Best Things to Do in Island in the Sky: Canyonlands National Park

About Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is enormous in size. Over 330,000 acres are filled with canyons, arches, buttes, mesas, dirt roads, hiking trails, campgrounds, and overlooks.

Most visitors barely scratch the surface of what there is to see and do in this park. With literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails and dirt roads that are only accessible by 4×4, you can spend weeks here exploring the backcountry.

There are five districts in Canyonlands National Park.

Island in the Sky

This is the most visited section of Canyonlands National Park. Filled with stunning overlooks and a nice mix of easy and difficult hiking trails, the Island in the Sky district gives visitors a nice overview of the park.

One day is just enough time to visit the best overlooks and hike a few of the shorter trails. More time lets you hike some of the longer trails or drive part or all of the White Rim Road.

This article focuses solely on the Island in the Sky district.

The Needles

“Just around the corner” from Island in the Sky is The Needles. Uniquely shaped sandstone rock formations create stunning landscapes. Go here for great hikes, more scenic views, and to escape the crowds that flood Island in the Sky. Learn more in our Guide to the Needles.

Getting Here: The Needles is less visited than Island in the Sky because of its location. It sits right next to Island in the Sky, but access is from US-191. From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, it is a 2-hour drive (106 miles). Moab is a little closer, but it still takes an hour and twenty minutes to drive here (74 miles).

The Maze

The Maze is a remote area of Canyonlands that is only accessible by 4×4. To explore this area of the park, backcountry experience and self-sufficiency is a must.

Colorado and Green Rivers

The Colorado and Green Rivers carved out the canyons of Canyonlands National Park. You can canoe or kayak the rivers north of Confluence. Both rivers merge at the Confluence and below this, you can go white water rafting in Cataract Canyon. 

Horseshoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon is a very small section of the park. It is here that you can see the rock art of the Ancient Puebloan peoples.

Best Things to do in Island in the Sky

It’s easiest to think of the Island in the Sky having two distinct sections: (1) the overlooks, short hikes, and scenic drive on top of the mesa and (2) the area below the mesa, which you can get to by hiking or by driving the White Rim Road.

The majority of visitors will spend most, if not all, of their time on top of the mesa. And that’s great. The views from the overlooks are incredible. But if you have the time and the energy, I recommend going below the rim, to fully experience the beauty of this national park. 

I organized this list into three categories: best overlooks, best hikes (some which go below the rim), and the White Rim Road.

Let’s start with the overlooks.

Best Overlooks in Island in the Sky

Visitor Center Viewpoint

Canyonlands wastes no time trying to impress first-time visitors. One of the best views in Island in the Sky is located just across the street from the Visitor Center.

Visitor Center Viewpoint | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

From the parking lot, cross the street and follow the trail to the wide overlook. Stretching out in front of you is your first jaw-dropping view. Shafer Trail Road clings to the cliffs just below you and farther off in the distance is White Rim Road.

And we’re just getting started.

Shafer Canyon Overlook

Located just past the Visitor Center, this is another amazing view. It is similar to the view at the Visitor Center, but it is still well worth your time.

From here, you can see the crazy switchbacks on Shafer Trail Road. These switchbacks are the start (or the end, depending on the direction taken) of the White Rim Road. 

View from Shafer Canyon Overlook | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Getting Here: Just past the Visitor Center is a turn-off for the Shafer Canyon Overlook. Park here and walk down to the wide plateau that offers views of the Shafer Trail, a dirt road that is only accessible if you have a 4×4.

There is a second viewpoint called Shafer Trail Viewpoint. Park in the very small parking lot on Grand View Road to get an even closer view of Shafer Trail.

Shafer Trail aka Shafer Canyon Road | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Grand View Point

Aptly named, this overlook is a top contender for the best view in Island in the Sky. Stretching out in front of you is Monument Basin,  a deep canyon that was carved out by the Colorado River. Does anyone else think this looks like a giant dinosaur footprint on the ground?

Grand View Point | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Getting Here: Grand View Point is located at the very end of Grand View Point Road. Park in the large parking lot and then it is just a short walk on a paved trail to the viewpoint. This is a very popular viewpoint so it might be difficult to find an empty parking space.

Buck Canyon Overlook

From the edge of the mesa, get panoramic views out to the canyons formed by the Colorado River. See if you can spot the White Rim Road, the 4×4 road that winds its way along the plateau.

Buck Canyon Overlook | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Getting Here: This overlook is located on Grand View Point Road. Park in the parking lot and it is a very short walk to the overlook.

Green River Overlook

It took two rivers to carve out the canyons that create these amazing landscapes in Canyonlands National Park. At this viewpoint, you look out over the Soda Spring Basin, which was formed by the Green River.

Green River Overlook | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Getting Here: The turn-off for Green River Overlook is located on Upheaval Dome Road, just past the junction with Grand View Point Road. There is a large parking lot here (and restrooms). It’s a short walk on a paved trail to the viewpoint.

Best Hikes in Island in the Sky

Mesa Arch

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Length of Time: 30 minutes

Mesa Arch | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Mesa Arch is one of the most photographed spots in Canyonlands National Park. Famous for its unique lighting at sunrise, this is a very popular spot for tripod-wielding photographers first thing in the morning. However, this is also a busy spot all day long. This parking lot always seems to be filled whenever we drive past it.

This “hike” is really just a short, easy walk on a graded gravel and dirt trail to get to the arch. A visit here lasts 30 minutes, longer if you are here to photograph the sunrise.

Getting Here:  There is a car park located right on Grand View Point Road. From the Visitor Center, it is a 10-minute drive to get here (6 miles).

Grand View Point Hike

Distance: 2 miles round trip
Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Grand View Point Trail | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

From the Grand View Point Overlook, you can walk along a trail that travels along the edge of the mesa. It is an easy walk that offers spectacular views across the canyons.

Getting Here: The trailhead is located at the Grand View Point.

White Rim Overlook

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Length of Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

White Rim Overlook | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

This is our favorite short hike in Canyonlands National Park. Why? It’s short, it’s easy, and you get one of the best views in the park.

The views from Grand View Point and Buck Canyon Overlook are amazing. White Rim Overlook takes these two views and combines them into one jaw-dropping viewpoint. From the tip of the mesa, you get panoramic views of both Monument Basin and Buck Canyon, two of the canyons carved out by the Colorado River.

And since you have to hike to get here, there are a lot fewer people than at Grand View Point and Buck Canyon Overlook. Worth it? Absolutely!

Getting Here: Parking is extremely limited. As you travel south on Grand View Point Road, there will be a left turn for a picnic area. Turn here and then park at either a picnic area or at one of the limited parking spaces near the trailhead. This turn off is located 11 miles from the Visitor Center. It is located 0.9 miles north of the Grand View Point parking lot.

Upheaval Dome

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

There are several theories as to what left this crater in the ground. Most likely it is an impact crater formed by a meteorite but some theories suggest this crater was formed when a salty dome pushed its way up through the sandstone rock. Either way, this is a unique spot to explore in Canyonlands since it looks vastly different from the canyons you see from the overlooks.

To get here, it is an easy to moderate hike. The trail is well marked. Expect to hike up and down several small hills. The first overlook gives you a nice view of the crater. If you just hike to the first overlook, it is 0.8 miles round trip.

Upheaval Dome | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

As you hike to the second overlook, you have the option to detour to the top of a giant rock. From here, the views really open up. Not only can look down into Upheaval Dome but you get panoramic views of this side of the park.

This is the detour. The trail continues to the left but we hiked up this giant chunk of rock for the best views of this hike.

The view over Upheaval Dome is nice but I love this view! The snow adds a nice touch.

Getting Here: Park in the parking lot at the end of Upheaval Dome Road.

Whale Rock

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Length of Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Whale Rock | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

This quick hike features panoramic views and the chance to hike on bare slickrock. It’s a short but strenuous climb to get to the top of the rock but once there you have great views across the park.

Getting Here: Park in the small parking on Upheaval Dome Road. The parking lot is located just before the parking lot for Upheaval Dome.

Aztec Butte

Distance: 2 miles round trip
Length of Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Aztec Butte | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

The cairns (the stacked stones) mark the trail up Aztec Butte.

Similar to Whale Rock, this hike features more slickrock and panoramic views. Along the way, take the short spur trail to see ancient granaries.

Getting Here: The parking lot is located on Upheaval Dome Road.

Syncline Loop

Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours

The Syncline Loop is sometimes called “the premier trail” in Canyonlands National Park. This tough hike is known for its outstanding views, and due to the primitive nature of the trail, it is only recommended for experienced hikers.

Syncline Loop | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Maybe our expectations were too big, but Tim and I did not like this hike as much as I thought we would. Yes, there are some great views along the way. Yes, the route finding is fun. We saw a total of two people on the trail, so the solitude you get on this hike is incredible.

It’s a long, tough day and I think there are better ways to spend your time in Canyonlands (make sure you do everything else we list above and if you still have time, then hike the Syncline Loop). However, if you are an avid hiker and want to experience solitude and unique views of the Island in the Sky district, this is a nice hike to consider.

Gooseberry Hike

Distance: 5.4 miles
Length of Time: 3 to 6 hours

View from the Gooseberry Trail | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Journey below the level of the rim and hike out to the edge of one of Gooseberry Canyon, which was formed by the Colorado River. This hike features a crazy steep descent to get down to the level of the plateau. And since this is an out and back hike, you will have to climb back up the steep wall of rock. However, the views are gorgeous on the way down and there is something special about journeying below the rim in the Island of the Sky.

Getting Here: The trailhead for the Gooseberry Hike shares the same trailhead for the White Rim Overlook hike

White Rim Road

The White Rim Road is a 100-mile dirt road that makes a loop around the Island in the Sky mesa. You can either drive or bike this road. Trips by 4×4 take two to three days and for those who prefer to bike the White Rim Road, expect the journey to take between three and five days. Advance planning and permits are necessary to drive and camp overnight on the White Rim Road.

If you don’t have the time or the desire to drive the entire 100-mile loop, you can drive a short section of the road, but a day-use permit is required. Learn more on the National Park Service website.

We drove the White Rim Road in November 2020. Not only is it our favorite experience in Canyonlands National Park, it’s one of our favorite US national park experiences of all time. Yes, it ranks right up there with the Zion Narrows and hiking from rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon.

Shafer Trail Road | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

At times, the White Rim Road runs right along the canyons. Monument Basin is to the right. Grand View Point is on top of the mesa.

Driving down Hardscrabble Hill 

White Rim Road | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road

If you like scenic drives and white-knuckle roads, this is a good one! On this route, you will drive the legendary Shafer Canyon switchbacks, pass below Dead Horse Point, get a close-up view of the Colorado River, and see a famous movie filming location, Thelma and Louise point.

Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Road are two dirt roads that connect Canyonlands National Park with Moab. You do not need a permit to do this drive…just a high-clearance SUV and a great sense of adventure. 

View from the top of Shafer Canyon Road, looking east over the White Rim Road, Potash Road, Dead Horse Point State Park, and the Colorado River.

Things to Do in Island in the Sky, Canyonlands: On a Map

List of the Best Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Here is a list of the best things to do in Island in the Sky, beginning with our top recommended experiences.

1. White Rim Road
2. Grand View Point & Hike
3. Mesa Arch
4. Shafer Canyon Viewpoint
5. White Rim Overlook Hike
6. Visitor Center Viewpoint
7. Buck Canyon Overlook
8. Upheaval Dome
9. Green River Overlook
10. Hike Whale Rock
11. Aztec Butte Hike
12. Gooseberry Hike
13. Syncline Loop

About Our Visits

We have visited Canyonlands National Park multiple times. Our two most recent visits were in 2018 and 2020.

We spent two days in Canyonlands at the very end of December 2018. It snowed the day before our visit so some roads and trails were covered with snow. Since it was a holiday week, parking lots were often filled but even so, it didn’t feel overly crowded.

Daily high temperatures hovered in the mid-20’s during our visit. We wore winter coats, hats, and gloves and with the cold weather gear we felt fine. Since we did a mix of overlooks and short hikes, we would warm up in our car during the short drives through the park.

More recently, in November 2020, Tim and I returned to Canyonlands National Park. On this visit, we spent more time off-the-beaten-path. We hiked the Syncline Loop, spent a day hiking the Needles, and drove the White Rim Road. The White Rim Road is our favorite experience in Canyonlands National Park and we highly recommend it, if you have a few extra days and are looking for a unique adventure.

Soda Springs Basin (seen from the White Rim Road) | Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Things to Know Before You Go

Getting to Canyonlands Island in the Sky:The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah. The closest town is Moab. From Moab, it is a 45-minute drive to get here (33 miles).

Best Time to Go to Canyonlands: The spring and fall months are the best times to visit. Weather conditions are pleasant and you can avoid the big crowds that flood the park in the summer. During the summer months, expect soaring temperatures, large crowds, and difficulty finding parking at many viewpoints. During the winter months, it is much less crowded, but temperatures get below freezing and snow is likely.

Entrance Fees: It costs $30 per vehicle to enter the park and this is good for seven days. This entrance fee includes all four districts of Canyonlands National Park. For $55 you can purchase a Southeast Utah parks pass, which also gets you into Arches National Park. You can also purchase an annual National Parks pass (called the America the Beautiful Pass) for $80. With this pass you can visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites. This is worth it if you also plan to visit more of Utah’s Mighty 5, including Arches, Capitol Reef, Zion, Bryce Canyon, or any other US National Park within the year.

There are no restaurants in the park. If you plan to stay all day you will need to pack a picnic lunch. However, there are restrooms at many of the main viewpoints and trailheads inside of the park.

Don’t expect the cellular service on your phone to work. Occasionally we got a weak cellular signal on our phone but for the most part they were useless until we started the drive back to Moab.

Don’t Miss Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park has all of the ingredients of a perfect outdoor destination: easy but fun hiking trails, low crowds, and a jaw-dropping view that just may be better than anything you would get in the nearby national parks. Plus, its small size makes it easy to explore if you are short on time.

You can visit it at sunrise or sunset, but if you have a little more time, a half-day is all you need to get the full experience here. Get the full details of what there is to do in here, plus recommendations for a fun, short hike with views that rival those in Canyonlands: 

Best Things to do in Dead Horse Point State Park

Where to Stay

The best place to stay is in Moab. This small town has many hotels and restaurants, as well as gas stations and grocery stores.

UPSCALE: Hoodoo Moab. This is one of the newest hotels in Moab and this is where we stayed on our most recent visit. I have mixed reviews about this hotel. The location is great, right in the heart of Moab with a walk or short drive to most restaurants. The hotel is gorgeous. The décor and the layout are impeccable and our room was very comfortable. However, the walls are paper thin. We could clearly hear our neighbor’s conversations and they weren’t being overly loud. If you are a light sleeper, you might want to consider staying in a different hotel. But if a little bit of noise doesn’t bother you, and you want to stay in the nicest hotel in Moab, stay at the Hoodoo.

MID-RANGE: Homewood Suites. This is another property that gets excellent reviews. All suites have kitchenettes and some suites can accommodate up to six people. There is a small indoor pool and gym onsite.

MID-RANGE: Hyatt Place Moab. This is a newer hotel in Moab and very highly rated. It is located on the north end of town, so from here, it is a very quick drive to enter Arches National Park.

BUDGET: MainStay Suites Moab. Rooms come equipped with a kitchenette. Some suites can accommodate up to six people so this is a great budget choice for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best part of Canyonlands to visit?

That really depends on your interests. For first-timers, I recommend the Island in the Sky, for its big views, easy access, and short hiking trails. But if you like hiking and want a less crowded experience, go to The Needles. It’s worth the extra drive.

How many days do I need in Canyonlands National Park?

Most visitors spend one day in Canyonlands, which gives you enough time to visit the Island in the Sky district and hike a few trails. With two days, add on a visit to the Needles. With more time, you can drive the White Rim Road (add 2 to 3 days for this), go rafting on the Colorado or Green Rivers, explore the Maze, or hike to Horseshoe Canyon. Ideally, we recommend at least two days in Canyonlands, so you can visit both Island in the Sky and the Needles.

Can I visit Arches and Canyonlands on the same day?

Canyonlands and Arches are two national parks that sit side-by-side near Moab, Utah. Since these parks are neighbors, it is possible to visit both of them in one very busy day. We cover the best way to do this in our One Day in Arches and Canyonlands itinerary.

Are you planning a trip to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park? If you have any questions, or  if you want to share your experience, comment below!

More Information about Utah

THE NEEDLES, CANYONLANDS: The Needles is a less visited area of Canyonlands but the hiking is spectacular. Learn what there is to do in the Needles and how to hike the Chesler Park Loop, one of the best hikes in Utah.

UTAH’S MIGHTY 5: Utah’s Mighty 5 is a collection of five national parks in Utah. Learn more about the parks and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5.

ARCHES, CANYONLANDS, & CAPITOL REEF: On this 10 day itinerary, take your time and explore three national parks in Utah plus a few off the beaten path destinations.

BEST OF ARCHES: While in Arches National Park, top experiences include the Devils Garden Trail and a visit to Delicate Arch. Get the full list in our Best Things to Do in Arches guide.

UNITED STATES: We have TONS of information about places to visit in the United States in our USA Travel Guide. In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries.

NATIONAL PARKS: Learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist.

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