The Canyonlands Island in the Sky District literally feels like an island in the sky. Sweeping panoramic vistas surround you as you explore the overlooks and short hiking trails here.
My husband, sister, parents and I spent a week in Moab exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. We spent 3 of those days in Canyonlands, which included 2 in Island in the Sky and 1 in The Needles District. We absolutely loved walking the short trails here and taking in the views across the canyons.
Canyonlands is a huge National Park, so it can be difficult prioritizing which areas to see and the best things to do.
This post is all about the 15 best things to do at Canyonlands Island in the Sky District to help you plan your time exploring this incredible place.
Canyonlands National Park Overview
Canyonlands is a huge National Park and is divided up into 3 major sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and the Maze Districts.
Most people only visit the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park since it is closest to Moab and is home to the panoramic vistas over the Colorado Plateau. It is a peninsula that truly feels like an “island in the sky” due to the incredible vistas on both sides that follow the Colorado and Green Rivers to the point of confluence.
Island in the Sky has views that are sort of similar to the Grand Canyon, but the canyons are much wider and less deep. Canyonlands definitely felt more rugged and off the beaten path than the Grand Canyon.
The Needles District is a bit more out of the way and lets you explore the “needles” formations more closely. You will find The Needles to be significantly less trafficked than Island in the Sky, as there are more backcountry 4×4 trails and hikes here.
The Maze District is a very remote section of the park and is only accessed by 4×4. You must have a permit for all overnight visits and be prepared to be self-sufficient when visiting this district.
This post will be focused on the Island in the Sky District only.
I’ve annotated the map below with major points of interest, but you can also download a high-resolution map here.
The Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park
The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is in the spring or fall. Temperatures in the Moab area are brutally hot in the summer, plus the parks will be swarmed with people once the kids are out of school.
In Utah, most hikes don’t have treecover to shade the trails, so you get full sun exposure most of the time. It’s important to prioritize hiking early or late in the day because of this.
October is another busy time to visit since you get all the fall breakers, but the weather is perfect. Canyonlands doesn’t get quite as many visitors as its neighbor, Arches, but still expect some crowds at the Island in the Sky District. If you really want to avoid the crowds, try visiting the last week of October or early November instead.
We visited in the middle of October and had daily highs in the 80s for most of the week, but the morning and evening temperatures were perfect. Almost everyone we met in Moab was there for fall break.
Visiting Canyonlands in the winter can also be a magical time to visit, especially if you get lucky with a dusting of snow. Large amounts of snow are rare, so it’s unlikely that park roads would become impassable. Going in the winter means shorter days and colder temperatures, but also much lower crowds.
Related: Top 16 Things to Do in Arches National Park
How to Get to Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands Island in the Sky District is located 40 minutes west of Moab, Utah. You will turn off onto Island in the Sky Road from Highway 191 that goes through town and it will take you to the entrance gate.
The most convenient airport to fly into and rent a car is Salt Lake City. We found the SLC airport to be incredibly easy to navigate, clean, and quick to get through. Since it’s a Delta hub, we were able to get the only direct flight to and from Indianapolis for our trip.
Moab does have its own airport, but there are only direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. If you’re coming from one of these cities, it’s definitely worth looking into flying directly to Moab, otherwise the prices and layover times likely won’t make sense.
Flying into Grand Junction, Colorado could be another good alternative (it is 2 hours from Moab), but the airport is small and there aren’t a ton of direct flights here either.
It will take you about 3.5 hours to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab. You’ll take I-15 south to Spanish Fork, and then spur off on US-6 until it turns into US-191, hop on I-70 east for a few miles, and then catch I-191 south again until you reach Moab.
Here are driving times from nearby popular destinations:
- Moab, UT: 32 miles / 40 minutes
- Salt Lake City, UT: 244 miles / 4 hours
- Grand Junction, CO: 124 miles / 2 hours
- Canyonlands The Needles District: 107 miles / 2 hours
- Arches National Park: 28 miles / 30 minutes
- Capitol Reef National Park: 147 miles / 2.5 hours
- Bryce Canyon National Park: 285 miles / 4.5 hours
- Zion National Park: 316 miles / 4.5 hours
- Grand Canyon South Rim: 335 miles / 5.5 – 6 hours
- Phoenix, AZ: 500 miles / 8 hours
- Las Vegas, NV: 468 miles / 6.5 – 7 hours
Fees & Passes Information
Admission to Canyonlands National Park costs $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 days, unless you have the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. This pass will get you into Island in the Sky and The Needles District.
Canyonlands does not have timed entry or advance reservation requirements like its neighbor, Arches. I recommend getting to the park early though (before 10 am) because the line to enter can get really long midday, especially on weekends and during peak season.
If you plan to visit 3 or more National Parks or Monuments on your trip to Utah (or within one year), getting the America the Beautiful National Park Pass will save you money vs. paying the separate fees at each park. It costs $80 and you must order ahead of time as they will ship you a physical pass.
Related: 15 Best Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
How Many Days Do You Need in Canyonlands National Park?
The time needed in Canyonlands National Park depends on what you like to do. You can visit the highlights at Island in the Sky and hike a few of the short trails in just one day. If you’d like to do a longer hike, some off-roading, or visit the more remote Needles District, spending 2-3 days will be the right amount of time.
If you plan to drive the White Rim Road (more info on that below), you’ll want to reserve 2-3 days for this experience exclusively, in addition to time needed to see the highlights and for any hikes you may want to do.
We spent 2 days in Island in the Sky, and I think that is a perfect amount of time if you structure your days efficiently and don’t plan to drive the White Rim Road. We did all of the short trails to the main viewpoints and had a chance to drive the Shafer Canyon and Potash Road Loop, but we didn’t get to do any of the longer trails.
15 Best Things to Do in Island in the Sky
1. Watch the Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Seeing the sun rise at Mesa Arch was by far my favorite experience in Canyonlands National Park.
Mesa Arch is an incredible natural arch that faces east and frames the canyon below. You’ll also be able to see the La Sal Mountains off in the distance.
As the sun rises, the bottom of the arch glows red and it makes for an incredible photography opportunity. You can also catch the sunbeam through the arch as the sun rises over the horizon.
A visit to Mesa Arch involves walking an easy, 0.7-mile loop trail to the arch. Prepare to see lots of people here at sunrise, as this is a very popular thing to do!
2. Drive the Shafer Canyon & Potash Road Loop
Shafer Canyon and Potash Road is an awesome way to get off the beaten path in the Island in the Sky District without planning a multi-night adventure.
You’ll traverse the famous Shafer Canyon Switchbacks down the Island in the Sky mesa on a dirt road down to the Colorado River. Loop back to Moab on Potash Road and enjoy the incredible scenery. You’ll also see the famous location where the ending scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed!
We had a blast driving this loop. Check out my guide to driving the Shafer Canyon and Potash Road Loop that covers everything you need to know, including maps, the type of vehicle you need, points of interest and more.
Related: How to Drive the Shafer Canyon and Potash Road Loop in Canyonlands
3. Hike the Grand View Overlook Trail
The Grand View Overlook is located at the very end of the Island in the Sky District. There is a short, 1.8-mile, out-and-back trail along the rim with incredible panoramic views of The Maze District, The Needles District, and the White Rim Road as you walk along the edge.
Some say the canyon looks like a giant dinosaur footprint. You’ll have to see it for yourself and decide!
We hiked this trail shortly after sunrise, so the photos are a little washed out because the sun was still low in the sky since we were looking east. I’d recommend coming here later in the afternoon or at sunset for the best lighting.
4. Hike the White Rim Overlook Trail
The White Rim Overlook Trail is similar to the Grand View Point Trail in that it is a short, 1.8-mile walk to a viewpoint overlooking the White Rim.
The White Rim Overlook Trail is slightly less strenuous than the Grand View Overlook Trail because it doesn’t follow the rim as closely. If you don’t like heights, you might want to hike this trail instead of the Grand View Point Trail.
Parking at the White Rim Overlook Trail is extremely limited and easy to miss. The viewpoint also faces east, so you will have similar photography challenges if you visit here in the morning or midday.
Visiting in the late afternoon is a great time because the lighting will be great for photos and you’ll have a better chance at finding parking once most visitors have left for the day.
5. Visit the Green River Overlook
The Green River Overlook gives you a southwest view of the Green River and surrounding canyons. You can see The Maze District, the White Rim Road, and the Henry Mountains from this viewpoint.
It is a paved, 0.1-mile walk to the viewpoint. The Green River Overlook makes a great sunset location.
6. Hike the Upheaval Dome Trail
The Upheaval Dome is a giant crater that remains a bit of a mystery in Canyonlands National Park. There are 2 theories to how this crater was formed: a salt dome collapse or a meteorite.
Recent research supports the meteorite theory, but lots of questions remain about its formation.
You can see the Upheaval Dome for yourself via a short, 1.5-mile hike to 2 overlooks.
We were fascinated by how different this area of Canyonlands was compared to the panoramic views off of the Island in the Sky mesa. The pink, green, and grey colors are very unique!
7. Go Kayaking or White Water Rafting
Another popular thing to do in the Island in the Sky District is to spend some time on the Colorado or Green Rivers. The water on both rivers is very calm upstream of the confluence, which is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or floating. You might hear this called “flatwater kayaking” as well.
Below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down the Cataract Canyon. This creates a 14-mile stretch of Class III to V whitewater, which is great for whitewater rafting.
There are tons of companies in Moab that will rent you kayaks, canoes, or take you on a whitewater rafting trip. Paddle Moab, Moab Canoe, and Mild to Wild Rafting are a few options.
8. Check out Whale Rock
Whale Rock is a giant sandstone dome that looks like, well, a whale.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up to the top via a short, steep, hiking trail. You will see sweeping views over the Island in the Sky District from the top.
9. Drive the White Rim Road (Permit Required)
The White Rim Road is a 100-mile 4×4 road that winds down the Island in the Sky mesa and follows along the rim of the Colorado and Green Rivers. The views are incredible.
Doing this drive requires a permit, a 4WD vehicle, and at least 2 days. This is a moderately challenging 4WD road with steep drop offs, rocks, and potential flooding concerns after heavy rains.
I’ve heard of people getting ticketed in an AWD vehicle, so make sure your vehicle meets the NPS requirements. Tow bills out here are very expensive and will cost you thousands of dollars, so it’s important to be prepared!
We didn’t get to drive the White Rim Road on our visit, so we will have to come back and do it another time! Check out the NPS website here for permits and the most up-to-date information on driving the White Rim Road.
10. Watch a Sunset
There is nothing like watching a sunset at the Island in the Sky District!
You have tons of great viewpoints to choose from to watch the sun lower over the horizon: Grand View, White Rim Overlook, Green River Overlook, and the Buck Canyon Overlook are all excellent sunset locations.
11. Hike the Gooseberry Trail
If you’re looking for a strenuous trail that allows you to hike below the rim of the Island in the Sky mesa, the Gooseberry Trail might be for you.
It is the steepest trail in Canyonlands National Park, and descends over 1000 feet in less than a mile. The total distance round-trip is 4.2 miles with a total elevation gain of 1548 feet.
You’ll hike to the White Rim and get to enjoy the view from down below instead of from the top of the mesa. If you’re up for the challenge, the views are incredible!
12. Visit the Buck Canyon Overlook
The Buck Canyon Overlook is a viewpoint on the east side of the Island in the Sky mesa with a 180-degree view of the Buck Canyon. You will also see the La Sal Mountains off in the distance.
There is a short, paved path to the overlook.
13. Check Out the Shafer Trail Viewpoint
The Shafer Trail Viewpoint was my favorite viewpoint of the Shafer Canyon Switchbacks. You get to look directly down the canyon at the steep road that descends 1500 feet off the Island in the Sky Mesa.
14. Visit the Shafer Canyon Overlook
The Shafer Canyon Overlook gives a slightly different view of the Shafer Canyon. You can still see Shafer Canyon Road, but you also get a better view of the canyon.
There is a short walk with some signs explaining the history of the area here.
15. Hike the Syncline Loop
The Syncline Loop is a challenging hike that circles the Upheaval Dome. It’s a 7.9-mile loop trail with 1600 feet of elevation gain.
You will need to practice your route-finding skills on this hike as it’s a primitive trail and not well marked. We didn’t have time to complete this hike and it looks like the reviews are mixed. Some say there are incredible views and others say they are lackluster.
I will say that you won’t get a good view of the Upheaval Dome once you get past the Upheaval Dome viewpoints, so don’t expect different views of it when hiking this trail!
BONUS: Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is a Utah State Park that is very conveniently located near the Island in the Sky District. In fact, you will pass right by the entrance road on your way to and from Island in the Sky.
Dead Horse Point is the incredible viewpoint here that overlooks the Thelma and Louise Point near a U-shaped bend in the Colorado River. This viewpoint also does not require any hiking.
If you plan to drive the Shafer Canyon and Potash Road Loop, you will be able to see Potash Road and a portion of the route that you will drive.
It will cost you $20 to enter the State Park (your National Park Pass will not work since it’s a State Park) and I think the viewpoint alone is worth the fee. There are 8 miles of hiking trails here that you can explore too if you have time.
I often wonder why Dead Horse Point isn’t just included as a part of Canyonlands National Park, but I suppose the Utah State Government would like to collect their fees as well:)
Best Things to Do in Island in the Sky With Limited Time
Here are my top things to do at Canyonlands Island in the Sky with limited time:
- Mesa Arch
- Grand View Overlook Trail
- Shafer Canyon & Potash Road
- Dead Horse Point Overlook
- Sunset at Green River Overlook
- Buck Canyon Overlook
- Upheaval Dome Trail
Did this post help you plan your trip to Canyonlands National Park? Let me know which Island in the Sky viewpoint you are most excited to see in the comments below!
-Megan
More Information on Southern Utah
MORE ON CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK: Continue your visit to Canyonlands National Park by venturing out to the Needles District or driving the Shafer Canyon-Potash Road Loop.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK: Explore over 2000 sandstone arches in this incredible National Park that neighbors Canyonlands. Check out my guide to the best things to do in Arches National Park.
DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK: This state park provides an incredible panoramic vista over the Colorado River, and it’s on your way to Canyonlands Island in the Sky District.
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK: Visit Utah’s most underrated National Park located just 2 hours west of Moab. Check out my 1-4 day Capitol Reef itinerary, the top 15 things to do in Capitol Reef, and the best day hikes in Capitol Reef.
HANKSVILLE, UTAH: Hanksville is a tiny town between Capitol Reef and Moab that is near some otherworldly landscapes. Here’s how to visit Factory Butte and the Moonscape Overlook, hike to the Long Dong Silver Spire, or explore Goblin Valley State Park.
GRAND STAIRCASE ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT: Nestled on one of the most scenic highways in the US, Grand Staircase is a massive National Monument that is home to incredible waterfalls, slot canyons, and remote outdoor adventures. It typically gets overshadowed by the Mighty 5 National Parks, but it is just as impressive.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK: Bryce is a compact park, so you can thoroughly explore the hoodoos in just one day. This post shows you how.
ZION NATIONAL PARK: Visit Utah’s most popular National Park. Hike the famous Angel’s Landing, the Narrows, and do the scenic drive. Zion is still on my list of parks to visit, and is currently experiencing lots of overcrowding issues. I plan to visit during the off season when we get a chance!
