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Overlooks in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:14:15 +0000

The Island in the Sky offers great views for visitors who aren’t in favor of exploring too far from their transportation. Even for hikers, every overlook in the Island in the Sky in worth checking out. The two that should not be missed are Grand View Overlook and Green River Overlook. These provide excellent views along with informative panels. Additionally, Buck Canyon Overlook offers a nice view to the east, and Shafer Road Overlook lets you look down on a 4X4 road that weaves down the side of the mesa to the White Rim, and is just plain impressive to look at.

Looking out from Green River Overlook

Shafer Canyon Overlook

Each of these overlooks is identified on the map below:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

Green River Overlook

Buck Canyon Overlook

Shafer Canyon Overlook

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

Description	Distance	Latitude, Longitude
Upheaval Dome This out and back hike visits two overlooks along the rim of a puzzling three-mile wide crater.	0.6 - 1.7 miles 200 feet	38.4264, -109.926113
Whale Rock This out and back hike ascends a whale-shaped sandstone formation near Upheaval Dome.	1 mile 250 feet	38.426851, -109.914159
Aztec Butte This lollipop-loop hike ascends a dome-shaped butte that boasts Puebloan granaries and a nice view of Taylor Canyon.	1.3 - 1.8 miles 250 feet	38.393685, -109.882171
Mesa Arch This loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.	0.5 miles 100 feet	38.387878, -109.863499
Murphy Point This out and back hike visits a west-facing point on the Island in the Sky overlooking canyons carved by the Green River.	3.6 miles 150 feet	38.342484, -109.889731
White Rim Overlook This out and back hike visits the end of a peninsula in the Island in the Sky with 300-degree views of the canyons below.	1.8 miles 170 feet	38.320116, -109.834875
Grand View Point This out and back hike travels along the mesa’s edge from Grand View Overlook to the southernmost point on the Island in the Sky.	2 miles 80 feet	38.303222, -109.867656

More Info

White Rim Overlook in BEST EASY DAY HIKES: CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES by Bill Schneider

White Rim Overlook in Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:26:20 +0000

The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is renowned for elevated views of immense canyons. One of the best east-facing vistas is White Rim Overlook, which offers sweeping 300-degree views from the mid-point a 1.8-mile round trip hike.

From the picnic area a mile from the end of Grand View Road, hike east down the trail for a tenth of a mile and turn right at the junction. To the left, Gooseberry Trail drops off the side of the mesa down to Buck Canyon. The journey to White Rim Overlook is far less challenging, descends just 170 feet while still delivering knockout views. Take the single track to the right for a gradual hike to a scenic peninsula in the Island in the Sky.

The trail to White Rim Overlook

The trail starts out as a gravel track, but transforms into a cairn-lined path over exposed sandstone. Simply continue down the middle of the point until you can’t hike any further. Wow, what a view!

Approaching White Rim Overlook

The transformative work the Colorado River lies below, a mesmerizing expanse of canyons. Along the canyon rim there is layer of white rock. This thick salt deposit stands out from the surrounding stone, giving the landscape an ethereal look. To the southeast, in an area known as Monument Basin, the White Rim balances strikingly atop stubborn buttes and hoodoos that the river could not carry away. Jeeps can be seen touring White Rim Road along the edge of the canyon, a thousand feet below. An old mining road is visible as well, but that is as much human impact as you are likely to see.

The snow-capped La Sal Mountains form the horizon to the east. To the southwest, you can look down to the end of the mesa toward Grand View Point and Junction Butte. White Rim Overlook has a grand view of its own, and you could spend quite some time contently staring off from this peaceful spot.

Looking down into Monument Basin

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 11 miles and turn left into picnic area. As you drive through the picnic area, the trailhead will be on the right.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Grand View Point This 2-mile hike travels along the mesa’s edge from Grand View Overlook to the southernmost point on the Island in the Sky.
	Murphy Point This 3.6-mile hike visits a west-facing point on the Island in the Sky overlooking canyons carved by the Green River.
	Mesa Arch This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

More Info

Murphy Point in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Murphy Point in Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:41:31 +0000

The 3.6-mile round trip hike to Murphy Point provides a peaceful outing with excellent views off the western end of the Island in the Sky. This is an excellent morning hike, when the sun first strikes the expansive canyons below the mesa. Alternatively, the wide western view also makes this a recommended sunset trail. There is only 150 feet of elevation to contend to, and the trail is downhill most of the way.

The route to Murphy Point starts as a wide dirt road and finishes as a cairn-lined sandstone track. Half a mile from the start, and not far past the remains of an old corral, you will come to a junction in the trail. The left fork descends 4.2 miles off the side of the mesa to White Rim Road. Turn right instead, and begin a straight course down the center of a peninsula in the Island in the Sky. There is a slight uphill grade as the land narrows, providing excellent early views off both side of the mesa.

The trail out to Murphy Point

The trail eventually turns left down a slope before turning back to the right and straightening out. There is less gravel now, so keep an eye on the cairns as the trail becomes less pronounced. One last left turn puts you on course for the mesa’s edge at the southern face of Murphy Point.

The Maze

There is some view from here. You can look all the way down the mesa toward Grand View Point, and beyond at Junction Butte. Below is an immensity of canyons designed by the Green River.

A horseshoe bend in the Green River around Turks Head

Looking southwest toward Ekker Butte

If you simply turn back here, you will miss out on some of the views that Murphy’s Point has to offer. Put in a little overtime and forge an off-trail clockwise loop along the edge of the point. This will expand your view to the south and west and expose new views to the north. After completing the bonus loop, retrieve the cairn lined trail and head out the way you came in.

A bonus view to the north

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 8.6 miles and turn right into the parking area for Murphy Point.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	White Rim Overlook This gradual 1.8-mile hike visits the end of a peninsula in the Island in the Sky with 300-degree views of the canyons below.
	Mesa Arch This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	Grand View Point This 2-mile hike travels along the mesa’s edge from Grand View Overlook to the southernmost point on the Island in the Sky.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

More Info

Mesa Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:25:01 +0000

Mesa Arch is an easy to visit landmark in the Island in the Sky region of Canyonlands National Park. This pothole arch spans across the mesa’s edge, framing a scenic canyon vista. A half-mile loop trail brings you right up to Mesa Arch, one of the park’s most popular points of interest.

A nature guide is available at the trailhead, and can be used to learn more about park vegetation and geology. The guide is quick to remind you to stay on the trail, a point you will see repeated through Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. This is because stray footsteps can damage the cryptogamic soil just off trail. This black crust on the ground forms the foundation for desert ecosystems. The vital mixture of lichens, moss, fungus and algae prevents soil erosion and helps support larger plants.

Just beyond the parking lot, the trail comes to a Y. Both routes lead to Mesa Arch, and the loop is equally enjoyable in both directions. As you hike, keep and eye on the edge of the mesa for sneak peaks of the iconic arch.

Looking out through Mesa Arch

The trail ends in front of an elegant stone spanning fifty feet across the top of a 500-foot vertical cliff. Mesa Arch is classified as a pothole arch because it was formed by surface water that pooled on the sandstone behind the arch, slowly eroding away at the rock. The result is an arch that dangles across the mesa’s edge.

Geology aside, the arch provides the frame for a stunning Utah landscape. Along the mesa to the east is another arch, named Washing Woman Arch. Below the mesa is the prominent white rim of spectacular canyons carved by the Colorado River. Rounding out the view, the snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains meet the sky at the horizon.

Looking out at Buck Canyon Arch

The arch is beautiful any time of day, but if you end up here around sunrise or sunset, you will likely be in for a beautiful show. After leaving the arch, complete the loop to return to the trailhead for a 0.5-mile hike with 100 feet of elevation. On the way back, you will have a nice view of Aztec Butte rising above the mesa beyond the parking lot.

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6.3 miles and turn left into the parking area for Mesa Arch. If you reach the intersection with Upheaval Dome Road, you have gone too far.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Aztec Butte This is a 1.8 -mile hike ascends a dome-shaped butte that houses Puebloan granaries and offers nice views of Taylor Canyon.
	Upheaval Dome This 1.7-mile hike visits two overlooks along the rim of a puzzling three-mile wide crater.
	Whale Rock This one-mile hike ascends a whale-shaped sandstone formation near Upheaval Dome.
	Murphy Point This 3.6-mile hike visits a west-facing point on the Island in the Sky overlooking canyons carved by the Green River.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

More Info

Biological Soil Crust in Canyonlands National Park on nps.gov

Aztec Butte on summitpost.org

Aztec Butte in Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:25:40 +0000

Aztec Butte is one of the more unique hikes in the Island in the Sky region of Canyonlands National Park. The trail crosses level grasslands and climbs a steep slope to a dome-shaped butte rising above the mesa. Alcoves along the rim of the butte house Puebloan granaries, which early inhabitants used for storage. A loop around the top of Aztec Butte visits two such granaries and provides excellent views down into Taylor Canyon to the north. A spur trail loops around a shorter butte with another well-preserved granary. This is a 1.8-mile round hike including the second butte, and a 1.3-mile hike without.

A granary along the lower butte

From the trailhead, drop down across grasslands and begin hiking up a small wash. After a quarter mile, the single track turns left, exiting the wash on an almost direct line for Aztec Butte.

A junction comes shortly thereafter. To the left, a spur ascends 90 feet up a short butte. Follow the cairns as the path drops just below the rim of the butte to visit a granary at the top of the northern slope. Continue to wrap around the butte and the track will circle back to the main trail for a half-mile addition.

Looking south across the Island in the Sky

The principal trail continues to the base of Aztec Butte, where it becomes suddenly steep, rapidly ascending 165 feet. The path up the sandstone slope is tricky to follow, and a bit of improvisation is required. Persevere up and to the right, to a point where cairns escort you over the top of the rim. The faint track forms a loop from here. You may continue straight ahead to the north, or around the rim’s edge to the right. Drop just of the northeastern rim to visit a pair of granaries built into sandstone alcoves.As you complete the loop, enjoy the great views into Taylor Canyon.

Looking north into Taylor Canyon

There is 250 feet of elevation gain alone this 1.3 to 1.8 mile-hike. The varied trail makes Aztec Butte one of the more rewarding hikes in the Island in the Sky. For a nearby hike with a more gradual ascent, take a trek up Whale Rock.

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6.5 miles. After passing the Mesa Arch turnoff, turn right onto Upheaval Dome Road and drive 0.8 miles to the parking area for Aztec Butte on the right side of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Mesa Arch This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	Upheaval Dome This 1.7-mile hike visits two overlooks along the rim of a puzzling three-mile wide crater.
	Whale Rock This one-mile hike ascends a whale-shaped sandstone formation near Upheaval Dome.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

More Info

Aztec Butte in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Aztec Butte on localhikes.com

Upheaval Dome trail brochure on nps.gov

Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:38:17 +0000

Upheaval Dome in the most puzzling geological feature in Canyonlands National Park. A 1.7-mile hike visits two overlooks along the rim of this three-mile wide 1,000-foot deep crater. Geologists have two possible theories for what caused Upheaval Dome, which you can learn about along the trail.

From the trailhead, a wide track heads to the right before turning uphill toward the crater. Steps built into the trail aid with the ascent of 150 feet over 0.3 miles. When the trail comes to a junction, turn right and you will quickly reach the first overlook of Upheaval Dome.

Upheavel Dome

Have a look into this wide rough crater, and see if you can you figure out how it was created. Geologists have two competing theories. Illustrated panels at the overlook describe both the newfangled meteorite theory and the more traditional salt dome theory.

The salt dome theory:
It all began 300 million years ago when an inland sea covered this entire area. Climate chance caused the water to evaporate, leaving a thick salt deposit behind. Over time, layers of sediment built up on top of the salt and hardened into sandstone. The heavy rock pushed down on the salt, creating uneven pressure that led to a budge in the salt layer. This caused a dome to appear on the surface, an upheaval dome. The crater seen today is simply the eroded remains of that dome.

The meteorite theory:
The other school of thought is that a meteor crash landed on this spot 60 million years ago. The crater left behind was unstable. Some areas collapsed while other spaces filled from below by rock and salt moving up into the sudden opening in the earth.

Was it a great upheaval or a coming down to earth that caused the crater? If you need time to ponder, the trail continues for another 0.6 miles, descending around the jagged sandstone rim to a second overlook. On the return, you will have to hike back up 180 feet of elevation. This is worth keeping in mind because the views from the second overlook to no reveal much more than the first. If you decided to conserve your time and energy for another trail, you would be forgiven for not going the full way.

The trail descends to the second overlook

The obvious gravel trail disappears along the way to the second overlook. Look for the line of cairns and steps carved into the sandstone to direct you around the crater. The placement of the second overlook seems a bit arbitrary, as the views are not completely dissimilar to the upper overlook and other points along the way.

The second overlook

After enjoying the overlook, head back up the sandstone rim. This hike to both overlooks is a 1.7 miles round trip, but that can be cut down to 0.6 miles if you only visit the first overlook.

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6.5 miles. After passing the Mesa Arch turnoff, turn right onto Upheaval Dome Road. Drive 5 miles to the end of the road. There is a picnic area and bathrooms at the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Whale Rock This one-mile hike ascends a whale-shaped sandstone formation near Upheaval Dome.
	Aztec Butte This is a 1.8 -mile hike ascends a dome-shaped butte that houses Puebloan granaries and offers nice views of Taylor Canyon.
	Mesa Arch This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	Murphy Point This 3.6-mile hike visits a west-facing point on the Island in the Sky overlooking canyons carved by the Green River.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

More Info

Upheaval Dome geology on nps.gov

Upheaval Dome on wikipedia.org

Upheaval Dome on geology.utah.gov

Upheaval Dome on summitpost.org

Mesa Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Whale Rock in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Whale Rock in Canyonlands National Park

hikespeak — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:39:36 +0000

Upheaval Dome is a unique natural anomaly on the western end of a magnificent mesa known as the Island in the Sky. There are two popular theories for what caused the bizarre formation, but neither explains how a whale of a rock ended up stretched across the mesa nearby. This long sandstone formation looks like a giant beached whale that came ashore on the Island in the Sky. A one-mile round trip hike ascends 250 feet to the top of Whale Rock for a fun view of Upheaval Dome and surrounding canyons.

Prickly Pear Cactus blooming along the trail

The sides of Whale Rock are too steep for hiking, so the gravel trail instead aims for the tail of the whale, which provides a more gradual approach. Turn left up the sandstone slickrock and follow the cairn-lined track up the back of Whale Rock. The cairns are actually cemented in place, making the course secure and easy to follow. Walk out atop the whale’s head and raise your periscope! You will be treated to a fine view of Upheaval Dome to the west and expansive canyons to the south.

Upheaval Dome and a rock shaped like a face

When you are ready to return to port, follow the cairns back off the whale and down the trail to the parking lot.

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 6.5 miles. After passing the Mesa Arch turnoff, turn right onto Upheaval Dome Road. Drive 4 miles the trailhead parking area for Whale Rock on the right side of the road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Canyonlands National Park in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Upheaval Dome This 1.7-mile hike visits two overlooks along the rim of a puzzling three-mile wide crater.
	Aztec Butte This is a 1.8 -mile hike ascends a dome-shaped butte that houses Puebloan granaries and offers nice views of Taylor Canyon.
	Mesa Arch This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

More Info