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I visited Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park, Utah in early April 2025. Warned that even during shoulder season, this region could get busy, I lucked out because of snow. A spring snow storm caused white outs in the park earlier in the day, driving away visitors. But by early afternoon when I arrived, it was blanketed in snow, with sunshine on the way.
Island in the sky Canyonlands is at elevation
Since Island in the sky Canyonlands is at 6,000 feet elevation, visitors should expect cold weather and the possibility of precipitation in the form of snow, especially if traveling to the area during shoulder or winter seasons.
But, a fresh snowfall day proved to be perfect timing for a visit. Easy parking at viewpoints, and few crowds. The contrast of white snow on the glowing red/orange cliffs and gorges once the sun came out, really added to the already stunning visual.
Snow tires anyone?
My drive from Mesquite turned into a while knuckle affair once the snow started to fly though. I had rented a 4×4 AWD Jeep out of Las Vegas, for a little post-conference touring and hiking adventure, looking to base myself out of Moab for several days. As I watched the snow accumulate on the highway, all I could remember from the rental check-out was that my car had California plates.
“What are the chances it came with snow tires?” I mused, while tucked in behind a transport truck, plowing a two wheeled track through snow on the highway. Fortunately once able to pull over at a roadside stop, I verified gnarly snows with enough traction to make even a Canadian jealous.
But it bears in mind repeating, Island in the Sky Canyonlands is at elevation. Visitors need to prepare for mountain driving conditions and weather. To put it in perspective, Lake Tahoe’s natural rim is at about the same height, and the very top of Whistler Mountain in British Columbia, is just 1,000 feet lower.
I’ve shared below the must do highlights of a visit to this area, along with a map to guide your route. With additional days, I’d definitely recommend exploring some of the extensive hikes that take you into the various canyons.
Two distinct areas of Canyonlands National Park
There are two distinct areas in Canyonlands: Island in the Sky, and the Needles District. Each is geologically and geographically quite different. Link here to learn more about the Needles District in my article, Needles Canyonlands National Park: Day hikes and sites.
Island in the Sky Canyonlands
Views from Island in the Sky reach from the depths of the Green and Colorado rivers to the mountaintops. Across canyon after canyon they stretch for over 100 miles in the distance. Island in the Sky is a broad mesa wedged between the rivers. Think of Island in the Sky Canyonlands as the observation tower.
Closest to the mesa’s edge is the White Rim, a continuous sandstone bench 1,200 feet below the island. Another 1,000 feet beneath White Rim are the rivers, shadowed by sheer canyon cliffs. Beyond them lie the Maze and The Needles.
The 527 square mile vision of ancient Earth is Utah’s largest national park. When you visit Island in the Sky Canyonlands, you will comprehend space in a new way. This 6,000 foot high flat-topped mesa drops precipitously on all sides, providing some of the most enthralling vistas of any park in southern Utah.
Exploring Island in the Sky Canyonlands
From the visitor center, the 12 mile paved road through Island in the Sky leads past numerous overlooks and trailheads. Island in the Sky Canyonlands does feel at times like a sibling to the Grand Canyon, as a final destination visit to Grand View Point affirms.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
Shafer Canyon is about 0.5 miles south of the visitor center. You can peer down 1,500 feet from the overlook and watch jeeps snaking their way down switchbacks of Shafer Trail into the canyon.
On the day I visited, there was still scattered low lying clouds blowing in and out, so the view was more peek-a-boo than clear.
Mesa Arch Trail
There is a pretty easy 0.6 mile round trip hike from the parking lot to view the Mesa Arch, which is well worth the effort. The day I was visiting however, presented an added wrinkle with snow covered rock, which few were prepared for, since it made the surface quite slippery. I was longing for a pair of hiking cleats for my running shoes, which would have been perfect, but I hadn’t been anticipating snow. That might be a “note to self” for visitors during shoulder and winter season. A light pair of gloves and hat where also welcome additions that I had fortunately planned for.
The view through the Mesa Arch almost doesn’t look real. It’s really hard to fathom the grandiose nature of the canyon area, when viewed from Island in the Sky Canyonlands. You just keep staring out from the observation tower that is Island in the Sky Canyonlands, out over hundreds of miles in all directions.
Upheaval Dome
Upheaval Dome is cloaked in mystery. While most of the district has systematic layers of rock, Upheaval Dome jumbles them. Theories abound of course. Was it salt bubbles that deformed the rocks? Or was the area created by the impact of a meteor?
There is a short 0.25 miles hike to the viewpoint, which is worthy for a closer look. Access Upheaval Dome from a right turn close to the Mesa Arch.
White Rim Overlook Trail
There is a 1.8 mile round-trip trail that skirts the canyon edge. But you can also peer down into the canyon edge from the overlook.
Orange Cliffs Overlook
The Orange Cliffs Overlook offers views west to the Henry Mountains. The Orange Cliffs lie southwest, beyond the Maze district of the Canyonlands. This can be a great place for a sunset photo, with the canyons glowing orange in the waning light.
Grand View Point
Grand View Point could be viewed as the desert after feasting views all along the drive through the park. Or it could be viewed as the main course, the item you gorge yourself on, simply because it is so sweeping in beauty. Views are easily earned walking the short distance to the cliff edge, but there is also a 1.8 mile round-trip walk to an overlook for a better look at the massive mesa underfoot.
Hiking Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park
There are numerous hikes that can be accessed from Island in the sky. On this particular trip, time and slippery snow conditions limited what I was able to venture on beyond just the shorter hikes to see the viewpoints, arches and other sites.
Check out this listing of easy, moderate and strenuous hiking options in the park.
Gooseberry – Mesa Top to White Rim
Gooseberry was recommended by a fellow hiker. The 4.6 mile route has a 1,529 foot elevation change, so it is classified as a strenuous hike, rapidly descending to the White Rim bench. Rough switchback cross sheer cliffs and slopes. As with hiking any canyon area, this is a descent first, followed by an ascent to finish the hike, so hikers need to save some energy for the return. However, this trail offers the opportunity to explore what’s below the rim, having viewed the expansive canyon at the Grand View Point Overlook. If you have ever hiked down into the Grand Canyon, Gooseberry offers a similar experience.
Accommodations in Moab
Moab is a great town to base out of if you plan to visit Canyonlands National Park. Both the Island in the Sky area and The Needles District are within reasonable driving distance for day trips.
Although Moab is a great little town, it is popular, so we’d recommend securing accommodation reservations early. Prices certainly vary, and can be steep during peak season, but use this map to search out and compare options.
Camping
Reservations are required for the campground in Utah National Parks during peak season. Check https://www.recreation.gov/ for camping and permits.
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