No visit to Canyonlands National Park is complete without a dramatic view of the Island in the Sky mesa from the Grand View Point Trailhead. Set on sheer sandstone cliffs high above canyons, the mesa looks different when seen from every available overlook, but this location offers a great reward for very little effort.
Walk 100 yards (90 meters) to the overlook from the parking area. Appreciate the far-reaching vista, including a network of canyons that have been carved out by the convergence of the Colorado and Green rivers.
For additional views, access a 2-mile (3-kilometer), family-friendly trail from the end of Grand View Point Road. It starts out as the easy, wheelchair-accessible path to the overlook, at 6,080 feet (1,850 meters) of elevation. Snap photos and study the outdoor exhibit, which points out The Needles, Monument Basin, La Sal Mountains, Abajo Mountains and White Rim Road.
Continue down a short section of rugged rock stairs and along sandstone surfaces and cliff edges to a second viewpoint. The trail loses about 80 feet (24 meters) of elevation as it continues to another outstanding observation point. Allow about 90 minutes to hike the entire trail round-trip.
Consider visiting nearby Mesa Arch after your Grand View Point Trail hike. The arch is perched on a cliff edge and is a popular sunrise spot for photographers. From the arch, you’ll get a spectacular view of the White Rim Road and La Sal Mountains.
Find the Grand View Point Trailhead at the southernmost end along the Island in the Sky scenic drive, about 12 minutes from the visitor center and 1 hour from Moab, Utah. There are toilet facilities and picnic tables. Water is available at the visitor center. Ranger-led geology talks are offered at the viewpoint from spring through fall. Check the visitor center for the latest program schedule and information. You can buy a weekly or annual national park entrance fee for access.
