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Island in the Sky District
Island in the Sky is a large mesa of rock surrounded by the Green and Colorado Rivers, and it provides a birds-eye view of the gorgeous red rock canyons that cut deep into the earth below.
The vistas and formations seen from this natural observation deck are difficult to comprehend, with layer upon layer of the canyon walls spectacularly carved and colored. Experience the incredible views and understand why this national park was given its name from the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park.
Getting Here
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center is located approximately 30 miles from Moab, Utah. From Moab, travel north on Highway 191 until reaching Highway 313. Turn left and follow the road south for about 20 miles to enter the Island in the Sky District.
1. Mesa Arch
You may have seen a photo of Mesa Arch on your laptop screen saver and wondered where it is. Look no further — it’s here! This arch is perched high on the cliff with views of the surrounding canyons and valleys below.
What You Need to Know
Mesa Arch is perched right on the edge, so you will want to keep your kiddos close if you bring them with you. As with all hiking in the desert, bring water and sunscreen. Even though the trail is short, the hot summer sun can be dangerous.
This trail is 0.5 miles round trip with 56 feet of elevation change. Pets are not permitted.
Getting Here
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, follow the road for 6 miles until you see the trailhead for Mesa Arch on your left.
2. Grand View Point
Grand View Point is at the end of the road and the very tip of the mesa known as the Island in the Sky. Below you is a stunning view of a collection of canyons that stretch as far as the eye can see.
What You Need to Know
This is an area that you can’t miss because it will take your breath away! A flat and easy trail begins from the parking area and leads you along the edge of the mesa to Grand View Point. Just beyond the viewpoint is a path (2 miles roundtrip) that travels to another edge with a spectacular view!
Pets are not permitted at this viewpoint.
Getting Here
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive for 6 miles until you reach a fork in the road. Stay left and drive an additional 6 miles to the parking lot at the very end of the road.
3. Whale Rock Trail
Climb to the top of a giant slab of sandstone that resembles a beached whale! Whale Rock is a short but adventurous trail that is perfect for the whole family.
What You Need to Know
The Whale Rock Trail is 0.8 miles and gains about 141 feet of elevation. It travels along the base of Whale Rock until you reach a nice, gradual slope that takes you up the slickrock to the top.
This trail is exciting enough for kids and adults to thoroughly enjoy, and the views from the top are gorgeous. You can see the Upheaval Dome area of the park from up here — Upheaval Dome is a popular hike, but I prefer this one because it’s way more fun…especially for kids!
Because you are climbing to the top of the slickrock, this trail is not recommended if storm clouds are approaching. This is not the place you want to be during a thunderstorm. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6 miles. When you reach a fork in the road, take a right (following signs for Upheaval Dome). Travel for another 4 miles until you see the Whale Rock Trailhead on your right.
4. Green River Overlook
Stop at this overlook to see the hard-at-work forces that created these canyons. Gaze down thousands of feet below and enjoy a beautiful river meandering through the red rock, carving as it flows.
What You Need to Know
You aren’t getting a very close view of the river from here, but it is worth a stop to see the canyons it has created. Look far in the distance to see the river snaking through the gorge. Look down below, and you will notice the White Rim Road that may have a jeep or two traveling on it.
Pets are not permitted at this overlook.
Getting Here
Drive past the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and head straight for 6 miles. When you reach a fork in the road, take a right and then the next left toward the campground and overlook. The parking area is at the end of this road.
5. White Rim Road
If you’re looking for the ultimate national park adventure, take a drive along the White Rim Road! Advanced planning is necessary to complete this drive, but it’s definitely a can’t-miss experience in Island in the Sky.
What You Need to Know
The White Rim Road is a 100-mile dirt road that follows the rim of many of the spectacular canyons in Canyonlands National Park. The views from this road are some of the best you’ll get in the area — and that’s saying something when you’re in Moab!
Permits are required to drive on this road whether you want to drive it in a day or stay overnight. You’ll also need a 4X4 vehicle to navigate through the rocky terrain. For these reasons, advanced planning is necessary.
Learn all about the route and how to get a permit here.
Getting Here
Just after entering the Island of the Sky Entrance of Canyonlands, look for the Shafer Road on your left. This road will take you down to the White Rim Road.
6. Buck Canyon Overlook
The depth and layering of the canyons below will blow you away! Marvel at the beautiful scenery carved out by the Colorado River as you gaze out to the La Sal Mountain Range.
What You Need to Know
Because this overlook faces east, it’s a great place to photograph the sunrise!
Pets are not permitted at this overlook.
Getting Here
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive for 6 miles. When you reach a fork in the road, stay to the left and travel for 4.5 miles until you see the Buck Canyon Overlook parking on your left.
7. Aztec Butte
Take a hike through an area where Native Americans used to live, hunt, and harvest almost a thousand years ago! This hike travels to several granaries and ruins while providing beautiful views of the park.
What You Need to Know
The Aztec Butte Trail is 1.4 miles roundtrip with 222 feet of elevation gain. It is basically two hikes in one, so you can easily make your route shorter if needed. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
You’ll begin by hiking along a sandy trail toward the hills. The trail branches off and takes you to one of the small hills, where you’ll find several easy-to-get-to granaries. If you want to keep your hike easy or short, you can turn around after completing this trail.
After reaching the granaries, you’ll retrace your steps back to the main trail and continue on toward Aztec Butte. Some minor scrambling is required to reach the top of the butte, and you will encounter some steep drop-offs. There are additional Native American ruins on Aztec Butte in addition to the fabulous birds-eye views.
As with all Native American sites, please do not disturb the structures. Entering, touching, or climbing is strictly prohibited in Canyonlands. These have been here for a VERY long time, and it’s our job to help preserve and protect them.
Getting Here
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6 miles. When you reach a fork in the road, take a right (following signs for Upheaval Dome). Travel for 0.8 miles until you see the Aztec Butte Trailhead on your right.
8. Murphy Point
Murphy Point is one of the best spots in the park to sit back and admire the layered canyon views! You’ll love the quiet hush that accompanies the grandeur of the scenery out here.
What You Need to Know
The trail to Murphy Point is 3.4 miles roundtrip with 142 feet of elevation gain. Pets are not permitted.
This hike travels through the desert to a stunning viewpoint along the rim of the Island in the Sky! Despite its length, this hike is mostly flat and feels more like a stroll. There’s a lot to look at, and it’s normal to feel like you’re by yourself in a busy national park out here.
Getting Here
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive for 6 miles until you reach a fork in the road. Stay left and drive an additional 4 miles until you see the Murphy Point Trailhead on your right.
BONUS — Dead Horse Point State Park
If you’re looking for another beautiful view of Utah’s vast canyons (this time with the Colorado River running through), be sure to check out Dead Horse Point State Park. This small state park is located about 20 minutes from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.
Click NEXT to venture to The Needles District for stops 9-12!
Ash,
You have been my “guide” for countless trip. I have purchased itineraries for Yellowstone, Glacier, RMNP, Grand Canyon, Arches, Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon and I have used your “Can’t Miss” lists for Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. I appreciate the work you do so very much. We are planning to visit Canyonlands this summer and only have one day. I have read through the comments on your must see list, and it seems that we should concentrate our time in the Islands in the Sky section of the park. Is that correct, and if so, can we accomplish the “Can’t Miss” spots on that list from that section of the park in one day?
Hey Kathleen! I just emailed you back :)
Do you have an itinerary for Canyonlands?
I don’t at this time, but thanks for asking!
Hi, Ash. I’ve “traveled with you” via your itineraries to Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion, Bryce, Acadia, Grand Canyon, and soon-to-be Arches National Parks in October. Your suggestions for hikes, routes, lodging, and dining are always spot on!
That being said, do you have a suggested order for the above mentioned “Must Sees” for Canyonlands National Park?
Many thanks,
Patricia Huff
Hey Patricia! Contact me here so I can give you a more detailed answer to that question :)
I loved reading about your experience in Canyonlands. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!
Thank you!
Hi Ash,
What a great site, so much useful info. Using it for a couple stops on our August trip. I had one day set for Canyonlands, with Dead Horse West Rim at the end. I was going to do Eye In the Sky, but your post on Elephant Hill in Needles looks so good. Is it too much of a stretch to do part of that hike in the morning, and then do Dead Horse around sunset, maybe something easier in-between?
It’s quite a drive out to the Needles. If it’s your first time to Canyonlands and you only have one day, I’d stick with Island in the Sky. There are some fabulous options in that part of the park, and you’ll be much closer to Dead Horse!
Thanks for all these awesome tips. My daughter and I are knocking out all 5 NPs at the end of May and this is so hopeful in trying to plan hikes and stops. So glad I found this site!
Thanks Jenn! Have a great time!
Thanks so much for all this information!!
We are heading to all 5 NPs in April. Just planning Canyonlands at the moment and have all the 6 spots you listed for Island in the Sky. I was wondering if the drive to all 6 locations is safe to drive? I presume there won’t be paved roads which is fine but just a bit worried if any of the roads will be super close to a cliff edge!
Hi Amy,
The roads to the points of interest at the Island in the Sky district are paved :) You’ll have no problem safely navigating them if you’re just going to the places on the list. Have fun!
Ash
Thanks for all the info. We have been camping at the Needles campground for years. I’m itching to explore more areas, but am going this spring with some people who want the water/toilets/etc that Needles has to offer. I understand that it is a long drive from Island in the Sky to Needles. But, is there a way to do it without going back to Moab? Would you need four wheel drive?
Thanks,
Leigh
The river is in the middle of the two sections, so you do have to drive around through Moab to get in there as far as I know. Have fun — we love Needles!!
I plan to sleep in my car at camp site instead of sleeping in the tent. Is this allowed.?
It should be ok as long as you are in a designated camping spot. They don’t allow camping in any of the pullouts or trailheads. Have fun!
Thanks Ash. I like your stuff. Heading for Canyonlands and Capital Reef soon, my 3rd go-around. Love mountains, desert, rivers, but love canyons most of all. Hey, give Big Bend in Texas a try.
Awesome! Have fun! We did give Big Bend a try and loved it…..can’t wait to go back!
Thank you Ash! This is very informative and helpful as we plan to travel this week.
Happy to help Richard. Safe travels!
Can we drive from Moab straight through canyonlands to Monticello?
You’ll have to take a separate road through Canyonlands as you drive to Monticello. The park road doesn’t connect the two towns. Have a great time!
I drove the Shafer Trail last week! I too saw it from the overlook and I just had to see it in person. It was so much fun!
http://www.welovetoexplore.com/intrepid-potash-mine-shafer-canyon-road-moab-utah/
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Hi!
I love this post! I just wrote down all 10 locations and your pointers in my little Utah trip journal haha. Anyways, I’m planning to go to Canyonlands this august (18th-23rd) mostly for astro-photography, but also to hike. I have two questions!
1) I’ve heard Canyonlands is one of the best dark parks for star gazing at night, so I’m sure anywhere I go will be great, but do you have any recommendations for your personal favorite locations to star gaze?
2)Any camping location recommendations? I saw that in the comments you mentioned the Needles. Based on my previous question, I planned on camping near sites where I can shoot great photos at night, but any location recommendation would be great as well!
Thanks a bunch regardless, this was really well written!
Hi Deric! We actually met a professional astro-photographer on the trail to Druid Arch and he showed us some of his work. It was phenomenal! So based on that, I would recommend the Needles for sure. It’s an amazing section of the park and is far enough away from any towns and lights to make the stargazing incredible!
On the way to Island in the Sky we highly recommend Dead Horse State Park!! A local suggested this & we were sooooo glad!!
Definitely a great spot in the area…so glad you stopped to see it!
Hey! So I went to island in the sky & enjoyed everything you mentioned.
However, I think it would be extremely useful to mention that getting to the needles area of canyonlands is a 100 mile drive from island in the sky. I didn’t realize this until the ranger at island told me. Because of our travel plans, this made going to the needles impossible. Originally we thought one day at each of those two parks, but when we discovered it would be such a little my drive to the second park, we had to cancel that part due to money & time constraints. Just thought visitors to this page could use that information!
Thanks for the good blog,
-rachel
Hey there Rachel,
Thanks for the comment….the post actually does include that info on the first line of the second paragraph, but I’m sorry you missed it. I’ll try to make that information a little more obvious so that future readers don’t run into the same problem. Hopefully you still had a great time on your trip!
Ash
We are planing to visit the areas surrounding Grand Junction CO in July. We know it will be hot, we traveled the areas surrounding Flagstaff in July a few years back. We are both in our later 50’s, but, like EZ hikes of 0.1 – 4 miles round trip. I appreciate your details about the hikes! We were thinking Arches, Canyonlands, …. Any ideas would be helpful!
Hi Kim! Anything on my list of 10 things you can’t miss will fit that criteria, so that’s definitely where I would start. Just be sure to hit the trails early in the morning to avoid the heat! Have fun!
That road under the Shafer Overlook is called Shafer switchbacks. One of the locals told us about it and we started from just outside of Moab, climbing out at the overlook. It was awesome and even included the site where Thelma and Louis drove off the cliff! Four wheel drive is not really needed, but I would NOT do it if there has been any rain. There are some really steep sections. It will take a few hours too since it is pretty rugged. Well worth the trip!
Very cool that you actually drove it! I got knots in my stomach just looking at it!
I love your blog- so much specific information! We are staying in Green River SP for the Memorial Day weekend because it’s the only reservable campground that still had spaces when I looked in February. We were thinking of heading closer to Canyonlands for sunday night but have no reservations- how likely do you think it will be for us to find a BLM campground spot? Maybe Hamburger Rock will have a space? I’d hate to spend my sunday night wandering in the desert for a place to park.
Hi Michelle, thank you so much for your kind words. I honestly would really hesitate to try to get a first-come, first-served spot on the Sunday night of a holiday weekend. My guess is that most everything will get snatched up on Friday or Saturday and nobody will really check out again until Monday. Canyonlands Needles is an amazing place though and definitely worth a stop. The other option is to just plan on dispersed camping if you are unable to find anything in an established campground. There are lots of different places that you can stop and just camp for free! The established campgrounds in the area don’t have running water anyway, so you’re experience wouldn’t be that different if you decide to go the dispersed camping route :)
Go to freecampsites.net ! We found a great place overlooking the river to camp for free. No facilities of course, but who needs them?
The ranger also told us that any dirt road out there, you can drive a half a mile down it and it’s BLM – you can park for free up to 14 nights.
Heading to Utah in October to hit all 5 NP’s.
Your website is a great source of information!
Will be coming back to it often to plan hikes at each park.
Thank you very much Harold! It’s a pleasure to help out and I hope to hear from you regarding your upcoming trip!
We are headed to Moab in about a week and a half…for the first time…so if you have any other pointers, I would love to hear them! We are saving Canyon lands for another trip when we can put our focus there since it is so big!
You will have a great time! I am happy to give you more Moab information, and I am also getting ready to post on Arches so hopefully that helps :)