The closest trail to the south entrance of Zion Nation Park, and one of the best introductions to Zion, is Watchman Trail. This 3.5-mile lollipop loop climbs 500 feet to a rocky bench on the east side of Zion Canyon. The destination serves up stunning views of a nearby tower named The Watchman and several standout rock formations on the walls of Zion Canyon.

From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, the mesmerizing hike begins with a level walk along the east bank of the Virgin River. To the right, above an overflow parking area, there is already a view of The Watchman, a jagged spire topping out 2,500 feet overhead. Thankfully, this trail does not ascend all the way to the summit of The Watchman, which would require merciless mountain climbing. Instead, the trail gradually reaches a landing on the side of the canyon beneath the towering prominence.

The Watchman from the start of the trail

After a quarter-mile river bank stroll, the trail bends to the right, crosses a paved service road, and leaves the canyon floor. A short series of steps on the other side of the road prepare your legs for the 500-foot ascent to come. Progress across a desert landscape with motivating view up Zion Canyon toward a bowl shaped side-canyon.

Looking up Zion Canyon

Just over half a mile from the start, the trail launches into switchbacks built into the north side of the side canyon. After 0.6 miles of climbing, the trail crosses the back of the canyon over two small streams and continues south to the split for the loop.

The trail up to the loop below The Watchman

The half-mile circuit at the end of Watchman Trail is level and scenic. Spindled juniper clings to the rusty soil, leaving room for massive views. The right branch of the loop follows the canyon rim out to the westernmost point of the bench, where the best views up Zion Canyon can be found. The left side of the loop heads straight toward The Watchman, reaching the lip of a side canyon to the south before rounding toward the overlook.

There is a dramatic drop below Watchman Overlook and staggering views in every direction. To the southeast, is the orange pinnacle of The Watchman itself. Further south, beyond the park border, open Utah desert stretches toward the Vermilion Cliffs in Southern Arizona. To the west, on the sandstone wall across from the bench, there is a stunning stretch of Zion Canyon that includes The Alter of Sacrifice (recognizable for the deep red stain on the stone).

Morning light reaches The Watchman

After soaking up the views along the loop, hike the mile and a half back down the trail. Sunrise is an excellent time to explore Watchman Trail, when the transfer from shadow to sunlight is dramaticaly displayed along the walls of Zion Canyon. The trailhead is a short walk from both Watchman Campground and South Campground. If you are bedding down inside the park, Watchman Trail is an excellent way to start your day.

To get to the trailhead: From the park visitor center at the south entrance of the park near the city of Springdale, walk northwest past the shuttle stop to the bank of the Virgin River. Take the walkway to the north side of the road to the start of Watchman Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Canyon Overlook Trail This one-mile round trip hike visits a scenic viewpoint looking west over Zion Canyon.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Riverside Walk This level 2.8-mile walkway is a popular place to hike and swim, following the Virgin River to the bottom of the narrows north of Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on protrails.com

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Rarely is a mile-long hike as action packed and rewarding as Canyon Overlook Trail. The overlook sits on the rim of Pine Creek Canyon, which adjoins Zion Canyon to provide massive views of thousand-foot tall sandstone bluffs. There are ravines and overhangs along the short trail that will keep you entertained along the way. This excellent hike is appealing to all, especially those with limited time in Zion National Park.

The hike begins from a small larking area on Route 9 (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) just east of the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Pick up the trail on the north side of the road and begin up a few short switchbacks, gaining a third of the 150 feet of elevation gain between the trailhead and the overlook.

Looking down on the Pine Creek Narrows

Progress along a ledge that looks out over a dark snaking ravine, the Pine Creek Narrows. Those with a fear of heights will cling to the metal railing leading to a short plank bridge. Walk the plank and continue on the trail beneath a large sandstone overhang. This shady spot offers an excellent view of Mount Carmel and its colorful arch shaped midsection. This impressive anticline offers a window into the geological forces that shaped Zion. Continue along the trail past juniper and boulders to the overlook itself, just half a mile from the trailhead.

Canyon Overlook

On the drive up Zion-Mount Carmel Highway from Zion Canyon, you probably notice an arch-shaped overhang on the orange east wall of Pine Creek Canyon. Canyon Overlook stands directly above this formation, known as The Great Arch. The short but wide Pine Creek Canyon spreads west toward Zion Canyon. From the viewpoint above the arch, you will find a broad unimpeded view to the west over Zion Canyon toward the Towers of the Virgin. To the north (right) is a 7,709-foot summit known as the East Temple, which towers over Pine Creek Canyon. To the northwest, on the opposite side of Zion Canyon, is The Sentinel stretches skyward to 7,157 feet. This impressive spire is also visible from Court of the Patriarchs, at the end of the shortest “trail” in the park.

At sunrise, you can watch the light first illuminate the orange walls of Zion Canyon. At the end of the day, you can see the sun disappear over Zion. Both are excellent times to visit Canyon Overlook Trail. The view is sure to impress at any hour of the day; this short hike really delivers.

Watching the sun set over Zion Canyon

To get to the trailhead: From the park visitor center, drive 1.5 miles north on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (Route 9) to Canyon Junction and turn right on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Route 9) and continue another 4.5 miles. Take a series of switchbacks up to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Drive through the tunnel. On the other side, make an immediate right into a small parking lot. Walk across the road and begin hiking.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                             

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Watchman Trail This 3.5-mile lollipop loop reaches a panoramic overlook on the side of Zion Canyon.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Riverside Walk This level 2.8-mile walkway is a popular place to hike and swim, following the Virgin River to the bottom of the narrows north of Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Canyon Overlook Trail on birdandhike.com

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on Utah.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on localhikes.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on trails.sierraclub.org

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Riverside Walk accesses the notorious narrows north of Zion Canyon, making it one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. To the end of the trail (at the start of the narrows) and back is a 2.8-mile hike over a level walkway bordering the Virgin River. Those looking to escape the Utah summer heat can leave the trail at any of several river access points to take a refreshing swim.

Riverside Walk begins from the Temple of Sinawava, where 3,000-foot rock walls form an amphitheater at the north end of Zion Canyon. The wheelchair friendly paved trail gains just sixty vertical feet as it follows the east bank of the Virgin River. Enjoy views of the passing water (and reflected orange sandstone walls) on the way to a small pool on the right, approximately ¾ of a mile from the start. Maidenhair ferns form a hanging garden on the rock face, resembling a miniature Emerald Pools.

A pool along the trail

Beyond the pool, march up a short rise and continue up the narrowing canyon. The ingress squeezes between sheer rock walls and elegant bends in the river.

Most who hike Riverside Walk do not stop at the end of the trail, and press on through water than can be waist to chest deep. By trail’s end, the canyon is just a hundred feet wide. Those who venture further upstream can see that it become narrower still. The gap between the thousand foot tall canyon walls shrinks to just twenty feet.

If you are continuing another two miles to Orderville Canyon, or trekking deeper into the narrows, be prepared for river hiking in potentially dangerous conditions. Flash flooding does occur. Those serious about hiking the narrows may prefer the 17.5-mile one-way descent through the narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava (at the start of the Riverside Walk), an epic backpacking excursion.

After exploring as much of the narrows as you wish, return down the Riverside Walk. This trail is easy, with nice scenery and crowds. An fee is required to enter Zion National Park, but the park shuttle to the trailhead is free. No permit is required to hike Riverside Walk, but a wilderness permit must be obtained to backpack through the narrows.

The Virgin River along Riverside Walk

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, take the park shuttle to the final stop at the northernmost end of Zion Canyon, Temple of Sinawava.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                             

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Watchman Trail This 3.5-mile lollipop loop reaches a panoramic overlook on the side of Zion Canyon.
	Canyon Overlook Trail This one-mile round trip hike visits a scenic viewpoint looking west over Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Riverside Walk on birdandhike.com

Riverside Walk on utah.com

A shuttle and trail map for Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park

 

If you are visiting Arches or Canyonlands and are planning to camp, you should know that there is very limited camping within these national parks. Fortunately, the Bureau of Land Management operates 25 developed campgrounds (with over 400 individual sites) outside these parks around the city of Moab. All campgrounds are first-come first-serve, so it is best to arrive early and plan ahead. Outside of the busiest weekends, the camping is quite ample. Fees for each site are $8 or $12 per night, depending on campground amenities. Some of the campgrounds are more primitive than what you would find at a national park. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are not always available, and the restrooms at the smaller campgrounds are quite rustic.

Upper Big Bend Campground off Scenic Byway 191 along the Colorado River

The Moab Field Office is more internet-friendly than most of bureau and there is plenty of campground information on these campgrounds available on the World Wide Web. For details about individual campgrounds and to see where they are located on the map, visit the Bureau of Land Management’s Moab camping page.

Photos

 

         

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

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Mill Creek This half-mile hike visits a swimming hole that offers refreshing escape from Utah’s Summer scorches.
	Negro Bill Trail to Morning Glory Bridge This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

 

More Info

 

Campground map and charts on discovermoab.com

The official camping page for the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management

 

This 6-mile round trip hike starts above the banks of the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah, and travels up a scenic canyon alongside a much smaller stream. The trek terminates at a stunning 243-foot long natural bridge, the sixth largest natural rock span in America. The level dirt trail to Morning Glory Bridge ascends just 330 feet and offers plenty of serenity along the way.

Why is it called Negro Bill Canyon? William Granstaff settles in Moab in 1877, becoming the first non-Caucasian pioneer to do so. He had success ranching in the area that now bears his name. William Granstaff Campground adjacent to the trailhead inherited his given name, while Negro Bill Canyon took a more colorful title. If they ever decide to change the name, Granstaff Canyon has a nice ring to it to it.

The creek meanders down Negro Bill Canyon

This single-track trail begins to the left of a year round stream that produces plentiful plant-life in Negro Bill Canyon, including poison ivy. Be on the lookout for those irritating leaves-of-three, especially if you venture off trail. The start of the hike is remarkably level allowing quick movement into this beautiful canyon.
The steep walls of this north-south running trench provide good early morning and late afternoon shade.

The trail widens 0.4 miles from the start, showing evidence that the canyon was previously open to 4X4 vehicles. An outcripping on the left side of the trail looks as though it may have once been inhabited or at least used for storage. Continue along the east bank of the shallow creek. At 0.85 miles, the first noticeable elevation is gained as you ascend a short rise in the canyon floor. Enjoy the nice views up and down canyon, and continue toward Morning Glory Bridge.

Looking down Negro Bill Canyon

At the 1.15-mile mark, a path spurs off to the left traveling a short distance into an indentation in the canyon wall. Green hanging gardens give the bump-out an alluring look, and this is a great place to test your echo (if you are interested in that sort of thing). Be on the look out for poison ivy if you trek this way.

The main trail continues south into the canyon. Just under a mile and a half from the start, you will cross the shallow creek for the first time. Get used to rock hopping. There are nine more crossings to come. Signs mark the trails as it flip-flops back and forth across the creek. Nevertheless, determining the proper path is tricky at times. If you end up on a false trail, simply backtrack to the correct route and continue upstream.

One of the ten creek crossings

Halfway through the creek crossings, the canyon bends to the left, and a side canyon heads off to the right. This is not the side-canyon containing Morning Glory Bridge, so proceed up the main channel. After 2.6 miles, at a more prolific Y in Negro Bill Canyon, you will cross the creek for a tenth and final time. The trail now embarks up the side canyon to the right, ascending the final 150 feet to Morning Glory Bridge.

The side canyon containing Morning Glory Bridge

The natural bridge crosses the back of the canyon, narrowly separated from the rock wall behind it. This makes the landmark less prominent from a distance, but quite dramatic close up. Morning Glory Bridge is sometimes called Morning Glory Arch by those who believe it to be an alcove arch rather than a natural bridge. That debate is for the geologists and erosion enthusiasts, but no matter how you label the impressive span, it is one monumental sight.

Morning Glory Bridge

Another curious feature lies just below the arch. A stream of water can be seen and heard flowing directly out of a fracture in the rock face. This adds to the magic of the spot. After taking a moment to relax beneath the sandstone bridge, return the way you can for a 6-mile round trip trek. Negro Bill Canyon is protected by the Bureau of Land Management, so no fee or permit is required to hike to Morning Glory Bridge.

A Canyoneering team rappels off Morning Glory Bridge

Writer’s note: Signs at the trailhead label the distance to Morning Glory Bridge at both two and 2.5 miles, and most publications describe this as a 4-mile round trip hike. My GPS tracker recorded the distance to the bridge at 3 miles. This measurement matches the distance I typically hike during the time I was on the trail. If your experience ends up being shorter, please let me know.

Desert Evening Primrose along the trail

To get to the trailhead: From Highway 191 in the city of Moab, head east on Scenic Byway 128 along the Colorado River. After three miles, turn right into the marked parking lot for Negro Bill Trailhead. There is a bathroom and an information kiosk near the start of the trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                               

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

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Mill Creek This half-mile hike visits a swimming hole that offers refreshing escape from Utah’s Summer scorches.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Landscape Arch in Arches National Park This level 2.5-mile hike visits the longest natural arch in the world along with two other enjoyable arches.
	Double Arch in Arches National Park This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	Arch Rock in Joshua Tree This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.

 

Camping

 

BLM Campgrounds There are 25 campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management surrounding Moab, Utah outside Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

 

More Info

 

The BLM webpage for Negro Bill Canyon

Negro Bill Canyon on utah.com

Negro Bill Canyon on protrails.com

Negro Bill Canyon on wikipedia.org

 

If you visit Arches or Canyonlands National Parks in the summer, you may be greeted by long days with temperatures in the triple digits. In those conditions, a simply swim in a cold creek can be as satisfying as any of those parks’ amazing landmarks. The Colorado River around Moab is swift and silty, so instead bathe in the refreshing waters of Mill Creek.

Mill Creek Trail heads deep into the Utah landscape southeast of Moab, but you only need to hike a quarter-mile to reach this fluvial refuge. Take the single track from the parking lot and head east parallel to Mill Creek, which has dug a fifteen-foot deep trench into the rocky plain. The level trail passes just to the right of a man-made waterfall at an old mill site. From here, the trail continues up along the creek, but if all you want is a refreshing dip, backtrack along the ledge for a few hundred feet until a path appears down the rocky bank. Once you descend to the creek, the hiking is over and it’s time to swim.

The falls at Mill Creek

Mill Creek is shallow with relaxing pools and enough current to push you down a few rock water slides. If you make your way upstream, you may see a few daredevils cliff jumping into the pool at the base of the falls. The deep spot is quite narrow, making jumping not the greatest idea (unless you know a good doctor in Moab for broken legs).

Mill Creek

Mill Creek is a great way to beat the relentless Utah summer heat. When you are ready to return to the 100-degree air, make a 180-degree turn, ascend the bank of the creek, and walk back to the parking lot. Mill Creek is located on BLM land. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From downtown Moab, head south on Route 191. Make a left onto Sage Ave, followed by a quick right onto Holyoak Lane. Drive two blocks to Mill Creek Drive and make a left. Drive half a mile to Powerhouse Lane and turn right. Take this road for a third of a mile to the parking lot at road’s end.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

     

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

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Negro Bill Trail to Morning Glory Bridge This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Paradise Creek in Sequoia National Park This short stroll leaves Buckeye Flats Campground to visit the perfect swimming hole for a hot summer day in the Sierras.
	Natural Water Slide in Giant Sequpia National Monument This one mile hike visits a refreshing natural water slide on the eastern side of the Great Western Divide.

 

Camping

 

BLM Campgrounds There are 25 campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management surrounding Moab, Utah outside Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

 

More Info

 

Mill Creek on Utah.com

The official website for Moab Field office for the Bureau of Land Management

 

As the name implies, this is a hike with near endless views. Grand View Point is the southern-most spot on Canyonland’s high mesa, the Island in the Sky. Laid out below is a complex network of canyons carved by the converging Colorado and Green Rivers. This 2-mile round trip hike leaves from Grand View Overlook and travels down the mesa’s edge for as far as you can go without running out of real estate.

Panels at Grand View Overlook provide an illustration of the geological layers that make up Canyonlands National Park. The Colorado River is the powerful landscaper, carving a thousand-foot trench into the earth. The next layer is the White Rim. This striking ornamentation runs along the top of the canyons, taking its coloration from salt deposited in the soil. A thousand feet above the rim is the top of the mesa, where you can look out over it all.

Looking down off from Grand View Overlook toward Monument Basin

Leave the overlook and take the trail to the right along the edge of the bluff. Head southwest, following the contours of the mesa, and enjoy the inspiring views to the east across Monument Basin toward the La Sal Mountains. When the trail moves inland, let the cairns be your guide. The single-track crosses firm sandstone, losing just eighty feet of elevation as it progresses to the 6,000-foot point.

The trail follows the edge of the mesa to Grand View Point

The trail cliffs-out to the right of a fifteen-foot tall boulder formation. For the grandest view of all, give them a climb and have a look around. Grand View Point offers tremendous views to the east, south, and west. Junction Butte, located just to the south somehow enhances the scale of the view. Beyond lie the two other explorable regions of Canyonlands National Park, the Needles and Maze districts. You could quite easily be inspired to visit these other areas of Canyonlands based on this sight alone. When you’ve had your fill, take the same trail back to return to the parking lot at Grand View Overlook.

Junction Butte of the end of Grand View Point

To get to the trailhead: From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, drive south for 12 miles to road’s end at Grand View Overlook.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                           

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

 

Nearby Trails

 

	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.
	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.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Canyonlands National Park and elsewhere.

 

More Info

 

Grand View Point on localhikes.com

Canyonlands National Park on Utah.com

Canyonlands National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Canyonlands National Park

 

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:

Photos

 

Green River Overlook
       
       
Buck Canyon Overlook
       
Shafer Canyon Overlook
       
 

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

 

Nearby Trails

 

Trail	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

 

Canyonlands National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Canyonlands National Park

 

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:

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

 

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

Canyonlands National Park on Utah.com

Canyonlands National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Canyonlands National Park

 

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. 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. Gravel is scarce 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:

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

 

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

Canyonlands National Park on Utah.com

Canyonlands National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Canyonlands National Park