? This gives you a view through the arch, across Arches Natl Park and with the La Sals in the distance. I think late afternoon might be better for this shot.

Unless you want to hike around and take the arch from another perspective. If I remember correctly, the arch is right on the canyon rim, making a west-facing shot difficult if not impossible. Perhaps some pro photogs might be able to say definitely.

I would give myself at least an hour to get there from Moab and hike out.

Good luck!

We visited Mesa Arch a couple years ago. From the parking area it is an easy 20 minute walk to the arch which does sit right at the edge of the canyon. Through the arch you can also view the 'Washer Woman' arch beyond. We were there in the morning, but I do think most photos I have seen show the sun illuminating the underside of the arch which means an evening picture is more preferrable.

http://portfolio.barnali.net/slides/...anyonland.html

Sunrise does look pretty neat at Mesa Arch!

Mesa Arch is only a half mile round trip hike. It will take more like 15 minutes to hike there.

To be on the safe side, I'd give youself at least an 1 1/2.

Utahtea

Thanks to all. Advice like this helps tremendously in planning.

I am looking for a morning shot. Here's an example of what a morning shot at Mesa Arch looks like:
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Nor...hoto110923.htm

Now if I can only capture that...

Again, many thanks!

That is a very nice shot Fletcho! You can get shots like that on all the arches if you get the lighting just right. The wonderful thing is, every sunrise and sunset is different. You can never get enough!

Have fun and happy shooting.

I'll second the recommendation for at least an hour from Moab. Last time I was at Mesa Arch, I left Moab about 1.5 hours before sunrise, and was at the location with about 15 minutes to spare. Bear in mind that I had drive out to that area on a previous day, so I knew how to get there. If you're driving there for the first time, you'll be doing so in the dark, so it might take you longer.

As the others have said, the trail isn't that long, and shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes.

Here's my morning version:

http://www.pbase.com/escog/image/16454804

Btw, the light that makes the underside of the arch glow red only lasts about 15 minutes, so be ready to shoot before it hits.