Best Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park - Island In The Sky District

Overview

Explore the Island in the Sky District, a sheer-walled mesa that makes up the northernmost and most accessible part of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Here, you’ll find tons of scenic birds-eye-view overlooks that paint a picture of just how massive this protected land is from atop a 1,000 foot mesa as it drops straight down to the canyon floor. Easy access from Moab just 40 minutes northeast, and accessible hikes to sweeping views of the canyons makes Island In the Sky District a great place for beginners.

Plan ahead and grab a coveted permit to discover one of the most renowned attractions, the rugged White Rim trail, a 100-mile four-wheel-drive and mountain bike route that circles Island in the Sky and follows shelves under the Mesa Rim. Take a sunrise trip to Mesa Arch, an easy .5 mile round trip hike from a car park area located right on Grand View Point Road.

If your time is limited, explore by auto touring or venturing on short hikes. Start with the White Rim Overlook, a short hike that leads you to one of the best and most accessible views in the park. Other must-see hikes include Grand View Point Overlook where you can walk along a trail that travels the edge of the mesa and offers spectacular views of across the canyons. Stop by the Green River Overlook, which highlights the canyons formed by the Green River. Parking fills up fast during the peak seasons, spring and fall, so get an early start to your days and make sure to a break at one of the picnic areas for lunch with a spectacular view.

Getting Started

Take in the scenic drive as you enter the park and just inside you’ll find the Visitor Center, open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm with extended hours in the spring and fall when the climate is the most temperate for visitors. Along the way you’ll come across Willow Flat Campground, open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, and a great basecamp if you are exploring the White Rim trail. The campground offers 12 sites with tables, fire grills and vault toilets. Come prepared, Willow Flat typically fills up every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October and water is not available at the campground. Arrive early if you hope to get a spot for the weekend.

Explore several short trails that wind along the top of the Mesa to enjoy sweeping canyon views from above with minimal elevation change. Moderate trails include elevation change through sandstone features or potentially descending a pathway into a canyon. In for the long haul? The longest trails at Island of the Sky begin at the top of the mesa and descend all the way to White Rim Road, a popular destination for mountain bikers and ATVers. Belay on, Island in the Sky is a popular destination among rock climbers for its variety of sandstone cliffs. All long trails are considered strenuous, as they require navigating steep slopes, sections of deep sand, and elevation changes of 1,000-2,000 feet.

Come prepared, water in Canyonlands is scarce, if there is any. Bring at least 1 quart of water per person for short trails and 1 gallon of water for long trails. Make sure to bring a flashlight, map, basic first aid supplies, and avoid hiking during peak heat on summer days to avoid extreme heat.

When to Go

Not all deserts mean constant heat—this is the high desert, so be prepared for potential swings in temperature of 40 degrees in a day and bring plenty of layers. Spring and Fall are the peak seasons to visit, with highs from 60 to 80 degrees fahrenheit and lows from 30 to 50. Summer can be sweltering and reach well beyond 100 degrees along with the potential of flash floods. Remember to check the forecast before you go, as rainfall in other areas can cause flash floods in the park. Winter can be a beautiful but challenging time to visit, and if you’re up for the challenge, developed campgrounds and roads are open year-round. While snowfall is rare, a rogue dusting could mean impassable trails, come prepared for a winter wonderland by day and temperatures below zero at night.

Permits

Choose your adventure, White Rim, Elephant Hill, Lavender Canyon, and Peekaboo (Horse Canyon) roads all require day-use permits for four-wheel-drive, motorcycle, and bicycle travel. You can get a day-use permit online up to 24 hours before your trip, find full permit requirements from the National Park Service. All overnight trips into the backcountry require an overnight permit, and trips on the river require their own permit.

Dog Info

Dogs are allowed on leash at Willow Flat Campground, on paved scenic drives, and in parking lots. Dogs are not allowed on leash at overlooks, on hiking trails, in the backcountry or on backcountry roads (even in your vehicle) or in the rivers.

The desert can be deadly for pets with car temperatures that rise quickly in the sun, even on cool days. If you are leaving a pet in a car, crack the windows as much as possible and leave water for your pet to drink. It is not recommended to leave a pet in the car when the temperature is above 68 degrees farenheight (20 celsius), even with the windows cracked. Consider leaving your pup at pet kennels or boarding, available nearby in the town of Moab so you can make the most of your park experience!