Hike to the Mesa Arch and Murphy Point Zone

The Mesa Arch in Canyonlands NP.
The Mesa Arch. 

The only arch we saw in Canyonlands National Park is pretty accessible, around a mile roundtrip. 

Visitors in the Mesa Arch of Canyonlands NP.
This is a popular place. 

As expected the arch and the trailhead parking lot were full, but the views were good. 

Wild view of the Mesa Arch.
Wide view of the Mesa Arch. 

The three mile roundtrip of Murphy Trail, also as expected, attracted less folks. 

The sandy start of the Murphy Trail in Canyonlands NP.
C hiking the sandy Murphy Trail. 

It was a quiet and relaxed walk. 

Close to the trailhead we reached the remains of a historic corral built on the mesa top. 

Historic corral in the Murphy Trail of Canyonlands NP.
Old corral built against the rocks. 

The trail ends over boulders with wide views of the Green River and on a corner the Candlestick Tower.  

View of the Green River through Canyonlands.
The Green River. 

The Candlestick Tower in Canyonlands.
The Candlestick Tower. 

We also saw the formation across Grand View Point - the spot where we enjoyed an wonderful sunset (check previous posts). 

Farther away, the remote and mysterious Maze. 

View towards the Maze of Canyonlands NP.
The Maze of Canyonlands. 

On the way, we saw a fox that quickly dropped under the canyon rim. 

(Posted from the phone.)

Check this page to license our photos.

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