12 Best Hikes in Canyonlands Island In The Sky (Canyonlands Hiking Guide For Families)
Are you planning on visiting Canyonlands National Park and looking for the best hikes in Canyonlands Island in the Sky?
Perfect, I just explored this area of Canyonlands and I am excited to share with you some tips that will help you plan a trip.
In this post, we will go over basic trip planning, explore the best hiking in Canyonlands, particularly the best hikes in Canyonlands Island in the Sky area, and will include the must-do hikes in Canyonlands.
There are two areas of Canyonlands, The Needles, and Island in the Sky. If you only have one day at Canyonlands the Island in the Sky area is the best option for hiking in Canyonlands.
Let’s explore the best Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park hikes!
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Plan A Trip To Canyonlands Island in the Sky
I want to give you as much information as I possibly can, so this will be a complete guide for Canyonlands including: where to stay, what to do, and how to accomplish it all.
How Much Time Should I Spend at Canyonlands Island in the Sky?
Depending on how much hiking you would like to do, three hours to one day is plenty of time to explore this Island of the Sky Canyonlands National Park area.
Are There Any other Recreational Areas Near Canyonlands?
Yes, as you are driving the 25 miles on UT-313 from the main road (UT- 191) to Canyonlands there are pull offs.
You can hike before you enter Canyonlands. Personally, I thought the landscape and rock formations were more impressive on the drive to the park than what was actually inside the park.
You can also go to Dead Horse State Park. Dead Horse State Park has a U-shaped Colorado River viewpoint that is very impressive. You can also hike and bike at the park. There is an additional state park fee.
Arches National Park is also 30 minutes away. Goblin Valley is another great option but it is a farther drive.
Where is Canyonlands Island in the Sky
Islands of the Sky Canyonlands National Park is 3.5 hours from Salt Lake. The closest town to Canyonlands is Moab, Utah. You will want to plan a trip to Moab and include Canyonlands in your itinerary.
Distance From Canyonlands to Arches
There are two national parks close to Moab, Utah: Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. The distance from Canyonlands to Arches is 26.2 miles which takes about 30 minutes to drive.
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park
Staying in Moab is the most popular option. There are plenty of accommodations such as: hotels, glamping, and camping.
If you want to stay closer to Canyonlands there are a few campsites located just outside of the park entrance. There is also a campsite near the Islands in the Sky area of Canyonlands.
Camping
We love camping in Moab. We like staying at the KOA. There is also another site called Under Canvas Moab that has platform tents. It is a glamping option.
Stay In Moab
If camping isn’t your thing don’t worry. Moab has many hotels and vacation rental options. Our favorite is the Spring Hills Suites because the pool is amazing. There are also lots of food options and other accommodations available in Moab.
Rent An RV
If you want to really experience the remote area near the Canyonlands renting an RV may be the way to go. There is a lot of BLM land that is free to camp on in this area.
Admission and Hours to Canyonlands National Park
Admission
Park Admission is $30 per vehicle.
Canyonlands is included in the America the Beautiful Pass.
Hours at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Canyonlands is open 24 hours a day.
Canyonlands National Park Islands in the Sky Visitor Center
The first stop you will want to make is at the Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park Visitor Center. It is always good to check in with the park ranger for suggestions and find out the local weather report and their suggestions for the best hikes at Canyonlands.
Talk to a Park Ranger
One of the best ways to find the best hikes in Canyonlands is to stop at the visitor center and talk to a park ranger. We did this and it was so helpful.
They will ask you how much time you have and direct you to the best hikes at Canyonlands.
Junior Ranger
If you are at Canyonlands with kids, make sure to ask the park ranger about the junior ranger program.
At most national parks kids will be given an activity book to complete while you explore the park. After they complete the required amount of pages (based on their age) they will receive a badge of completion and be sworn in.
Gift Shop
The gift shop is also located at the visitor center. We love picking up a few souvenirs of our adventures. Right now I am collecting the reusable bags.
Best Hikes at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
The two most popular hikes in Canyonlands Islands in the Sky area are Mesa Arch and Grand View Point. If you ask the park ranger, they will tell you to be sure to check both of them out.
1. Mesa Arch
Difficulty: Easy
Miles: .5
Time: 30 minutes
Is there Parking at Mesa Arch?
Yes, there is a parking lot with facilities at the start of the trial.
Hot Tip for Hiking at Canyonlands:
Because Mesa Arch is the best hike in Canyonlands Island in the Sky the parking lot does fill up. However, people tend to take a few pictures and head back to the parking lot making for a quick rotation for parking spots.
What is the Best Time of Day to Hike Mesa Arch?
This area can get very hot in the summer. I would plan to hike in the morning or evening. However, the hike is very short and as long as you have plenty of water and sunscreen you will probably be fine any time of the day.
Is the Mesa Arch Hike in Canyonlands Good For Kids?
Yes, it is easy. There is an incline but my kids who are 5 and 8 did great. At the top, there are some drop-off areas but nothing that sets of the alarms. This is a great Canyonlands National Park hiking trial for kids.
Our Experience
After hiking some of the intense hikes at Arches National Park we loved hiking Mesa Arch. My kids did not complain! Once we reached the arch we were able to enjoy the view and get some great pictures. It is one of the best Canyonlands hiking spots!
We stayed at the top for 20 minutes and then headed back to the car. It was a good amount of time to relax and take in the view. This is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands Island in the Sky area!
2. Grand View Point
Difficulty: Easy
Miles: 2
Time: 1.5 hours
Is there a Parking Lot at Grand View Point?
Yes. There are quite a few spots but the turnaround is not as quick so if you come and the lot is full it could take a while before a spot opens up. There are areas to park on the sides of the road if all the spots are full. Facilities are also available at this location.
Grand View Point Overlook or Hike?
If you are not up for hiking but want to have a great view this area is also an overlook. You can easily get out of your car and walk a short distance to get a great view.
This hike is 2 miles. It is an out and back hike that extends along the rim of the canyon.
Is Grand View Point Hike Good For Kids?
We did not want to hike the entire 2 miles. We hiked about a half-mile and then turned around and came back. We had a gentleman tell us that he wouldn’t recommend taking the kids the entire way because it was very long and the views were pretty much the same along the entire hike.
The park ranger said, of all the hikes in Canyonlands “this hike sums up what Canyonlands really is.” It is a must when hiking Canyonlands Island in the Sky.
It is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands and should be on your list.
Overlooks at Canyonlands: Island in the Sky
One thing we loved about Canyonlands: Islands in the Sky is that there are overlooks. We enjoyed driving in Canyonlands, getting out of the car, and being able to check out the views. So if hiking Canyonlands National Park is not an option, don’t worry driving the park is awesome!
3. Shafer Canyon Overlook
Difficulty: Easy
Miles: .3
Time: 20-30 minutes
Shafer Canyon is located right across the street from the visitor center. It is a very beautiful overlook of the deep canyons in the area.
You are about 1400 feet above the canyon. You can see the La Sal Mountain Range and the White Rim Road at the top of the overlook. There are lots of lizards!
It is a great Canyonlands National Park hike! In fact, Canyonland trails that are short and sweet are exactly how we wanted to start our hiking in Canyonlands adventure!
4. Candlestick Tower Overlook
There are 3-4 parking spots at the Candlestick Tower Overlook. You do not even have to get out of your car to view this rock formation that looks like a candlestick.
I didn’t get a photo of the “candlestick” I took a shot of the view in the opposite direction! The Candlestick Tower Overlook is a great place to rest from all the hiking in Canyonlands National Park. Take in the view!
5. Murphy Loop Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Miles: 10.8
Time: All Day
If you want a closer view of the Candlestick Tower, the Murphy Loop Trail is a good way to get a better view. You do not need to go the entire 10.8 miles. To get a good view 1.3 miles in will get you to Murphy Point.
The entire Murphy Loop will allow you to explore deep in Canyonlands. It is one of the more intense hiking in Canyonland options.
6. Buck Canyon Overlook
This overlook is not a hike. It is a beautiful view of the canyon. I easily ran out to the overlook and took a few pictures. It took about 5 minutes total. This will give you a true glimpse Canyonlands Island of the Sky!
7. White Rim Overlook
Difficulty: Easy
Miles:1.8
Time: 1.5 Hours
White Rim Overlook is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands Island in the Sky. This view will be of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and the La Sal Mountain Range.
The best time to go is in the late afternoon, you can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the 360 views. This Canyonlands hiking trail is not crowded. (This image is not of the overlook it is of the White Rim Road) The White Rim Overlook gives you views of the deep canyons.
Hot Tip for Hiking Canyonlands National Park:
Be sure to follow the White Rim Overlook Trail and not the Gooseberry Trail.
8. Gooseberry Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Miles: 5.4
Time: 4-6 Hours
This is the steepest hike in Canyonlands Islands in the Sky. There are rough switchbacks and sheer cliff drop-offs. This hike is not good for kids or those who do not like heights.
However, if you are up for an adventure, this is the perfect hiking in Canyonlands trail for you. This is one of those hikes in Canyonlands islands of the sky, for very adventurous hikers.
9. Orange Cliffs Overlook
Orange Cliffs Overlook is a quick stop. You can easily get out of the car and take a look at the views and head on to the Grand View Point Overlook.
More of the Best Hikes at Canyonlands Island in the Sky - If You Have Time
There are two main roads at Canyonlands Island in the Sky area. The first is directly south of the visitor center and will take you to Mesa Arch, all of the overlooks, and ends at the Grand View Point Overlook.
This is the path that we took. We spent half a day exploring and hiking in Canyonlands National Park and were able to do everything we wanted along this path.
The second road leads to more moderate hikes such as Upheaval Dome, Whale Rock, and Aztecs Butte.
Let’s explore these hikes.
10. Upheaval Dome
Difficulty: Moderate
Miles: .8
Time: 1 hour
Upheaval Dome is one of those hikes in Canyonlands you do not want to miss! It is a short but steep hike. This hike is unique because most of Canyonland’s rock formations are predictable with layers of sediment. These rock formations at Upheaval Dome are a geological mystery. They do not follow the layer-by-layer pattern.
Some geologists think it could have been a salt bubble that created these unusual rock formations, others believe it could have been a meteor. Either way, there are two viewpoints along the hike to get a good look at this unusual sight. It is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands Island of the Sky.
11. Whale Rock
Difficulty: Moderate
Miles: 1
Time: 1 Hour
Whale Rock is a huge rock that is shaped like a whale. There are some steep drop-offs along this Canyonlands hiking trail. It can definitely be put on the Canyonlands National Park best hikes list!
12. Aztec Butte
Difficulty: Hard
Miles: 2
Time: 1.5 Hours
This trail involves climbing, going up Slickrock, and drop-offs. There is an archeological site – the Ancestral Puebloan Granaries. You may not enter the site but can view it. This is a more intense Canyonland National Park trail.
Best Hikes in Canyonlands Island in the Sky - Hiking Guide
Hopefully, this gives you an overview of the best hikes in Canyonlands Island in the Sky area. You can easily plan out what hikes you would like to do.
We actually only spent half a day at Canyonlands. We were able to do everything along the road to Grand View Point. You could easily spend the rest of your day exploring the Upheaval Dome area.
No matter what you decide, you are going to love hiking in Canyonlands Island in the Sky.
This area is such a fun place to explore! As you plan a trip to Moab be sure to include Canyonlands in your adventure. You may also want to add Goblin Valley and trek over to Capitol Reef National Park.
If you are on a mighty 5 road trip (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion) visiting Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park is a must.
Facebook Community
Do you have any more questions about Canyonlands? Join my Travel Community on Facebook. This is a great group that can help answer any travel question you might have. I also try to add any deals that companies send me as well.
Canyon lands looks amazing! That last photo with the the driftwood was gorgeous.
Thanks!
Such a beautiful area to explore!
yes, it is breathtaking!
I’ve not heard of Canyonlands! Lots of great hiking trails in the area.
Canyonlands is very close to Arches so you can hit them both on the same trip!
This looks like such a beautiful trip to take! And I love that you added Dead Horse State Park. Sometimes the state parks are even better than the national parks!
I’ve been to Moab a few times but never Canyonlands! We hope to make a southern Utah trip out soon where we can visit the 5 parks 🙂
That will be fun!
This is such a comprehensive guide, thank you!! We haven’t taken the kids yet so I will definitely come back to this post when we do!
Oh good! I think your kids will like it.
Stunning scenery and beautiful pictures! Looks like an amazing experience!
It is beautiful!
I am missing so many amazing places that I want to see, and Canyonlands is one of them.
It is a great place!
Another great post about this area in Utah, Canyonlands, which I’ll be saving as a reference – many thanks!
Thanks! Canyonlands is pretty neat place!
I love seeing the vast canyon walls. It always makes me feel so teeny and is a great reminder of how massive our planet is. Such a beautiful hiking adventure.
I know it really is so impressive and big!
I’ve never been able to explore any of our nation’s canyon lands. This is enticing! Thanks.
You will have to go!
I don’t think I’ve explored Canyonlands. I’ll have to add this to my Utah travel list!
For sure, It is so close to Arches that they can be done in the same trip!
I love knowing how long each hike takes. Helps so much with planning!
I love that too!
I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this place before. Looks like a beautiful place!
It is not as well known as some of the other Utah parks.
Canyonlands is on my list! It’s such a huge part that the planning has been overwhelming. I will be using this to help. Thank you!
I like it when I find things to make planning easier!
Such striking photos! Beautiful country!
It is a beautiful part of the country!
Island in the sky! How fascinating! Canyonlands sounds really cool.
It is breathtaking!
Canyonland really sounds wonderful for an adventure!
it is so cool to explore!