Tips for spending one day visiting Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky district in Utah.
Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky is located about 30 minutes from Arches National Park, so it is perfect to add on to your trip to Arches.
There are four districts that makeup Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River and its tributaries divide the park, so you cannot easily go from area to area. Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky reminded me a lot of Grand Canyon National Park with its countless canyons and beautiful buttes.
How much time do you need at Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky? We did not spend an entire day in the park and hiked all the trails listed below, took lots of photos, stopped at lots of viewpoints, and completed the Junior Ranger Program. If you want to explore the other three areas of the park you will need additional time.
Best Hikes
Upheaval Dome
0.8 miles round trip, moderate
This out and back trail is uphill the whole way to the viewpoint that overlooks Upheaval Dome. You can continue on the trail to the second viewpoint.
Grand View Point
2 miles round trip, easy
This out and back trail is a fairly flat trail that follows the rim of the canyon with gorgeous panoramic canyon views the entire hike. 
Mesa Arch
0.5 miles round trip, easy
This loop trail is the most popular hike at Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky because it is short in distance but the views of the arch and through the arch are amazing!
Must-See Viewpoints
Green River Overlook
From this overlook, you can see the green river as it twists and turns through the canyon.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
This overlook is near the visitor center and it was one of my favorites to see the dramatic and steep mesa drop-offs along with Shafer Trail Road winding down into the canyon.
Tips for Visiting Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky
- The park can get very busy during the summer months and parking lots for popular trails will fill up.
- Bring lots of water, especially during the summer months along with snacks.
- Upheaval Dome parking lot has picnic tables.
- Junior Ranger Program and National Park stamps are available at the visitor center.
Have you visited Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky?
