Less of an actual hike, Mesa Arch Trail is more of a path to one of the park’s attractions. Mesa Arch is perched on the edge of a 1,300 foot cliff, although the path there is less than a mile. It’s one of the most popular spots in the park for pictures, especially in the morning. If you arrive at sunset, you can see the sun peek through the gap in the arch. People are also permitted to walk on the arch, although you’ll want to be careful since a fall could be deadly.

Perhaps no place in the park will allow you to take in the awesome majesty of the canyons and river as much as Grand View Point. From here, you’ll see canyons, mountains, The Needles and the mighty Colorado River. It’s an awe-inspiring scene that’s perfect for understanding the park and getting great pictures. Located in the Islands in the Sky region of the park, the trail there is relatively easy and is about 1.8 miles out and back. Even though the trail is relatively short, you’ll want to make sure you bring sufficient water as temperatures in the park can exceed 100 degrees in the summer.

One of the more unique trails in the park, the Aztec Butte Trail is about 1.7 miles out and back. On the way, you’ll experience a rock scramble that will lead you to an amazing overlook at the top of the butte. One of the unique aspects of the trail are the Aztec granaries, evidence of the area’s previous inhabitants who used them for storage centuries ago. The trail is in the Islands in the Sky District and parking is limited. There are also no facilities, so make sure to prepare beforehand and bring water and any necessary supplies.