Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by foxintheforest

If sweeping canyon views, iconic photo ops, and scenic dirt-road driving are your thing, then look no further than the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park.

This enormous top US national park is separated into three distinct districts with Island in the Sky being one of the crown jewels.

Known for its iconic views, easy hikes, and epic Overlanding opportunities, people flock from all over to check out the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands.

When it comes to visiting Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District, you’ll want to be in the know. Make the most of your time and skip the crowds, with this mega-epic guide.

I’ve become an expert at beating the crowds in the most popular outdoor destinations in the US. The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands is no exception. I’ve had plenty of amazing solitude here over the years.

And now I’m imparting my wisdom on you. Visit Island in the Sky in Canyonlands like a local, not a tourist. Here’s how.

About this guide to Island in the Sky in Canyonlands

Before we dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Island in the Sky District here’s a look at what to expect in this post.

• Overview of Canyonlands National Park
• Map of Island in the Sky
• Who will love Canyonlands National Park
• Things to do in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District
• Prices and fees
• The best camping
• Tips and tricks for visiting Island in the Sky in Canyonlands
• Additional planning resources

Canyonlands National Park Overview

Island in the Sky in Canyonlands is located just 45 minutes from downtown Moab. The driving is simple and all paved along the way.
The easy access to Moab makes Island in the Sky the busiest district in the park.

In order to beat the crowds in the Island in the Sky District, start your journey early. Like before the sun rises early. Mesa Arch is by far the most popular sunrise spot, but you could check out Grand View Point instead. Either way, aim to be in the park by 6 am and you’ll have a head start.

The other two districts – the Needles District in Canyonlands and the Maze District are more remote.

The Needles is known for its unique hiking and backpacking opportunities, while the Maze is a cross-country, remote area reserved for advanced adventurers.

The awesome part about Island in the Sky is that you can see almost the entire park from several different viewpoints.

Is Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park?

Island in the Sky Map

You’ll find Island in the Sky at the far northern end of Canyonlands National Park. It sits on the Island in the Sky Mesa, which truly lives up to its namesake.

Where is Island in the Sky?

Island in the Sky is about 40 minutes north of Moab along Road 313. There’s only one paved way in and out of the park along Grand View Point Road. Island in the Sky is the northernmost district in Canyonlands National Park and the highest. This means the views are sweet.

Who Will Love Visiting

Spending a day at Island in the sky is one of the best things to do in Moab, and there’s a little something for everyone to do here regardless of their travel preferences

Particularly, it’s great if you’re keen to go on easy hikes through Canyonlands National Park, catch extremely photogenic lookouts, and go on scenic drives lined with astounding viewpoints along the way.

Moreover, Island in the Sky is one of the best spots in the USA for camping in the desert and experiencing the awesomeness that is spending a night at a Dark Sky Area.

Things to Do in Island in the Sky

Island in the Sky is your go-to place if you want to get a taste of the best things to do in Canyonlands but don’t necessarily have too much time to explore.

Aside from experiencing what hiking in the desert is like, an absolute must is waking up early to see Mesa Arch at sunrise.

Afterward, you can get your sweat on with one of the Island in the Sky hikes or opt for a scenic drive to hit up all the viewpoints in one go.

Moreover, you can spend a few hours getting dusty on a backcountry drive. To finish off the day, catch an epic sunset paired with sweeping views of the canyons.

Must-Do Hikes

There are ample opportunities to explore the many hikes in Canyonlands. One of the best things about the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands is that most of the trails are relatively easy, meaning you’ll get the most bang for your hiking buck.

Here’s a look at a few must-see trails in Island in the Sky:

Pro Tip: Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in Island in the Sky, so keep Fido at home.

Mesa Arch

Arguably the most popular spot in Island in the Sky and one of the top things to do in Moab, catching a sunrise at the famous Mesa Arch is a must-do. As one of the easiest hikes in all of Canyonlands, the Mesa Arch trail is a straightforward 10-minute walk to get to the world-famous arch.

Simply walk along the trail until you reach the cliff.

Pro Tip: If you aren’t a sunrise photographer, then consider visiting Mesa Arch during the middle of the day when the crowds are long gone.

Mileage: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: very easy
Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Whale Rock

A quick hike with a few hills takes you directly to Whale Rock. Can you spot the whale in the rock? If not, don’t worry, there are plenty of stunning views to keep you engaged. This spot is better for sunrise than sunset, as the sun will be directly in your eyes.

Mileage: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: easy
Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Grand View Point Trail

Yet another awesome hike with plenty of insane views, the Grand View Point Trail is a must-do. This trail wanders along the cliff’s edge (no guardrails) as it makes its way to the might Grand View Point. You can scramble a little up the rocks for views of the Orange Cliffs, Glen Canyon Recreation Area, the Maze, and more.

The first part of the trail is concrete and wheelchair-friendly. It goes to a viewpoint before turning into a dirt path.

Pro Tip: For a less-crowded sunrise hike, Grand View Point offers a lot of solitude, but does get busy after the sun has been up.

Mileage: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: easy
Approximate Time: 1 hour

Pro Tip: As one of the most famous US national parks for hiking, expect to share the trail unless you arrive early.

Murphy Point Trail

Another easy, gentle trail that takes you right to the edge of the canyon. Island in the Sky is known for sweeping canyon views and the Murphy Point Trail gives you just that. Epic views of the White Rim Canyon, towering buttes, and intricate canyon systems.

Pro Tip: Like almost all of the Island in the Sky hikes, there is very little shade.

Mileage: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: easy
Approximate Time: 1 hour

Upheaval Dome

Upheaval Dome is a weird and whacky landmark in Island in the Sky. Contrasting greatly to the nearby cliffs, this upturned dome is a bit of a mystery. Some geologists suggest it’s formed by a salt dome, while others thing it might be the result of an impact crater. You can hike around the dome and come up with your own story about how it was formed.

Mileage: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate Time: 45 minutes

Aztec Butte Trail

Aztec Butte is an obvious rock outcropping that delivers canyon views in every direction. You can hike partway up the butte and then circumnavigate it to get spanning views of Island in the Sky from every direction.

There’s a split in the trail, the right heads up Aztec Butte, and the right fork climbs and then drops to 2 distinct Ancestral Puebloan ruins. You can easily manage both on this moderate hike.

Mileage: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Approximate Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Gooseberry Trail

As one of the lesser-known trails in the park, this rugged trek drops down from the White Rim Overlook and heads to the Gooseberry campsites along the White Rim Trail. The going gets pretty steep and you’ll have to come out the way you came, so take care.

You’ll get views of the La Sal Mountains in the distance and a real taste for just how big these canyon walls are. Be sure to watch your footing.

Mileage: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Approximate Time: 2.5 hours

Syncline Loop

Known as one of the hardest hikes in Island in the Sky, the Syncline Loop is a must-do climb for avid hikers. You’ll get great canyon views and a chance to really explore Upheaval Dome.

The trail loops around Upheaval Dome with two spur options. The western spur takes you all the way down to the Green River – a difficult run that drops 1,300 feet (and you’ll have to go back up again). The Eastern spur heads into the center of the crater.

Pro Tip: You can backcountry camp (with a permit) along the route to the Green River if you’re looking for an extra adventure.

Mileage: 8.6 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Approximate Time: 4.5 hours

Unmissable Viewpoints

Visitor’s Center Viewpoint – Right from the parking lot of the visitor’s center, you can cross the street and follow a short trail to reach this viewpoint.

From here, you’ll get your first view of the cliffs, a fantastic view of Shafer Trail Road, and a glimpse of White Rim Road far off in the distance.

Green River Overlook – Offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Green River below and the surrounding Colorado Plateau stretching as far as the eye can see.

Local Tip: This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and makes for an excellent sunset perch.

Grand View Point – Set in the southernmost point of Island in the Sky and offers jaw-to-the-ground views of the White Rim, The Maze, and The Needles (all backdropped by the La Sal Mountains).

Buck Canyon Overlook – One of the coolest viewpoints in Canyonlands if you want to see dramatic cliffs and the La Sal mountains in their fullest glory.

It’s also a really cool spot to see the sandstone of the canyon down below if you’re a geology enthusiast. This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible.

Shafer Canyon Viewpoint – Offers an incredible vista of the Shafer Canyon and an even better one of the Shafer Trail Road. You can walk out to the edge and stand right above the canyon for a truly unique experience.

Must-see Sunrise and Sunset Spots

One of the best things to do in Canyonlands is to catch a desert sunrise or sunset. Island in the Sky in Canyonlands is stuffed with amazing spots to catch the changing of the day.

Sunrise at Mesa Arch

Sunrise at Mesa Arch is one of the most glorious things to do in Canyonlands. The sun rises right underneath the arch and brings in a bright red glow, creating a magnificent vista of La Sal Mountains through the arch.

Sunset at Green River Viewpoint

This viewpoint is spectacular any time of the day, but close to sunset, the sun illuminates the west-facing walls of the canyon and makes it pop with red hues.

Sunset at Candlestick Tower

Another amazing (and lesser-known) sunset spot is Candlestick Tower. The name comes from the mesa that stands a thousand feet above the area and sticks out like, well, a candlestick. Sunset is extremely scenic here and you’re less likely to meet the crowds that head to other viewpoints before sundown.

An Epic Scenic Drive

Driving around the Island in the Sky District is an absolute treat and a great way to see some of the best views in Moab without breaking a sweat.

The entire district is served by one main road and a side road to Upheaval Dome. In total, you can expect to drive for around 34 miles (round trip) to get to hit up all the viewpoints.

Simply pull over and get out to reach almost all of the amazing views – this is one of the best scenic drives in Moab. A few require a couple of miles of walking, but you’ll be treated to absolutely amazing scenery along the way.

White Rim Road

Arguably one of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park, White Rim Road is a must-do activity. This 102-mile dirt road loop features easy dirt road driving into one of the most famous landmarks at Island in the Sky. You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for the loop, but it’s a worthy adventure.

Along the way you’ll drive right along the canyon rim, drop into steep canyons, see the famous Musselman Arch, and soak in epic views of the Island in the Sky, Needles District, and The Maze.

You can access the road via the Shaffer Canyon entrance. Keep in mind, you’ll need a permit for any trips along White Rim Road. Day-use permits are available (although it’s impossible to do the whole loop in a day) and overnight permits are reservable too.

Many people opt to bike the White Rim Road with a 4WD high-clearance vehicle for support. It takes approximately 2 nights to complete the journey – by car or bike – with designated camping areas along the way, although 3 nights will let you take on a lot of the side trips along the White Rim Road.

Shafer Canyon Road

Known to many as the start of the White Rim Trail, the Shafer Canyon 4×4 road is a slightly rugged, dirt road that travels from the rim of Island in the Sky all the way down to Potash Road. The top of the road is famous for it’s 16%-grade switchbacks that hug the side of the canyon.

From there, the road eventually forks to the left (the right is the White Rim Road and permit-only). You’ll wind your way through a stunning canyon system, eventually dropping off outside of the park on the washboard-ridden upper-Potash Road. Eventually, this road is paved and returns to Moab.

Pro Tip: The top of the road often closes during the winter due to ice.

Potash Road to Lower Shafer Canyon

Although technically not in Island in the Sky, many people opt to drive Potash Road. This paved roadway eventually peters out to dirt and passes through the Potash Mine area. Eventually, it links up with Lower Shafer Canyon.

You’ll find the famous Thelma and Louise Point along the road – where they flew the car off the cliff. As you continue upwards you’ll be greeted by staggering red rock cliffs. This is a great alternative if the upper part of Shafer Canyon is closed.

Although most small SUVs can handle the lower parts of the road, the higher up you go, the more you’ll need a high clearance 4WD vehicle with low gears.

Local Tip: Lower Shafer Canyon closes in the spring and early summer for the bighorn sheep to calve.

Camping in Island in the Sky

Island in the Sky offers one of the best camping experiences in Moab, so make sure to take up the chance to do it while here! Canyonlands is a Dark Sky Park and one of the most jaw-dropping places near Moab to get the chance to go camping in the desert.

One option to camp within the park is Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat). It’s open year-round and works on a first-come, first-served basis.

Spots fill up quickly from spring throughout the fall, so make sure to get here early to ensure a place). The nightly camping fee is $15 per site.

Another option is Gooseberry Campground A, which offers incredible sunset views along White Rim Road.

You’ll find vault toilets and limited facilities here. However, it’s an excellent spot if you can snag it. Advanced permits are required.

Photo Spots for Island in the Sky in Canyonlands

If you’re looking to get that Insta-worthy shot, then Island in the Sky is the place to be. There are lots of places to indulge in photography, but a few must-see places include:

• Thelma and Louise Point in winter
• Grand View Point for sunrise
• Mesa Arch for sunrise
• White Crack campsite along White Rim Road
• Murphy Campsite along the White Rim Road
• Shafer Canyon Overlook
• Whale Rock for sunset
• Green River Overlook for sunset

Photography Tips for Island in the Sky

Island in the Sky Canyonlands is a dream for photographers. People from all over the world flock to this park to snap iconic shots of the stunning canyon systems. I know I’ve personally taken more than one photography trip to the park.

Here are a few quick tips for photographing Island in the Sky in Canyonlands.

Get there EARLY for popular spots. On a weekend in the spring or fall, coveted tripod spots for places like Mesa Arch will fill up an hour and a half before sunrise. To give you a sense of how bad the crowds get, I was there on Christmas Eve 45 minutes before sunrise and got one of the last first-row spots for a tripod.

Opt to shoot different areas at different times. Some of the best places for sunrise and sunset aren’t the most popular. The Green River Overlook is awesome for sunset and the sunrise at the Grand View Point is really under-rated. Don’t be shy and make time to explore the park.

Pro Tip: Mid-day is a tough time to really see the details of the cliffs, so avoid any big photography missions.

Get off the beaten path. Spending time photographing areas like Shafer Canyon Road and White Rim Road is worth the effort. Yes, you’ll need to do some pre-planning, but you’ll get awesome chances to photograph this unique landscape.

Bring a variety of lenses. Capturing the expansive landscapes is really tricky and takes practice. I travel with my 50mm, wide-angle, and 270mm zoom lens. I’ll switch them out constantly.

Don’t forget your cleaning kit. The desert is a dusty place and you’ll be cleaning your lenses often!

Stargazing During a New Moon

Island in the Sky is a great alternative to the busy Arches National Park. In fact, the stars are just as incredible and there is a fraction of the crowds. For the best viewing of the dark night’s sky, consider planning your trip around a new moon, where the light from the moon won’t interrupt your viewing.

Stargazing is great virtually anywhere in the park. So pack a blanket and a cozy chair then head to your favorite part of the park.

When is the Best Time to Visit Island in the Sky?

Canyonlands is one of the best national parks to visit in the fall, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and be greeted with pleasant weather.

Spring is another great option for mild temperatures, but I recommend avoiding summers as it can get extremely hot.

If you don’t mind the cold and have the right gear, winter in Canyonlands is the best time to visit if you want to have the hiking trails practically all to yourself. In fact, Canyonlands is also one of the top national parks to visit in winter too.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Island in the Sky?

Entrance fees are good for seven days and are as follows:

• Per person (no car): $15
• Per vehicle and its occupants: $30
• Per motorcycle and its riders: $25

Note that these entry fees are for Canyonlands National Park, which means you can also hit up the Needles and The Maze using the same ticket.

Pro Tip: Visiting multiple national parks in a 12-month period? Consider getting the America the Beautiful Pass.

Things to Know Before Visiting

Island in the Sky is quite a remote area and there are very few guest services available. Food, gas stations, and lodging aren’t available within the park so make sure to prepare beforehand.

The closest services are about 45 minutes away in downtown Moab.

Water is only available at the visitor center, so bring enough to keep you hydrated throughout the day. You can fill up water cans at the Gearheads Gear shop in Moab.

Carry a physical map with you at all times. The popular trails are well-marked, but the more remote ones aren’t regularly maintained. Bring a GPS too as well.

Cellular service is scarce in the area. Plan accordingly by downloading area maps on Google before heading out.

Avoid hiking around midday in the summer as the high temperatures can get dangerous. If you decide to do it, bring more water than you think you’ll need. And don’t forget the salty snacks!

Come early! Beat the crowds with a sunrise hike. I promise you will not regret the early wake-up call and you’ll have the park to yourself.

Other Awesome Nearby Attractions

With so many adventures in the Moab area, you’ll want to check out these nearby destinations too!

Dead Horse Point State Park

This park is often overlooked by visitors, but the fact that it’s right on the way to Canyonlands makes for a perfect stop.

Dead Horse offers sweeping views of La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River. Moreover, you can spend a few hours here doing easy hiking trails, many of which see fewer crowds than Island in the Sky does.

Needles District

If you have more time to spare in your Utah itinerary, you can get more personal with Canyonlands by backpacking Canyonlands Needles District next. This section of Canyonlands is much less visited than Island in the Sky and offers longer, more remote hikes with views just as wonderful.

Arches National Park

Another star when it comes to desert hiking and an absolute must if you want to do more of the best hikes in Moab.

Arches is home to over two thousand arches (which you’ll love if you’re excited about Mesa Arch in Canyonlands!), as well as humongous mesas, red sandstone rocks, and rock formations that look like they came straight out of Mars.

Pro Tip: You can visit Arches and Canyonlands National Park in one day if you’re short on time.

Sand Flats Recreation Area

Set a 45-minute drive from Island in the Sky’s visitor center and a wonderful place to visit if you want to spend a day filled with fun outdoor activities like mountain biking, a 4×4 drive, or hiking through colorful mesas.

Additional Canyonlands Planning Resources

Wanna get into the desert? Check out these badass guides:

• The Druid Arch Hike in Canyonlands is Drop-Dead Beautiful and Here’s How to Do it
• Things to Do in Canyonlands

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