Utah’s Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky

The Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky mesa overlooks breathtaking sandstone cliffs, the Green and Colorado rivers and rugged deep canyons. From viewpoints and hikes you can look over 1,000 foot sheer cliffs at the stunning terrain below of river gorges, sandstone fins, buttes and red rock canyons. Island in the Sky is the northern part of the Canyonlands, only a short scenic drive from Utah’s adventure town of Moab and Arches National Park.

Canyonlands: So Many Exciting Adventures

The Island in the Sky offers diverse experiences and adventures. Short hikes right off the paved road provide spectacular views while backcountry trips allow primitive desert access and mountain biking, river rafting, hiking and four-wheel-drive adventures.

Island in the Sky holds special memories for me. I experienced a multi-day mountain bike trip and river kayaking trip in the Canyonlands National Park. In addition, I’ve enjoyed many day trips and hikes exploring the Upheaval Dome trail, the Grand View Point trail and the Mesa Arch along with camping at the park’s Willow Flat Campground.

I'm loving the White Rim road!

White Rim: Canyonlands

I experienced my first Utah desert adventure in this Canyonlands district mountain biking on the White Rim trail with friends. Mountain biking the White Rim is a multi-day 100 mile adventure through diverse terrain and unique desert scenery. This wildly popular mountain bike road is suited for all levels of mountain bikers. A permit is required for any overnight use of the backcountry terrain.

I'm paddling hard!

Green River: Canyonlands

You’ll find incredible views from the Green River Overlook in the park. I took a 6-day self-supported kayak trip with a friend on the Green River and from this overlook, I can see a stretch of our river trip. Each day kayaking on the Green River provided exciting challenges and beautiful, changing landscape. I would highly recommend trying a river adventure. Moab hosts several professional outfitters to guide you on a trip or provide gear.

Upheaval Dome

You’ll want to hike and view the Upheaval Dome with its unusual and unexplained deformed layers of rock. Scientists speculate how the dome was created where rocks were pushed up in a three mile circular dome. The Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail is a 1 mile round-trip hike to the first overlook. You can also add a mile to your trip by hiking on a fun slickrock trail to the second overlook.

Grand View Point Trail

This is an easy 2 mile walk bringing you to the edge of the Island in the Sky mesa. You will look over sheer cliff drop offs and be amazed by the panoramic views.

Mesa Arch

This is a short half mile round-trip hike. Start at sunrise, bring your camera and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous view looking through the arch at the edge of a cliff.

CLICK HERE to read about the Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District.

Please share your own Canyonlands National Park experience or ask questions. Thanks, Kari