Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky Guide: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point & Upheaval Dome
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Date: 2023-08-24
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Comments and reviews: 26
Bill
Mesa Arch is usually mobbed at sunrise, you were lucky.
Grandview Point I think is the best view and it is worth taking the trail south to get close to Junction Butte. I like the view from Grandview better than views from the rim of the Grand Canyon. When you're at those rim viewpoints notice the road below following around the white rim. A good amount of people drive or mountain bike that road every day, it is about 100 miles long and requires a permit.
That random pullout just north of Grandview looks west towards Murphy Hogback and is a really good view considering it's unmarked. Between there and the road to Green River overlook there is a small parking area and a trail out to Murphy Point. There are good views from Murphy Point too, but the big attraction is that it's a hiking trail and won't be crowded.
Aztec Butte is interesting if you want to do the scrambling required to reach the top. There are some small ruins around the edge but they require exploration and more scrambling to find. The hike to the top does require scrambling but is not exposed enough to be dangerous.
I did not think upheaval dome was that interesting but if you are up for a long hike the loop hike around it is pretty interesting.
From the Island district you are close to Dead Horse Point and you can make a side trip there. I've been to both and if pressed for time I would skip Dead Horse Point. Just outside the park you can take a rough dirt road to Gemini Bridges which is interesting. Beyond Gemini Bridges it becomes a Jeep road back to town so don't go that way unless you have an appropriate vehicle.
Visitors should note that there is no food service in the park, and I don't recall any places except maybe the visitor center to get water. There is a pretty big picnic area just north of Grandview Point if you bring your own food.
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Mesa Arch is usually mobbed at sunrise, you were lucky.
Grandview Point I think is the best view and it is worth taking the trail south to get close to Junction Butte. I like the view from Grandview better than views from the rim of the Grand Canyon. When you're at those rim viewpoints notice the road below following around the white rim. A good amount of people drive or mountain bike that road every day, it is about 100 miles long and requires a permit.
That random pullout just north of Grandview looks west towards Murphy Hogback and is a really good view considering it's unmarked. Between there and the road to Green River overlook there is a small parking area and a trail out to Murphy Point. There are good views from Murphy Point too, but the big attraction is that it's a hiking trail and won't be crowded.
Aztec Butte is interesting if you want to do the scrambling required to reach the top. There are some small ruins around the edge but they require exploration and more scrambling to find. The hike to the top does require scrambling but is not exposed enough to be dangerous.
I did not think upheaval dome was that interesting but if you are up for a long hike the loop hike around it is pretty interesting.
From the Island district you are close to Dead Horse Point and you can make a side trip there. I've been to both and if pressed for time I would skip Dead Horse Point. Just outside the park you can take a rough dirt road to Gemini Bridges which is interesting. Beyond Gemini Bridges it becomes a Jeep road back to town so don't go that way unless you have an appropriate vehicle.
Visitors should note that there is no food service in the park, and I don't recall any places except maybe the visitor center to get water. There is a pretty big picnic area just north of Grandview Point if you bring your own food.
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Joseph
My friend Harry and I were here in the Fall years ago and being from Florida, underestimated the strength of the sun and we got a pretty bad sunburn. We were so burned up we decided to drive over to the LaSal Mountains and drive to the cooler part at the top! We saw free range cows on the road driving up and down the mountains! We definately missed a lot of Island in the Sky. We went to the Pinnacles but did not do any hikes. If I get back that way, I would like to see the Maze but I don't know if you can drive in there?
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My friend Harry and I were here in the Fall years ago and being from Florida, underestimated the strength of the sun and we got a pretty bad sunburn. We were so burned up we decided to drive over to the LaSal Mountains and drive to the cooler part at the top! We saw free range cows on the road driving up and down the mountains! We definately missed a lot of Island in the Sky. We went to the Pinnacles but did not do any hikes. If I get back that way, I would like to see the Maze but I don't know if you can drive in there?
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HikingElevated
This park is epic man. Overall, which one was your favorite? You definitely have to explore more of The Needles district. That's my favorite. Reminds me of Bryce Canyon but with spires and monoliths. The Maze district I haven't been to yet. That's the most tough and dangerous area of Utah I heard. The Green River Overlook might be my fav Viewpoint there in that district. Would love to show you some awesome spots to hike to in the Needless district when you return. All the best!
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This park is epic man. Overall, which one was your favorite? You definitely have to explore more of The Needles district. That's my favorite. Reminds me of Bryce Canyon but with spires and monoliths. The Maze district I haven't been to yet. That's the most tough and dangerous area of Utah I heard. The Green River Overlook might be my fav Viewpoint there in that district. Would love to show you some awesome spots to hike to in the Needless district when you return. All the best!
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Jessie
My husband and I have been loving your National Parks videos. We hope to go to all of them one day but so far have been to three! We watch your videos to plan our trips and daydream about visiting the amazing locations. There are a lot of National Park videos out there but yours are definitely the best- artfully created and informative for planning! Thank you!
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My husband and I have been loving your National Parks videos. We hope to go to all of them one day but so far have been to three! We watch your videos to plan our trips and daydream about visiting the amazing locations. There are a lot of National Park videos out there but yours are definitely the best- artfully created and informative for planning! Thank you!
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Mokihana
We just watched this tonight and loved it. I'm glad the banana survived! You give such great and thorough information wherever you are, and I appreciate it. I also love it when you let us know what the temperatures are, especially on your road trips, but everywhere. Thanks for all your hard work putting these together.
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We just watched this tonight and loved it. I'm glad the banana survived! You give such great and thorough information wherever you are, and I appreciate it. I also love it when you let us know what the temperatures are, especially on your road trips, but everywhere. Thanks for all your hard work putting these together.
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Eric
Canyonlands is one of my favorite places in Utah. You've done a great job showcasing the highlights of the Island in the Sky district. My favorite spot, so far, is the Grand View Point trail. White Rim, Shafer, and Orange Cliffs offer tremendous views as well. Looking forward to doing longer trails in the coming months.
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Canyonlands is one of my favorite places in Utah. You've done a great job showcasing the highlights of the Island in the Sky district. My favorite spot, so far, is the Grand View Point trail. White Rim, Shafer, and Orange Cliffs offer tremendous views as well. Looking forward to doing longer trails in the coming months.
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Kevin
Hi Josh
Canyonlands sure looks like a under rated park. Definitely worth a visit. I so much want to see the mighty 5 one day. Thanks for sharing you always have good tips. Question for you? Did you start from vegas salt lake city or road trip it from California?
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Hi Josh
Canyonlands sure looks like a under rated park. Definitely worth a visit. I so much want to see the mighty 5 one day. Thanks for sharing you always have good tips. Question for you? Did you start from vegas salt lake city or road trip it from California?
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Magellan
This is why I will argue forever that sunrises are way better than sunsets. That IS a super banana lmao - maybe it partially froze to the vehicle. This is definitely bucket list for us. Upheaval Dome actually looks like Artists Palette in Death Valley - weird!
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This is why I will argue forever that sunrises are way better than sunsets. That IS a super banana lmao - maybe it partially froze to the vehicle. This is definitely bucket list for us. Upheaval Dome actually looks like Artists Palette in Death Valley - weird!
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Pro
Such a beautiful park and amazing views. We usually would pass by it on the way to arches but on our last trip we ventured and we are sure glad we did. We will never just pass by it again. Loved seeing the sunrise portion of the video. Thank you!
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Such a beautiful park and amazing views. We usually would pass by it on the way to arches but on our last trip we ventured and we are sure glad we did. We will never just pass by it again. Loved seeing the sunrise portion of the video. Thank you!
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ed
I watch most of your vlogs and they are all great. Im 75 so doing all that hiking I do through you. Always great scenery. I live in sunny hot Fl. So just got cooled down watching this one. Just saw your Key west trek which I do every year. Thanks
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I watch most of your vlogs and they are all great. Im 75 so doing all that hiking I do through you. Always great scenery. I live in sunny hot Fl. So just got cooled down watching this one. Just saw your Key west trek which I do every year. Thanks
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Tejas
I absolutely love your vlogs! Donno if it's possible but it'd be awesome if you could vlog the scenic byways, mountain passes and stuff in Colorado some time in the future. I've been looking them up for a trip and they are absolutely amazing.
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I absolutely love your vlogs! Donno if it's possible but it'd be awesome if you could vlog the scenic byways, mountain passes and stuff in Colorado some time in the future. I've been looking them up for a trip and they are absolutely amazing.
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Pixelpeter
Isn't the most recent theory that Upheaval Dome is magmatic in origin?
Always love visiting Canyonlands / Island in the Sky; great views. BTW: never saw Mesa Arch in the morning, but always around sunset, which is cool too: -)
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Isn't the most recent theory that Upheaval Dome is magmatic in origin?
Always love visiting Canyonlands / Island in the Sky; great views. BTW: never saw Mesa Arch in the morning, but always around sunset, which is cool too: -)
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Sammy
Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
Although w here in Australia many exquisite sights, the National Park & it's trails are something quite different. Very beautiful.
Thank you & kind regards from Adelaide, South Australia.
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Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
Although w here in Australia many exquisite sights, the National Park & it's trails are something quite different. Very beautiful.
Thank you & kind regards from Adelaide, South Australia.
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Dovie
Canyonlands is one of those best kept secrets. Most Americans don't know it exists. In my opinion, it is mesmerizing. I would love to go to the Dollhouse in the Maze District.
Great video. Thanks for taking us along.
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Canyonlands is one of those best kept secrets. Most Americans don't know it exists. In my opinion, it is mesmerizing. I would love to go to the Dollhouse in the Maze District.
Great video. Thanks for taking us along.
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Dick
We love your videos and commentary Joshincluding your pops is extra special. Thank you for all the work you put into your productions, definitely a labor of love. We have watched all of yours! Thank you, Dick and Nancy
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We love your videos and commentary Joshincluding your pops is extra special. Thank you for all the work you put into your productions, definitely a labor of love. We have watched all of yours! Thank you, Dick and Nancy
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Peter
5: 17 - there's a little pook sticking up at the very left edge of the screen. Mesa Arch is directly behind it.
If you go back to 2: 26 you can see the pook sticking up.
Unless I'm wrong. But nah, I'm good.
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5: 17 - there's a little pook sticking up at the very left edge of the screen. Mesa Arch is directly behind it.
If you go back to 2: 26 you can see the pook sticking up.
Unless I'm wrong. But nah, I'm good.
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Phyllis
Thank you for your videos, they are so enjoyable, and appreciated by those of us who have not yet had the opportunity to see some of these places in person, the info you provide is appreciated as well.
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Thank you for your videos, they are so enjoyable, and appreciated by those of us who have not yet had the opportunity to see some of these places in person, the info you provide is appreciated as well.
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Markus
I want to see Mountains, Gandalf, MOUNTAINS. But, I myself want to see animals, even if only lizards, bunnies, snakes and road runners.
All these videos always fail to show us such wildlife.
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I want to see Mountains, Gandalf, MOUNTAINS. But, I myself want to see animals, even if only lizards, bunnies, snakes and road runners.
All these videos always fail to show us such wildlife.
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Biker
My kiddo's favorite part was the banana that rode on top of your car! LOL.
I so want to go to Arches someday! Love seeing you and your father hang out. Great videography!
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My kiddo's favorite part was the banana that rode on top of your car! LOL.
I so want to go to Arches someday! Love seeing you and your father hang out. Great videography!
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Travels
We are hoping to see the Utah parks on a road trip at some point. These guides are so helpful! And so beautifully shot. That sunrise was incredible! What a fantastic place.
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We are hoping to see the Utah parks on a road trip at some point. These guides are so helpful! And so beautifully shot. That sunrise was incredible! What a fantastic place.
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C-TOS
Happy Memorial Day to you and yours everyone. I hope to be in good health when I can finally retire to do these throughout trips without worrying on taking time off.
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Happy Memorial Day to you and yours everyone. I hope to be in good health when I can finally retire to do these throughout trips without worrying on taking time off.
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Joseph
I swear we were filming southern Utah at the same time as each other. I keep watching these videos expecting to see myself in the background. Haha
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I swear we were filming southern Utah at the same time as each other. I keep watching these videos expecting to see myself in the background. Haha
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Johnny
Another AMAZING video. Thank you, as a full time RVer. You are one of my GUIDES! Thank you! Tell POPS, we say HELLO, as well. Hes a TROOPER!
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Another AMAZING video. Thank you, as a full time RVer. You are one of my GUIDES! Thank you! Tell POPS, we say HELLO, as well. Hes a TROOPER!
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Mark
Thank you for doing the sunrise photography of these national parks. I'm too old to get up that early in the morning. I need my sleep. :-D
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Thank you for doing the sunrise photography of these national parks. I'm too old to get up that early in the morning. I need my sleep. :-D
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C. C.
Ive been there twice but I have never seen the Upheaval Dome, I really missed out! I will definitely have to see it next time.
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Ive been there twice but I have never seen the Upheaval Dome, I really missed out! I will definitely have to see it next time.
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My
Canyonlands is my favorite NP! We drove Shafer trail down to the end and took us about 2 hours! It was so much fun experience.
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Canyonlands is my favorite NP! We drove Shafer trail down to the end and took us about 2 hours! It was so much fun experience.
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