Utah's national parks are so near each other, yet so different. In Arches, you will spend most of your time looking up at the unique and beautiful rock formations. Just a few miles away, in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park, you look down at endless canyons and plateaus carved by the Colorado River.
Island in the Sky is one of three sections of Canyonlands National Park and it's an easy day trip about 40 miles from Moab, Utah. Consider pairing it with a stop at Dead Horse Point State Park. Both parks offer jaw-dropping canyon vistas that are easily accessible for families.
I live in Utah and have visited Island in the Sky several times with my family. It's one of my favorite places in Utah, and it's still relatively uncrowded compared with some of Utah's other parks.
Here's what you need to know for a successful trip to Island in the Sky at Canyonlands.
Getting There
You'll need a car to drive to Island in the Sky. It's in a remote part of Utah with few services outside Moab. Expect little or no phone service, running water, or electricity at the park.
The official Canyonlands website advises that online navigation systems may send you the wrong way. Use a map, road signs, and directions from the official website to find your way. The park is not hard to find.
The highways to Island in the Sky and the main roads in Island in the Sky are all paved. Once you arrive at the park, it's mostly flat. You don't need an off-road or high-clearance vehicle to visit this section of Canyonlands.
How Much Time Do You Need?
One full day is enough time to enjoy the highlights and a few short hikes in Island in the Sky.
You should also have time to spend an hour or more at Dead Horse Point State Park. It's on the way to Island in the Sky and is an easy stop with a visitor center and stunning views.
When to Visit Island in the Sky
My favorite viewpoints and hikes are open year-round at Island in the Sky and I have visited in every season. Spring and fall offer the best weather. This part of Utah is usually dry, but rain and snow are possible, especially in late fall, winter, and spring.
Summer can be hot and crowded, though Island in the Sky will be slightly cooler than Moab and Arches because of its higher altitude (6,000 feet). Winter can be a great time to visit Moab because of the cool temperatures and light crowds. February is one of my favorite times to go.
Things to do in Island in the Sky
Here are my favorite things to do at Canyonlands' Island in the Sky.
Stop at the Visitor Center
Our first stop is usually the visitor center. It's not very big at Island in the Sky, but this is the place to find knowledgeable rangers, park exhibits, a movie, souvenirs, bathrooms, Wifi, and Junior Ranger books and badges for kids.
Overlooks
Island in the Sky has several easy and unique canyon overlooks and we usually have time to drive to all of them. There is usually just a short, flat walk to the overlook.
Don't miss
- Upheaval Dome
- Green River Overlook
- Grand View Point Overlook
- Buck Canyon Overlook
White Rim Overlook
A few weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, my husband and I took this trail together for the first time. Gazing across the endless canyons helped us feel peace in a tumultuous world. White Rim Overlook is one of the reasons that Island in the Sky is a special place for me.
This overlook is a little under 2 miles out and back. It tends to be uncrowded and we often get it to ourselves. I love the silence here. It's so unusual in our busy world.
The White Rim Overlook trail may not be well marked from the road, but it is marked on the park map. Look for the trailhead at a picnic area a short drive from Grand View Point Overlook.
Mesa Arch
The other hike you cannot miss is the Mesa Arch hike. It is only a half-mile loop to a beautiful arch at the edge of a cliff framing the canyons behind it.
Hang on to young children, daring teens, and adventurous Instagrammers at Mesa Arch, White Rim Overlook, and other parts of Canyonlands. Cliffs at the end of these hikes are not fenced.
Where to Stay
You can camp at Willow Flat Campground inside Island in the Sky. Otherwise, the nearest hotels are in Moab, Utah and it has many to choose from.
We like Aarchway Inn, which has a pool, playground, and complimentary hot breakfast close to Arches National Park. Check rates and reviews at TripAdvisor.
Where to Eat
Pack a picnic and snacks to enjoy during your day at Island in the Sky. There are no restaurants inside the park and the visitor center may only sell snacks. Moab is the nearest city where you can buy food.
Don't forget to bring drinking water! Island in the Sky has a high-altitude desert climate and you'll want plenty of water every day of the year. You can get water at the visitor center.
What to Wear
This should be an easy day of riding in the car and walking on flat terrain. Wear comfortable clothing for the weather and good walking shoes.
Don't forget sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. Expect sun most days of the year. You may burn more quickly than usual in the high altitude.
Conclusion
Island in the Sky is worth the trip. The views are spectacular, it's less crowded than Arches, it's an easy day trip from Moab for most ages and abilities, and it's unlike any of Utah's other national parks. I've found peace and beauty and plenty of happy family memories here and I hope that you will too.
Happy travels!
[…] We do recommend visiting Four Corners Monument if you have the chance. It’s an easy side trip from Mesa Verde National Park. It would also be do-able from Arches or Canyonlands. […]