One of the best things about Moab is that you don’t just hike here—you time it. The red rock glows differently depending on the light, and sunrise and sunset can completely transform the landscape. If you only plan one or two big photo ops, make them at golden hour.

Here are the best sunrise and sunset spots in Moab (and exactly when to go).

Best Sunrise Spots

Mesa Arch (Canyonlands)

Trail Length: 0.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Sunrise

If you’ve seen that photo of a glowing arch with a canyon backdrop, this is it. At sunrise, the underside of Mesa Arch lights up bright orange as the sun peeks over the La Sal Mountains. The short hike is easy, but it gets crowded—arrive at least 45 minutes early if you want a good spot.

When I went, clouds covered the sun, so the glow wasn’t there. But honestly, the moody sky gave it its own kind of magic.

Balanced Rock (Arches)

Trail Length: 0.3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy, paved loop
Best Time: Sunrise

Balanced Rock is impressive any time, but in the early morning the light hits it just right. The shadows stretch across the desert floor, and the whole formation looks even more precarious. The loop is short, so you can see it quickly before moving on.

The Windows Section (Arches)

Trail Length: 1 mile round trip if you do North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Sunrise

Turret Arch framed through the North Window at sunrise is one of my favorite views in Moab. The light streams through the windows, turning the arches golden. If you’re willing to hike the primitive loop, you can also see the North Window from behind—a hidden perspective most visitors skip.

Upheaval Dome (Canyonlands)

Trail Length: 0.8 miles round trip to the first overlook, 1.8 miles if you continue to the second
Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep)
Best Time: Mid-morning into midday

This one isn’t a sunrise arch—it’s a crater. But the midday light highlights the greens, whites, and reds inside, so if you’re in Canyonlands after Mesa Arch, this makes the perfect follow-up. Scientists still debate whether it’s a collapsed salt dome or a meteor crater. Either way, it’s not like anything else in the park.

Best Sunset Spots

Delicate Arch (Arches)

Trail Length: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous (steep slickrock, no shade)
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
Best Time: Sunset

This is the bucket-list sunset in Moab. The 3-mile hike climbs steadily, and the last stretch across slickrock will test your calves, but standing under Delicate Arch at sunset is worth every step. The arch glows gold against the darkening desert.

Pro tip: Arrive an hour before sunset. That way, you can take photos before it gets crowded, then just sit back and watch the light change.

Turret Arch (Arches)

Trail Length: 1 mile round trip with the Windows Section
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Sunset

A quieter alternative to Delicate Arch. The sun sets perfectly behind Turret Arch, lighting up the sky behind its stone window. You can climb into the arch for a fun angle, or watch from North Window across the way.

Grand View Point (Canyonlands)

Trail Length: 0.25 miles paved to the overlook (2 miles if you do the rim trail)
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Sunset

The name says it all. From the overlook, you’ll see Monument Basin, the Needles, and canyons stretching as far as the eye can see. At sunset, the spires glow while the canyons below fade into shadow. It feels like the whole desert is putting on a show.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip to the overlook
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: Sunset

One of the most iconic sunset spots in Utah. From the overlook, the Colorado River makes a giant U-turn 2,000 feet below. As the sun sets, the cliffs turn fiery red, and the view is wide open in every direction.

I caught it on a cloudy day, and the stormy light added drama—but on a clear evening, it’s pure magic.

Final Thoughts

In Moab, the timing matters as much as the destination. Sunrise lights up Mesa Arch like fire. Sunset turns Delicate Arch into gold. And if you’re willing to trade a little sleep or sweat for the view, you’ll walk away with memories—and photos—that feel larger than life.

If you only do one sunrise and one sunset, make it Mesa Arch at sunrise and Delicate Arch at sunset. But honestly? You can’t go wrong—Moab’s red rock knows how to put on a show no matter where the sun is.

Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Moab Utah