Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park Utah
Island in the Sky offers unparalleled mesa-top vistas of Utah's vast canyonlands, with iconic arches and dramatic overlooks easily accessible by car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park Utah
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Island in the Sky offers unparalleled mesa-top vistas of Utah's vast canyonlands, with iconic arches and dramatic overlooks easily accessible by car.
"Spectacular. Just past Arches and well worth a visit. The canyons are awesome. Better than the Grand Canyon imho"
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
Explore viewpoints along the main road. Shafer Trail is an iconic drive, but requires high clearance 4WD.
👟 Pack for Short Hikes
Easy, short trails like Mesa Arch and Whale Rock are family-friendly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mesa Arch
Island in the Sky District
Iconic sandstone arch framing a breathtaking canyon view, especially magical at sunrise.
Grand View Point
Island in the Sky District
Panoramic vistas of the vast canyons and the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Shafer Trail Viewpoint
Island in the Sky District
Witness the dramatic descent of this historic, rugged road carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Whale Rock
Island in the Sky District
A unique sandstone dome hike offering 360-degree views and a fun climb for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Maximize Your Island in the Sky Visit
Navigating Canyonlands' Districts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
Explore viewpoints along the main road. Shafer Trail is an iconic drive, but requires high clearance 4WD. 
👟 Pack for Short Hikes
Easy, short trails like Mesa Arch and Whale Rock are family-friendly.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Desert conditions are harsh. Stay hydrated, especially during hikes. No water sources in the park.
📸 Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Arrive before dawn for the best light and fewer people. It's a must-see!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
Explore viewpoints along the main road. Shafer Trail is an iconic drive, but requires high clearance 4WD.
👟 Pack for Short Hikes
Easy, short trails like Mesa Arch and Whale Rock are family-friendly.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Desert conditions are harsh. Stay hydrated, especially during hikes. No water sources in the park.
📸 Sunrise at Mesa Arch
Arrive before dawn for the best light and fewer people. It's a must-see!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download park maps and trail info beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Island in the Sky for its breathtaking, underrated beauty and accessible viewpoints, often comparing it favorably to the Grand Canyon. While some find the park's districts too spread out for a single visit, the ease of access and spectacular vistas make it a highly recommended destination, especially for families and those seeking awe-inspiring desert landscapes.
"The park is definitely underrated!!! We had just one day and were traveling with kids and seniors, so we could visit this one part of the park. The views are truly breathtaking and the whole park is so well maintained! There are a lot of viewpoints, which are really easy accessible! For sure it is a place, which is worth coming back and explore more!"
Monika “Monia P” Patterson
"This is a part of Canyonlands that I and my boyfriend chose to explore. One of the reasons is that it was the easiest to access for us, as the other national park's parts required hours of driving.
The area doesn't have many roads to drive on, so you will very probably just follow the recommended stops and enjoy the views from the top of the canyons."
Jana Krištanová
"Spectacular. Just past Arches and well worth a visit. The canyons are awesome. Better than the Grand Canyon imho"
Rachel Churchill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Island in the Sky district is about a 45-minute drive from Moab, Utah. Take US-191 North for about 32 miles, then turn left onto UT-313 West. Follow UT-313 for about 15 miles to the park entrance.
Yes, Island in the Sky is primarily an auto-touring district with a main scenic drive connecting most viewpoints. High-clearance 4WD is recommended for off-road trails like Shafer Trail.
The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved road. It requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and experienced driving skills. Many visitors opt to view it from the Shafer Trail Viewpoint.
Yes, Island in the Sky is one of the three main districts of Canyonlands National Park, and it's the most popular and easily accessible.
Island in the Sky is known for its mesa-top viewpoints and short hikes, ideal for auto-touring. The Needles district features dramatic sandstone spires and is better suited for longer hikes and backpacking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Canyonlands National Park is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. An America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually) covers entry to all national parks.
Island in the Sky is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers have limited hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the best views.
No, advance ticket booking is not required for Island in the Sky. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the park.
Island in the Sky can get crowded, especially during peak season (spring and fall) and around popular spots like Mesa Arch at sunrise. Visiting on weekdays or early/late in the day can help avoid the biggest crowds.
Currently, there are no timed entry requirements for Island in the Sky. However, it's always a good idea to check the official NPS website for any last-minute changes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Must-see viewpoints include Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Trail Viewpoint. Each offers unique perspectives of the vast canyon landscapes.
The Mesa Arch Trail (0.6 miles roundtrip) and Whale Rock Trail (0.8 miles roundtrip) are very popular, easy hikes suitable for most visitors.
Yes, Island in the Sky is very family-friendly with short, accessible trails and numerous viewpoints. Mesa Arch and Whale Rock are particularly enjoyable for children.
No, the districts are geographically separate and require significant driving to access. You cannot see the Needles district from Island in the Sky.
Sunrise at Mesa Arch is spectacular, and sunset at Grand View Point offers stunning colors. Mid-day can be very hot and crowded.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Mesa Arch at sunrise is legendary for its glowing underside. Grand View Point and Green River Overlook offer sweeping panoramas. Shafer Trail Viewpoint provides dramatic cliffside shots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting. Mid-day sun can be harsh, creating strong shadows.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or distant features.
No, drone use is prohibited in all areas of Canyonlands National Park, including Island in the Sky, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
For Mesa Arch, aim for sunrise. Position yourself to capture the light filtering through the arch, creating a glowing effect. Be prepared for crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are limited. The vast open spaces and unique rock formations will captivate children's imaginations.🚗 Auto-Touring Enthusiasts
+1📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
Key stops along the scenic drive include the Grand View Point, offering the park's most expansive panorama, and the Green River Overlook, showcasing the dramatic landscape where the Green River meets the Colorado. The Shafer Trail Viewpoint provides a dramatic look down the switchbacking dirt road carved into the cliff face, a testament to the area's history. Even short walks from these viewpoints can lead to incredible photo opportunities and a deeper appreciation for the scale of the landscape.
Must-Do Hikes in Island in the Sky
Another family-friendly option is the Whale Rock Trail, a 0.8-mile loop that involves climbing up a large sandstone dome shaped like a whale. The summit offers 360-degree views. For those seeking a bit more challenge, the Aztec Butte Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) leads to ancestral Puebloan granaries, offering a glimpse into the area's history.
These hikes are generally well-maintained and provide a more immersive experience of the park's unique geology and history.The History and Geology of Island in the Sky
Evidence of human history is also present, with remnants of ancestral Puebloan peoples who inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Sites like Aztec Butte showcase their ingenuity in adapting to this challenging environment. Later, Navajo and Ute tribes utilized the area for hunting and gathering. The construction of roads like the Shafer Trail reflects the area's use for mining and ranching in more recent history.
Understanding this deep history and geological timescale adds another layer of appreciation to the stunning landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit