One Day In Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky (My Exact Itinerary!)

Canyonlands is one of Utah’s many underrated parks and a great place to spend your day.

The park’s most popular district, Island In The Sky, is a mesa that rests on steep sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet high. The location is perfect for anyone who loves a good view, as they’re seemingly endless here. In addition to the great views, there’s also some short hikes and impressive scenic drives in this district of the park.

I’ve visited the park a few times and put together a day trip itinerary based on previous visits. Read on for everything to know about spending one day in Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky.

Itinerary For One Day In Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky

Two quick notes before I dive into the itinerary:

1. There are a few hikes listed below, if visiting in summer, plan to do these hikes very early or in the evening. During summer, midday hikes are not advised due to heat. If needed, scrap the hikes and stick to viewpoints.
2. You’ll spend a lot of time in the car during this visit, consider downloading an audio tour. Guide Along is my favorite, they provide information about the park, tips for visiting, and details regarding Moab’s unique history. It even includes entertaining stories during your drive to and from Moab, such as how an eclectic Moab resident, dubbed the Uranium King, blew his millions here. Book the Guide Along audio tour here: Arches & Canyonlands Guide Along Tour.

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.

Since the visitor center is located right at the park entrance, it’s a great place to start or finish your day in Canyonlands. If you have questions for the park rangers or need any sort of guidance, be sure to stop here first.

Mesa Arch 

Mesa Arch is Canyonlands’ most popular hike, for this reason it can get crowded, so I like to head here first.

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).

White Rim Overlook

After hiking Mesa Arch, continue south on Island In The Sky Scenic Drive to White Rim Overlook.

This beautiful overlook provides stunning, wide-ranging views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and the surrounding area.

Note: White Rim Overlook is popular so the parking lot may be full, if that’s the case, check out Buck Canyon Overlook instead, it’s very similar.

Grand View Point Overlook

Located at the southernmost point of Island In The Sky, the Grand View Point Overlook offers excellent views of the canyons below.

Here you can get a feel for the sheer size of the park. You can see White Rim Road, the Needles and the Maze districts, plus vantage points of the powerful Green River and mighty Colorado River. The two of which formed the landscape we see here today.

If you’re up for a hike in this area, follow Grand View Point Trail for 1.8 miles along the rim, there’s good views along the way and another viewpoint at the end.

Green River Overlook 

Next we’ll head to the western side of this district, first stopping at Green River Overlook.

Many of the park’s popular viewpoints overlook the Colorado River, whereas Green River Overlook, unsurprisingly, looks down on the Green River. From this point, standing on a high mesa, you’ve got a great great vantage point of the river below.

Aztec Butte Trail 

Near Green River Overlook is the next hike on this one day itinerary, Aztec Butte Trail.

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.

Whale Rock

Up next is another quick hike, Whale Rock.

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.

Upheaval Dome

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.

Shafer Canyon Overlook

On your way out of the park, stop by one last viewpoint, Shafer Canyon Overlook, this is one of my favorites.

It not only provides views of the surrounding canyons and La Sal Mountains in the distance, but also the backcountry roads which wind their way into the desolate landscape.

Seeing the occasional tiny car make its way down unpaved Shafer Canyon Road is pretty incredible. It’s a great way to grasp the scale and vastness of this park.

This viewpoint is located right next to the visitor center and park entrance, making it a perfect first or last stop during your visit.

Dead Horse Point State Park 

Finally, on your way out of Canyonlands National Park, make one more stop at the neighboring state park, Dead Horse Point.

I know this isn’t in Canyonlands, but it’s very much worth adding to your 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.

Dead Horse Point State Park admission is $20 per vehicle. National Park Passes are not accepted here.

As mentioned above, Dead Horse Point State Park is located near Canyonlands’ Island In The Sky entrance, it’s easy to stop here on your way back to Moab.

Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky Half Day Itinerary

Only have a half day in the park? Consider this modified itinerary:

• Stop by the visitor center and Shafer Canyon Overlook.
• Hike Mesa Arch (morning visitors, this is popular at sunrise).
• Stop by Green River Overlook.
• Take in the views at White Rim Overlook (consider a short 2 mile hike here if time permits).
• Take in the views from Grand View Point Overlook (evening visitors, this is a good sunset location).

Canyonlands National Park Entry Fee & Reservations

The Private Vehicle Pass for Canyonlands National Park is $30, which covers each park district 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.

Parking & Getting Around Canyonlands Island In The Sky

Island In The Sky Scenic Drive is the main road in the park. Driving the entirety of the park with no stops, about 30 miles, takes roughly an hour.

Be aware that many viewpoints and trailheads have small parking lots and if visiting in peak season, parking issues may slow down your day.

To avoid this, plan to arrive early or in the late afternoon when crowds are less severe, or visit in the off-season.

There are no gas stations here. There are no park shuttles in Canyonlands National Park.

If you’re without a vehicle you can rent one in nearby Moab. Otherwise, consider booking a tour, that way all driving is handled for you. Check out this Hiking Tour or this Backcountry 4×4 Tour.

What To Wear & Pack

Comfortable athletic wear or basic hiking gear is great for a day in Canyonlands National Park.

Keep in mind, summer here is very hot. If visiting this time of year you’ll need light, breathable pieces and sun protection such as hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, plus plenty of water.

Even in summer, mornings and evenings will be chilly compared to midday. Pack layers which are easy to take on and off, and always carry a light rain jacket or wind breaker in case an afternoon storm hits.

Also consider bringing binoculars or a zoom lens camera, this park is huge and many viewpoints look out over far-off canyons. It’s difficult to take in the details with the naked eye.

There isn’t anywhere to get food in the park, so be sure to pack lunch and snacks. And again, since this park can be quite warm, it’s important to bring lots of water.

Below are items I pack when visiting Canyonlands National Park in the warmer months:

• Shorts
• Tank top
• Lightweight long sleeve shirt or fleece
• Rain jacket or windbreaker
• Closed toe shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle + extra water
• Snacks & lunch

Those hiking will also need:

• Hiking boots or sneakers with good traction
• Wool socks
• Hiking poles
• Backpack
• Small first aid kit

Canyonlands National Park Weather

Canyonlands National Park experiences all four seasons with sunshine plentiful year-round.

Summer, typically July – September, is monsoon season. Visitors should be prepared for brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms, lightning strikes and flash floods are the biggest threat this time of year. This is also the warmest time of year with highs regularly reaching 90°F to 100°. Despite the hot days, nighttime will cool down significantly.

Spring and fall see mild, pleasant weather with highs regularly in the 70°s and limited precipitation. The temperature drops quickly when the sun goes down and often reaches freezing overnight, sunrise and sunset visitors will need warm layers.

Winter is cold, with highs in the 40°s and lows well below freezing, but it’s often sunny. When the park does see snow, accumulations are typically low.

Keep in mind, weather will vary throughout the park. The canyon floor, canyon rims, and different districts can all simultaneously experience different weather. It’s best to call the visitor center if you have weather-related questions pertaining to your visit.

Average Monthly Temperatures:

• January – 42° / 17° (Average High / Low F°)
• February – 49° / 23°
• March – 59° / 30°
• April – 67° / 37°
• May – 78° / 46°
• June – 90° / 56°
• July – 95° / 63°
• August – 92° / 61°
• September – 84° / 51°
• October – 70° / 38°
• November – 55° / 27°
• December – 43° / 18°

When To Visit Canyonlands National Park

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Canyonlands National Park due to pleasant, mild weather. The park sees lots of visitors during these seasons but less so than summer. If you wish to hike, this is the best time of year.

Summer is very hot and sees peak visitors. Hiking will be limited this time of year due to intense heat.

Winter is quite chilly and can see snow, although this time of year provides a nearly crowd-free setting. If hiking in the park this time of year, bring traction devices.

Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

The nearest hotels are located in Moab, about 30 miles from the park.

Popular Hotels in Moab, Utah:

• Hoodoo Moab by Hilton ($$$)
• Gravity Haus Moab ($$)
• Big Horn Lodge ($)
• Under Canvas Moab (glamping)

For more, check out these Top Hotels In Moab, Utah.

There is no lodging in Canyonlands National Park aside from camping.

Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) is the only campground in this section of the park. The site has 12 spots, first-come first-served, which fill quickly outside of winter.

For more nearby camping options consider Dead Horse Point State Park, camping in and around Moab, and for RVs, the nearest park is Archview RV Resort.

Canyonlands National Park Dog Policy

Leashed pets are allowed in Canyonlands, but with limitations.

Check out Canyonlands Pet Policy for more information.

Getting To Canyonlands National Park

From Moab follow US 191 north to UT 313, which leads to the park entrance. The drive is easy and requires about 35 – 45 minutes.

There is no public transportation to Canyonlands National Park.

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.

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 many great things to do here! I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your one day in Canyonlands National Park.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Moab and Utah National Park guides or head on over to Canyonlands National Park Service.

More Information For Your Trip To Canyonlands National Park:

• Canyonlands National Park: Best Things To Do
• Top Hotels In Moab, Utah

More Information For Your Trip To Moab:

• Moab, Utah Guides
• Arches National Park Guides

More Information For Your Utah Vacation:

• Bryce National Park Canyon Guides
• Zion National Park Guides