The Best of Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is made up of three districts. The most popular area to visit is Island in the Sky Canyonlands.

Canyonlands Island in the Sky, unfortunately, gets overlooked by its neighbor Arches National Park even though this park deserves better.

Who doesn’t want to see wide lands of rough canyons and desert landscapes which have been sculpted and shaped by the Colorado River? Here you get more canyons and fewer arches than in Arches National Park even though Canyonlands also has 80 natural arches.

This post is exclusively about the Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky district. Like many visitors, we chose to visit Island in the Sky because of its easy access and close proximity to Arches National Park.

Continue reading to find out more about what to do in Canyonlands Island in the Sky district and get useful tips for your visit.

Our Other Resources for Utah’s National Park

• Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Best Bryce Canyon Hikes for Your Bucket List
• Trails to Hike Arches National Park
• The Best of Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park
• Plan a Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon: 2 Utah National Parks
• Explore Utahs National Parks in One Unforgettable Road Trip
• How to Save Money with the America the Beautiful Pass

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Can You Drive through Canyonlands National Park?

Traveling around Island in the Sky Canyonlands will require your own vehicle. There are no transportation services within the park.

Island in the Sky is the easiest district to get around and see the best parts of the park. There is 1 main road that leads you through the Island in the district with a few spur roads, bringing you to different viewpoints and hiking trails. At the end of the main Scenic Drive, you must turn around and head out the way you came in. There are no roads leading out to the opposite side of the park. During our visit, we had no issues at all navigating ourselves around this section of the park in our campervan.

When planning on going off the main Scenic Drive in Island in the Sky district, you will need a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. When you are just around for a quick visit to Canyonlands, we would definitely recommend seeing this district.

If you want to explore The Maze or The Needles, you will need to leave the Island in the Sky Canyonlands area to enter through another entrance for that specific district. There are no roads or bridges that connect the separate districts, be prepared to spend hours in your car.

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

The best way to get to know Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park is to drive the 34-mile Scenic Drive, Grand View Point Rd, and stop along the way to check out the various viewpoints and go on some of the best Canyonland hikes.

1. Best Overlooks

Island in the Sky Canyonlands has 8 overlooks located just a short distance away from the Scenic Drive. Don’t get us wrong, they are all stunning, but after taking in the impressive scenery for the third or fourth time, the views get a little repetitive.

Here are our top 5 viewpoints in different sections of Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park:

Canyonland Island in the Sky Visitor Center Viewpoint

You don’t have to go far to be amazed by the landscape of Canyonlands National Park. Right across the street from the Canyonland Island in the Sky Visitor Center, you can get a grand view. See how the rivers have cut through the sandstone to create these magnificent high canyon walls.

Shafer Canyon Overlook

Just past the Visitor Center, you will find Shafer Canyon. If you walk out to the end of the mesa, you will be standing about 1,400 feet over a deep and narrow valley, which is again surrounded by tall canyon walls.

From the parking lot, you can find the Neck Spring Trail. This trail is a difficult 5.8-mile round trip trail. If you are interested in a longer hike, this may be a good one to check out.

Top Tip: You can also drive down this thrilling, windy 18-mile dirt track. Sounds like fun? Then get a 4WD vehicle with high clearance and start your day trip. You don’t even need a permit for this section of the park.

Green River Overlook

As you get deeper into the park, you will gain quite a bit of elevation. This viewpoint sits at about 6,000 feet, overlooking the beautiful canyon landscape. Here, you will be looking out over the canyons that were formed by the Green River.

Top Tip: Want a more unique experience? Visit this overlook around sunrise or sunset to catch how the different orange and yellow lights reflect in the canyons.

Buck Canyon Overlook

Enjoy the east view of Canyonlands with its deep canyons formed by the Colorado River.

Although not as popular as the Grand Viewpoint or the Green River Overlook, it is another great spot to get a different perspective of the park. On a clear day, you will even be able to spot White Rim Road, a rough dirt road, which brings you to the heart of the park.

By the way: Did you know that the Colorado River runs through 7 states: Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California. Where else did you see the Colorado River so far?

Grand View Point Overlook

You have reached the southernmost point along the Scenic Drive in Island in the Sky Canyonlands. Even though Canyonlands is the second least visited national park in Utah, you may have difficulties finding an empty parking spot, since this is a very popular overlook in the park. Don’t pass up this striking view. Most people won’t spend a lot of time hanging around, so just wait for your chance to grab a spot.

The first viewpoint is only a few yards from the parking lot, and quite easy to reach. If you are looking to explore this area a little more in-depth, follow the unpaved trail. It continues for another mile downstairs and rough surfaces to reach an additional viewpoint.

The Grand View Point Overlook was one of our absolute favorite overlooks in the park. We were just amazed at the landscape below us. You can get incredible views of the Needles and the Maze sections It is fun to imagine how everything was created and formed. So take your time to enjoy the park’s beauty!

2. Canyonlands Best Hikes

Find the best Canyonland hikes, sorted from easy to moderate:

Mesa Arch Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Change: Very little
Trailhead: Mesa Arch Parking Lot

This natural arch is one of the most popular features in Island in the Sky Canyonlands, which also makes it one of the most recognizable and photoed spots in the park. This also makes it one of the best canyonland hikes.

The parking lot at Mesa Arch Trailhead can fill up very quickly. If you are unable to find a spot, wait for a little or try again on your way back on the Scenic Drive. You can’t leave Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky without seeing Mesa Arch.

To reach Mesa Arch you take an easy, marked path for approximately 0.5 of a mile. Expect a lot of fellow hikers with you on this trail. Shortly after starting your hike, you will be able to see Mesa Arch, a beautiful natural arch formation on the cliff’s edge. From this point, you can also get fantastic views of the canyons, rock spires, and even the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

If you love a beautiful sunrise, this is the spot. The sun rises perfectly in the distance behind Mesa Arch. So if you are looking for the quintessential photo spot in the park, this is it.

White Rim Overlook

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.8 miles
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: 170 ft
Trailhead: Gooseberry Trailhead, off of Grand View Pt Rd

White Rim Overlook is one of the best east-facing viewpoints in the park, showing off the endless, immense canyon views in Island in the Sky Canyonlands.

This trail is perfect for escaping the crowds in Canyonlands National Park to enjoy the views of the Colorado River, La Sal Mountains, and Monument Basin.

Grand View Point

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.0 miles
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: just over 100 ft
Trailhead: Grand View Point

This is a perfect and quick hike that extends your views of the canyons from the Grand View Point Overlook.

The hike will bring you along the canyon’s edge showcasing the incredible views below. Although this is not a very strenuous hike, you should be mindful that you are walking along the edge of the canyon.

Upheaval Dome

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.0 mile (to first overlook) – 1.7 miles (to second overlook)
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: roughly 200 – 300 feet
Trailhead: Upheaval Dome Parking Lot

This trail ends at an interesting and unique geological feature in the park, Upheaval Dome. This crater has an impressive size approximately three miles across.

You can get different perspectives of the crater by hiking to 2 different overlooks. We chose to hike to the first viewpoint. It is a rather quick Canyonland hiking trail, but a steep one. Unless you are super enthusiastic about hiking an additional 1 mile to the second viewpoint, we think the first one shows enough of this unique formation. Especially if you are taking a quick visit to Canyonlands National Park.

Whale Rock

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1 mile
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: 100 ft
Trailhead: Small Parking Lot on Upheaval Dome Road

Take this short, but steep hike up slickrock to get rewarded with panoramic views of the Island in the Sky Canyonlands.

Whale Rock received its name because it looks like a giant beached whale on a shore. You can’t go wrong with this quick, short hike, especially if you like a little rock scrambling and incredible views.

Aztec Butte

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.0 miles
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: 225 ft
Trailhead: Parking Area on Upheaval Dome Road

This is a very special Canyonland hiking trail in Island in the Sky Utah, showcasing remnants of Ancestral Puebloans.

It is well marked and easy to follow. A short, but steep climb up Aztec Butte will lead you to fascinating ancestral Puebloan structures, built in the alcoves below the north rim of the butte. Of course, you will also be able to enjoy fantastic views of the vast landscape from the top. The sunset is especially stunning from this point in the park.

3. Auto Touring on the White Rim Road

The White Rim Road is 100 miles in length and goes around and below Canyonland Island in the Sky district.

If you are up for a grand 2-3 days off-road adventure to make the whole loop, you will need a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. Please make sure to always stay on the road to be safe and not harm the remarkable landscape.

A permit is always required to drive on this road, whether you are just traveling on it for the day or if you make an overnight trip out of it. If you’re planning a trip during the spring or fall, you should plan on reserving your permit in advance.

Spending the night on White Rim Road? There are 10 designated camping areas, where you can stay. Be mindful that there are only 20 campsites in total, so book way in advance to save your preferred campsite.

Canyonlands Island in the Sky Map

How Many Days Do You Need at Canyonlands National Park?

If you are looking to just visit the district Island in the Sky Canyonlands, then 1 day will be enough. But if you want to see other districts of Canyonlands, or get into the backcountry, then you will need more days, depending on what you have planned.

We visited Canyonlands Island in the Sky for a quick 1-day visit and felt pretty satisfied with what we were able to see and do. Since most of the Canyonlands hiking trails are quick, you can fit a lot of them in a short amount of time. 1 Day allowed us to get a grand overview of the park.

Here is a quick look at what you may be able to accomplish in 1 to 4 days in Island in the Sky Canyonlands:

1 Day in Island in the Sky Canyonlands

Drive the 34-mile round trip throughout the park, while stopping at various viewpoints (check out our favorites) and trailheads along the way.

Best Canyonland Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss:

Mesa Arch Trail (0.5 miles)
White Rim Overlook Trail (1.8 miles)
Upheaval Dome (1.0 mile)
Whale Rock (1 mile)

2-4 Days Island in the Sky Canyonlands

Enjoy more of the Canyonlands hiking trails in the park at a leisurely pace, or take a ride down the White Rim Road (which requires a 4×4 vehicle), to explore more of the backcountry.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to visit Arches National Park, which is just around the corner. Find the greatest things to do, and the best hikes to get up close to the arches right here.

Other Districts in Canyonlands

Here is a quick overview of the other districts in Canyonlands, in case you may want to see more of the national park on your visit.

The Needles

The Needles is located about 2 hours South of the Island in the Sky Canyonlands district.

Imagine a large concentration of high spires of orange-reddish sandstone rock formations, then you know what to expect from this part of Canyonlands National Park.

If you are looking for a quieter way to explore the park, then this place is perfect for you. Here you will feel like the only explorer, find many opportunities for hiking and backpacking trips, and get different views of Canyonlands.

Top Tip: When you like the weird-looking spires, you will be in love with the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. Check out our guide: Bryce Canyon in One Day: What Not to Miss!

The Maze

This area of the park is the most difficult to visit, due to the remoteness of its location. Everything is more widespread, so you will need more time to explore this section. People tend to spend at least a few days in the Maze, however, it can even take up to a whole week to fully experience it.

It is also helpful when you have some experience in off-roading since the roads in the Maze require a 4×4 vehicle. If you would like to visit this part of Canyonlands National Park, make sure you are well equipped and informed.

Can You see Arches and Canyonlands in One Day?

Technically you could see Arches and Canyonlands in 1 day. The entrances to Arches and the Island in the Sky Canyonlands district are roughly 28 miles away from one another. That makes approximately a 30 minutes driving time to get to the other park.

Even though it is possible, we would not recommend squeezing both national parks in just 1 day. In our opinion, you need at least 1 day to visit Arches National Park and 1 day to visit the Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park.

If you try to get them both done in 1 day, you will be extremely limited in what you will be able to do and see. You might be able to drive both Scenic Drives and stop at some viewpoints along the way, but you couldn’t enjoy the incredible hikes the parks have to offer.

Best Time to Visit

Overall, Canyonlands can be visited year-round, but the most popular times to see this national park are spring and fall. Don’t forget that each season brings a different beauty to the park.

Spring/Fall – The spring and fall are the best times to visit Canyonlands if you are looking for ideal weather conditions and temperatures. During the day, the temperatures usually range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with cooler nights, which is perfect for exploring the outdoors.

Summer – We visited Canyonlands National Park in the summer and it was pretty hot. Temperatures can reach 100 degrees during the day. We would highly recommend starting your day early to avoid the blazing midday sun. A plus side to visiting the park in the summer is the long days. Longer days mean more time to explore the park.

Winter – Winters at Canyonlands National Park is usually pretty mild. It will still be warm enough for day hiking. You may even have the chance to catch a dusting of snow covering the striking canyon landscape. Visiting in the winter is a perfect time if you are looking to avoid the crowds.

Tips for Visiting Canyonlands

1. Start your day early

Get an early start on seeing and exploring the beautiful untouched lands of America’s national parks, before the crowds roll in. The earlier you start, the more time you have to see the park, especially if you only have limited time.

In the summer, arriving at the park in the early morning also helps to avoid Canyonlands hiking in the midday sun.

2. Bring your own food and drinks

There is no food or drink sold within the park, so make sure you are prepared with all the snacks and drinks you will need for your visit. The closest place to buy food and drinks is in Moab.

The only available drinking water in the park, accessible from March to December, is located at the Visitor Center.

3. Don’t rely on Cell Service

Enjoy being disconnected from the virtual world, while visiting Canyonlands National Park. There is no cell service at all within the park. Trying to find a connection is like trying to find your missing sock from the laundry.

4. Visit the cute town of Moab

What is better than grabbing a cold drink and dining in a nice restaurant after an exhausting day of hiking? If you feel like us, go and explore this one-of-a-kind little town on your visit to Canyonlands. Here you can find wonderful shops, restaurants, and accommodation for your stay.

5. Leave No Trace

Please recreate responsibly. Anytime you visit a United States National Park or you just enjoy the outdoors, it is important to remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the trails and respect and appreciate nature, so that future generations can enjoy the same beauty.

Where to Stay

Inside the National Park

The only campground in the Island in the Sky district is Willow Flat Campground. It has 12 sites that are on a first come first serve basis. The campground functions all year round and is perfectly located near the Green River Overlook.

It costs $15 dollars per night to camp here. But if you plan on staying from spring to fall, sites fill up quickly. It may be a good idea to have a backup plan in mind in case there are no spots left when you arrive.

Outside the National Park

In our opinion, the best place to stay is in Moab, Utah. It is about 33 miles from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. There are plenty of hotels and campgrounds to choose from. It is also a perfect, charming place to end your day by having a nice dinner and a refreshing drink.

Here are our top 3 picks:

Camping: Sun Outdoors Campground
This was our choice when we stayed in Mob to explore all the National Parks. It is a great and affordable campground for travelers who are interested in RVing or tent camping. They have really nice bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

Motel: The Virginian Motel

Unique Hotel: Under Canvas Moab

Which hike in Island in the Sky Canyonlands did you like the most? Were you up for an off-road adventure?

Share your experiences with us or drop a question in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for Utah’s National Parks:

• ARCHES: 8 Incredible Trails to Hike Arches National Park
• BRYCE CANYON: Best Bryce Canyon Hikes for Your Bucket List
• CAPITOL REEF: Explore 10 Striking Capitol Reef Hikes in the Fruita District
• ZION: 11 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• ROAD TRIP: Explore Utahs National Parks in One Unforgettable Road Trip
• ROAD TRIP: Plan a Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon: 2 Utah National Parks

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