20 Things To Do In Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky District
Canyonlands National Park is a vast area of beautiful desert terrain located in southeastern Utah near Moab.
Two powerful rivers, the Green and Colorado, made their mark on this region, forming the deep canyon layers we see today.
From hiking, biking, and camping there’s so many things to do in this wonderful national park. Read on for the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky District.
The Best Things To Do In Canyonlands National Park: Island In The Sky District
Island In The Sky Scenic Drive
Island In The Sky scenic drive is one you literally can’t miss. When visiting the park you’ll have no choice but to drive this paved road as it connects nearly all viewpoints and trailheads throughout the district.
Along the 30 mile route, visitors can make several interesting stops, such as Grand View Point, Upheaval Dome, and Mesa Arch, plus many more, which I’ll cover below.
Overlooks & Viewpoints
The main attraction in Island In The Sky is definitely the viewpoints. This district is surrounded by incredible views of the surrounding canyons, mountains, and the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Most overlooks are located just a short walk from the parking area. Many of these walkways are paved too, making this one of the more accessible national parks.
Below are some of the most popular viewpoints:
White Rim Overlook – This beautiful overlook provides stunning panoramic views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyon.
Buck Canyon Overlook – Buck Canyon Overlook offers very similar views to the previously mentioned overlook. Both Buck Canyon and White Rim have small parking lots so if one is full, visit the other.
Green River Overlook – Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon and the river winding its way through the landscape at Green River Overlook. Many of the park’s popular viewpoints overlook the Colorado River, whereas this one, unsurprisingly, looks down on the Green River.
Grand View Point – Located at the southernmost point of Island In The Sky, the Grand View Point offers stunning views of the canyons below. Here, you can watch the sunrise or sunset over the rugged landscape and get a feel for the sheer size of the park. This one is a must-see!
Shafer Canyon Overlook – Shafer Canyon Overlook not only provides remarkable views of the surrounding canyons but also the backcountry roads which wind their way into the desolate landscape. The winding unpaved roads provide scale as to just how large this unique national park is.
Hike
Going for a hike is another very popular activity in Canyonlands National Park. The park has many short trails with panoramic views worth exploring during your visit.
Below are some of the best day hikes in Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky district.
Mesa Arch
Round trip distance: .7 miles
Rated: Easy
Mesa Arch is one of the most photographed features of Canyonlands National Park and Island In The Sky’s most popular hike.
The wide and low natural stone arch overlooks the surrounding red rock canyons, its opening is like a picture frame highlighting what’s just beyond, it’s really unique.
If you can, plan a visit at sunrise, when the arch and surrounding landscape light up bright red and really put on a show. Even if you can’t visit at sunrise, I find any time during morning to have great lighting.
This arch is accessible via a .7 mile trail, rated easy (despite the easy rating, portions of this trail are on uneven slick rock, those with mobility issues will definitely want hiking poles).
Murphy Point Trail
Round trip distance: 3.4 miles
Rated: Easy
Murphy Point is an easy hike leading you through flat desert until you reach the final vantage point, Murphy Point Overlook.
Here you’ll find beautiful views of the Stillwater Canyon and Green River, in addition to White Rim and dramatic red rock cliffs in the distance.
This is a great hike for those looking seeking a different perspective of the Green River, without all the crowds.
Aztec Butte Trail
Round trip distance: 1.4 miles
Rated: Moderate
This trail is known for interesting archeological features. After navigating a sandy wash you’ll climb over slickrock and up an ancient Navajo sandstone staircase. At the end of the trail you’ll find a final lookout with views of an ancient granary built into an alcove.
The Indigenous people of this area once used these granaries for food storage, its not known who exactly used these, but it’s quite possible it was the ancestral Puebloans who once lived in this area.
This 1.4 mile trail is rated moderate due to ledges and scrambling up slickrock.
Lathrop to Canyon Rim
Round trip distance: 5 miles
Rated: Moderate
Lathrop is one of the few trails in the park which takes you down into the canyon.
The trail passes through grassland for over a mile as you approach the canyon edge. Nearing this point you’ll traverse slickrock, sandy fields, and washes.
Once at the canyon edge, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of Airport Tower and the Colorado River. Most visitors stop at this point, 5 miles in.
If you’re up for a longer and more challenging hike you can continue along Lathrop Trail to White Rim Road. In all it’ll be an 11+ mile, strenuous hike.
Grand View Point Trail
Round trip distance: 1.8 miles
Rated: Easy
Grand View Point Trail is a fairly easy hike to an overlook providing sweeping views of the snow-capped La Sal Mountains, Colorado River, and Monument Basin.
The hike follows the canyon edge, offering stunning landscapes along the way.
As with most hikes in the park, take the ‘easy’ rating with a grain of salt. Much of this trail is comprised of uneven terrain or slickrock, which will be difficult for some.
Whale Rock
Round trip distance: .8 miles
Rated: Moderate
Whale Rock is another, short fun hike.
The trail is fairly level as it crosses the desert, eventually ending with a short, steep slick rock scramble. The scramble, with an approximate 100′ elevation change, is what earned Whale Rock its moderate rating.
Climbers are rewarded with 360-degree views of the canyons surrounding Island In The Sky.
Whale Rock is 1 mile round-trip, making it a great option for those looking for a fun, short hike with amazing views.
Gooseberry Trail
Round trip distance: 4.2 miles
Rated: Hard
Gooseberry is a challenging route great for those seeking solitude in Canyonlands National Park.
Most park-goers only see the canyon from above the rim. Visitors wishing to go into the canyon, this is the hike for you. Just be aware, it’s an extremely steep hike and only for those who are prepared.
The trail begins with a very steep, 1 mile decent into the canyon, then follows a wash to White Rim Road and Gooseberry Canyon. Overall you’ll experience a 1,500+ foot elevation change in just a quick 4.2 mile hike.
Those up for the challenge, this is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
Upheaval Dome
Round trip distance: 1.3 miles
Rated: Moderate
Upheaval Dome is an interesting hike in Canyonlands National Park.
The moderate trail leads to a unique geological formation believed to have been formed by either a meteorite or when a salty dome pushed its way up through the sandstone rock. I find it fascinating that nobody knows what exactly this is, especially when so much is known about other geological features of this park.
I’d say this trail is most enjoyed by geology buffs or those who wish to mix it up and see something different than the typical canyon views found throughout this park.
To get here you’ll follow a steep trail about .65 miles each way, the moderate hike has good desert views throughout.
Drive Shafer Canyon Road
Up for a scenic drive instead of hiking into the canyon?
Shafer Canyon Road is an iconic thoroughfare descending 1,500 feet into an area of incredible natural beauty.
With some of the best views in the park, it provides visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of attractions, including Dead Horse Point and the Colorado River, without a strenuous hike.
The total driving distance is about 40 miles and requires just a few hours driving time. This drive is easy to accomplish in one day, which can’t be said for all scenic drives in this park.
However, this drive is no easy feat.
Tight switch backs, steep drop offs, and rough unpaved roads will all be found on this route. A high clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended by the National Park Service.
If interested in having someone do the driving for you, consider this: Canyonlands Half Day 4WD Adventure From Moab.
Drive White Rim Road
One of the most thrilling scenic drives in the park is White Rim Road.
This 100 mile loop takes adventure seekers along the lower edge of the Island In The Sky district, while simultaneously offering magnificent views of the canyons below and buttes rising in the distance.
As you venture along the rugged dirt road, you’ll witness some of the most incredible scenery the park has to offer. It’s the perfect way to take in the beauty of the park without any crowds.
While a 100 mile loop may seem straightforward, it actually requires 2 – 3 days to navigate this extremely difficult dirt road.
A high clearance 4×4 vehicle and day use permits are both required to drive White Rim Road. While this is certainly one of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park, it’s not for the inexperienced.
Go Biking
Mountain biking is another great way to explore the stunning landscape of Canyonlands National Park. While the Needles District offers the best variety of routes, Island In The Sky has a few as well.
The most popular route in this district is White Rim Road, mentioned above, which is perfect for experienced mountain bikers up for a challenge. If planning a multi-day ride, remember an overnight backcountry permit is required.
All paved park roads are also open to bikers, whether on road bikes or e-bikes, this is a popular activity here.
Join A Ranger Program
As with all national parks, Canyonlands has some excellent ranger programs. They offer close-up views and insights into the flora, fauna, geology, and history of Canyonlands National Park.
There are a variety of programs, most of which are held during the spring and summer months. Some popular programs include:
- Geology Talk
- Full Moon Hikes
- Patio Talk
- Ranger Choice Talk
For Canyonlands’ ranger-led program calendar check out: National Park Service Ranger-led Programs
Island In The Sky Visitor Center
The visitor center at Island In The Sky offers a wealth of information about the park and its many attractions.
Here you can learn about the park’s unique geology, history, and wildlife, and acquire park information like maps and guides. There’s also restrooms here, plus a small gift shop and bookshop.
The center is located right at the park entrance, so this is a great place to begin your day in Canyonlands National Park!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another way to see this beautiful national park. Saddle stock may be taken on all backcountry roads within the park and into Horseshoe Canyon. Which is a remote canyon known for exceptionally well-preserved rock art.
Rules apply and permits are required, you can find more information here: Horseback Riding Canyonlands National Park.
Airplane Tour
For a completely unique vantage point of the park, consider an airplane tour. This 1.5 hour tour not only provides incredible views of Island In The Sky but also nearby Dead Horse Point and Arches National Park.
This certainly isn’t the most conventional way to see Canyonlands National Park, but it’s sure to be one for the books!
Check Rates & Availability For Canyonlands Airplane Tour Here
Watch The Sunset
Canyonlands is an excellent place to watch the sunset.
It’s a treat to watch the setting sun light up the surrounding towering canyon walls, setting them aglow in bright red and orange.
Green River Overlook and Grand View Overlook are among your best sunset spots in this district.
Stargazing
Stargazing in Canyonlands National Park is an absolutely magical experience.
Designated a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park, this is one of the darkest night skies you’ll find in the United States. Here you’ll find views of the night sky and its many stars, constellations, and planets.
Check for upcoming ranger-led astronomy programs, National Park Service Ranger-led Programs.
Go Camping
Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) is the only campground in this district of the park. The site has 12 spots, first-come first-served, which fill quickly outside of winter.
There is no water at the campground, water is available at the visitor center spring – fall. Onsite there are non-flushing toilets, picnic benches, and fire pits.
For those seeking a more primitive camping experience, there are plenty of backcountry sites available with spectacular views and plenty of privacy. These campsites come with no amenities, not even running water, and require permits. Backcountry camping will require experience and planning.
No matter where you camp, a night under the stars in remote Canyonlands is one you’ll never forget.
Dead Horse Point State Park
One of the most popular attractions near Canyonlands National Park is Dead Horse Point State Park. The park is located between Moab and Canyonlands, just northeast of the national park’s entrance.
Even though this isn’t located in Canyonlands, it’s definitely worth adding to your Canyonlands itinerary.
The park has incredible views of the surrounding canyons, La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River winding 2,000 feet below.
The viewpoints in Canyonlands National Park extend for hundreds of miles, to grasp the detail of the canyons below, you need binoculars or a zoom camera. At Dead Horse State Park, you get a much closer view of the canyon walls.
While here see famous Dead Horse Point, go for hike along the canyon’s edge, mountain bike, or stay late for stargazing.
Dead Horse Point State Park admission is $20 per vehicle. National Park Passes are not accepted here.
One Day Itinerary For Canyonlands National Park – Island In The Sky
You can see many of Island In The Sky’s highlights in just one day. Below is an itinerary which closely follows a previous day trip I took to Canyonlands National Park:
- Island In The Sky Visitor Center
- Shafer Canyon Overlook
- Mesa Arch hike
- White Rim Overlook
- Grand View Point Overlook
- Green River Overlook
- Aztec Butte, Whale Rock, or Upheaval Dome hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park
For much more information, check out One Day In Canyonlands National Park Itinerary.
Two Day Itinerary For Canyonlands National Park Itinerary – Island In The Sky
Two days is perfect for exploring Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky District! Below is a sample itinerary for your weekend in Canyonlands National Park:
Day 1:
- Hike Mesa Arch.
- Stop at popular viewpoints such as White Rim Overlook, Grand View Point Overlook, and Green River Overlook.
- Go for a quick hike to Upheaval Dome or Whale Rock.
- Stop in the Island In The Sky Visitor Center.
- Catch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Day 2:
- Do a 4×4 Tour of Shafer Canyon Road, Canyonlands 4WD Adventure From Moab, or hit the iconic road yourself.
- You could also squeeze in a morning hike such as Lathrop to Canyon Rim or Aztec Butte Point.
Canyonlands National Park Entrance Fees & Reservations
The Private Vehicle Pass for Canyonlands National Park is $30, which covers all park districts for 7 days.
There’s modified pricing for pedestrians and motorcycles, and the park accepts all America the Beautiful Passes.
No park reservations are required at Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park Dog Policy
Leashed pets are allowed in Canyonlands, but with limitations.
Check out Canyonlands Pet Policy for more information.
Canyonlands National Park Districts
Canyonlands is a huge park divided into four distinct districts, for reference I’ve listed out all below:
- Island In The Sky – 45 minutes (30 miles) from Moab.
- The Needles – 1.5 hours (75 miles) from Moab.
- The Maze – The most remote portion of the park, 100 miles from the nearest amenities and accessible only by high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles.
- The River – This refers to the Colorado River & Green River flowing through the park which are only accessible via guided tours or for those experienced with multi-day rafting trips.
Island In The Sky, covered in this post, is the park’s most popular district due to ease of access, it’s only 45 minutes (30 miles) from Moab.
Nearby Utah National Parks
Canyonlands is one of 5 famous national parks in Utah, collectively known as The Mighty 5.
Below are the distances from Canyonlands to the state’s other parks:
- Arches National Park – 35 minutes (28 miles) to Canyonlands National Park.
- Capitol Reef National Park – 2 hours, 20 minutes (146 miles) to Canyonlands National Park.
- Bryce Canyon National Park – 4 hours, 30 minutes (258 miles) to Canyonlands National Park.
- Zion National Park – 5 hours, 30 minutes (324 miles) to Canyonlands National Park.
As you can see, there are so many great things to do in Canyonlands National Park – Island In The Sky District. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Canyonlands guides or head on over to Canyonlands National Park Service.
More Information For Your Trip To Canyonlands National Park:
More Information For Your Trip To Moab:
More Information For Your Utah Vacation:
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