Island in the Sky
Island in the Sky
4.5
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This area of Canyonlands has a few hiking trails and views of beautiful canyons.
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4.5
823 reviews
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168
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55
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4
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1
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,198 contributions
Apr 2022
The wait! I visited the park early in the morning, in fact before it was technically open so I had no problem. But each day when I left the line at the ranger booth was incredibly long. How long? There were 142 cars lined up on day one of my visit as I left and 91 on the second day. And given the number of people paying, asking questions, pulling out their passes, etc., it was easily a couple hours wait in those cars. Given that the Island in the Sky area rises above its surroundings you would think that views would be memorable. But I found that two factors completely eliminated that hope. First, it was very windy and a park employee told me that the wind was carrying dust from nearby areas and making the view hazy. Also, having visited many parks I know that air pollution is a problem and I have no doubt that contributed to the obscured views. So I had very limited viewing. Lots of good picnic areas in the park. Visitor center is extremely small, with no exhibits showing any particular creativity. Also tiny gift shop. I have reviews about specific features and trails elsewhere on TA.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
preethi j
Atlanta, GA68 contributions
Oct 2020
Canyonlands was wonderful. I didnt have high expectations as all the attention is put on Arches but we LOVED Canyonlands. We arrived at Mesa arch shortly after sunrise and felt the timing was great- the photographers were getting ready to leave and we were able to get great pics of the arch in the morning light. Next we did the Great Viewpoint hike which was short easy and had great views the whole way. We next did the upheavel dome hikes - both viewpoints. The 2nd viewpoint might be more work that reward compared to the 1st viewpoint. We visited the various viewpoints as well and dont miss the shafer viewpoint. My favorite hike in the park was Aztec Buttes. Gorgeous views and just a cool hike. It does require some scrambling but worth the work! A lot to see even if you dont want to hike a lot.
Written 29 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michaeljones46
Oklahoma City, OK457 contributions
Apr 2021
Nice visitor center, only downside is the only restrooms are a series of pit toilets on the east side of the building. But they are clean and do not smell, even with the heavy use from all the people. Parking is a bit tight by mid-morning. Has picnic tables but right next to the toilets.
Written 1 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrperkins3
Seymour585 contributions
Aug 2020
I finally got to see at least some of Canyonlands. It is beautiful and lived up to my expectation of the type of place I would love to spend alot more time exploring, but maybe when the weather is cooler. It has plenty of gorgeous views.
It is not quite Grand Canyon, but to me it is similar, yet prettier. The Grand Canyon is the gold standard of a huge, awe-inspiring canyon, but Canyonlands presents something beautiful and vast and that I think I could enjoy exploring over time.
Also, there's a lot of road and utility construction in Moab right now. I did not know, and got to town, and had to figure out how I could access my hotel. My hotel also had a sign that they would have no water on a certain day in Sept. due to construction. So check with the hotels in the area if you planning a trip.
It is not quite Grand Canyon, but to me it is similar, yet prettier. The Grand Canyon is the gold standard of a huge, awe-inspiring canyon, but Canyonlands presents something beautiful and vast and that I think I could enjoy exploring over time.
Also, there's a lot of road and utility construction in Moab right now. I did not know, and got to town, and had to figure out how I could access my hotel. My hotel also had a sign that they would have no water on a certain day in Sept. due to construction. So check with the hotels in the area if you planning a trip.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NatParkLove
Peoria, IL1,904 contributions
July 2020
Absolutely plan some time to visit Island in the Sky while in the Moab area. It's about a 40 minute drive from town. There are plenty of hikes and overlooks to keep you busy for a day or even more. We enjoyed Mesa Arch, the Grand View Trail and saw most of the overlooks. It does get hot hot hot in the summer months, so go early in the AM or come back in the evening for your hikes. The visitor center only has vault toilets but they were extremely clean and even smelled pretty good when we were there!
Written 14 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles M
Virginia163 contributions
June 2022
Stunning vistas at every rise, arches with idyllic scenes, accessible trails, and surprisingly active wildlife, Islands in the Sky is a must stop at Canyonlands, The Visitor Center is well worth spending some time. Well curated, stopping there first will make your visit all the more enjoyable, and safer if you follow the Park Rangers' advice. Mesa Arch is a must, with amazing views across the park. (Tip: Try to avoid crowded times and you'll see more wildlife.)
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley Mantras
Murrieta, CA112 contributions
Sept 2019
This park can easily be missed but should not be. Super nice drive up, not too far away from Moab and Arches NP. You can drive and get out on short trails, etc. We did Upheaval Dome and Green River Overlook and while we could have done SO much more we felt happy to be able to just drive and look out over the vistas.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ItchyFeet
Camarillo, CA11,107 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
This road is the north entrance to Canyonlands NP, not far from Arches NP and Moab.
This short road has a visitor center with rangers outside to explain the park and nice bathrooms and a water refill station.
Then there are 6 overlooks and Mesa Arch and Whale Rock. You’ll get a map at the visitor center and should stop at each place. We spent 3/4 of a day and spent most of our time at the Grand View Point Overlook which looks like expansive views similar to the Grand Canyon. You can see the Colorado and Green Rivers. There is a trail around the edge of rim that gives you great views and different angles and viewpoints; it is very quiet and peaceful and highly recommended.
Take chairs and lunch and find a quiet place to sit.
On your way back to Moab we stopped at Dead Horse State Park which also has amazing views and well worth the stop !
This short road has a visitor center with rangers outside to explain the park and nice bathrooms and a water refill station.
Then there are 6 overlooks and Mesa Arch and Whale Rock. You’ll get a map at the visitor center and should stop at each place. We spent 3/4 of a day and spent most of our time at the Grand View Point Overlook which looks like expansive views similar to the Grand Canyon. You can see the Colorado and Green Rivers. There is a trail around the edge of rim that gives you great views and different angles and viewpoints; it is very quiet and peaceful and highly recommended.
Take chairs and lunch and find a quiet place to sit.
On your way back to Moab we stopped at Dead Horse State Park which also has amazing views and well worth the stop !
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLP
New Jersey3,783 contributions
June 2023 • Family
Manificient views from this part of the Park. Canyonland National Park is divided into 3 sections and Island in the Sky has the most stunning and breathtaking views. We visited in June and despite reviews of crowds, we did not have the same experience. We were easily able to move about the park and enjoy the beauty.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
Plymouth, MA304 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Even in mid-April, we had to wait for about 45 minutes to get into the park. We only stayed about an hour, but we still got to take the Mesa Arch trail and stop at some outlooks. The Mesa Arch trail was pretty short but offered great views. It was pretty crowded, so be prepared to wait in line to get a picture. The views here were great, but shortly down the road is Dead Horse State park, which is very similar. Dead Horse lacks the crowds and also gives a view of the Colorado river, so consider stoping by that park as well.
Written 21 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello ,
We are a family of 4 ( 2 adults and 2 teens 18 and 15 )
What is the best option? Book a guided tour and pay 450 usd to visit Island in the sky or do it by ourselves?
Is it worth the money to book a half day tour ? Will we get the same experience visiting by ourselves?
Thanks
Written 31 May 2019
When it says fees are excluded, how much is the fee
Written 7 October 2019
Ciao! È possibile pernottare all’interno del parco? Magari in camper..
Written 5 September 2018
Yes, there are two campgrounds in the park’s Needles area and one in Island in the Sky. When we visited the park, we drove through of the Needles area campgrounds and liked how they used giant boulders to separate the different campsites from each other. There are also a number of private campgrounds just outside the park. Google camping in Canyonlands National Park for more information.
Written 5 September 2018
I am visiting Canyonlands in a few days. My friend is camping and i will be in a hotel in monticello. I am supposed to pick him up near the visitor center. I do have a fear of heights though. Is the road into the park from monticello flat? Once i pick him up, he will do the driving for the rest of the park.
Written 29 July 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Columbia, Missouri
That's a long haul from Monticello to this side of the park. In answer to your question, yes and no. The road itself is flat but winds up some switchbacks on the approach to the mesa.
Written 30 July 2018
Secondo voi Island in the sky è più bella del Grand Canyon?Sembrano simili...
Devo fare una scelta tra quali parchi visitare a quali escludere.
Sono indecisa se escludere Island in the sky, Arches, Antelope o Grand Canyon.
Grazie!!
Written 21 March 2018
E' molto soggettivo, sono tutti belli, il parco che mi è piaciuto di piu' è Bryce, Canyonlands/Island in the sky è molto bello e non lo salterei, il Grand Canyon è vastissimo e bisognerebbe percorrere qualche bel trail per goderselo a pieno ma sono tutti molto lunghi e quindi bisognerebbe starci qualche gioro, percorrendo il Rim fa comunque il suo effetto ma non mi ha entusiasmato.
Tutto dipende da che tipo di visita si vuol fare, se si ha poco tempo Island in the Sky e Arches si possono fare nello stesso giorno logicamente pianificando quali punti visitare, anche l' Antelope porta via poco tempo, i tour guidati durano meno di 2 ore.
Written 21 March 2018
George E
Havre de Grace, Maryland
We do not like driving the roads with the sheer drop-offs. Are there roads in Canyonlands we should avoid? Thanks!
Written 6 April 2017
You should be fine. Avoid the Shaffer Trail road,, but besides that, everyth8ng is perfectly safe and easy...and paved!
Written 20 May 2018
Buongiorno a tutti coloro che sono stati al Canyonlands. Noi arriveremo in serata a Moab (saremo a Moab il 3 sera e ripartiamo il 5 luglio prossimo verso Cortez): che giro ci consigliate di fare per vedere sia l'Arches National Park che il Canyonland? e soprattutto che strade bisogna fare per arrivarci? . Grazie a chi ci risponde
Written 8 June 2016
Are you asking if you can do Arches and Canyonlands in one day? If so, the answer is ‘yes’ if you are are visiting the major sites that do no have long hiking. Even then, it will be a long day. I prefer Arches in the early evening, start about 4 hours before sunset. If you like to hike longer trails, give yourself more time. Arches is only about 10minutes or so outside of Moab
Visiting canyonlands, I would leave Moab no later than 6:00 am. Drive to the park and go first to Mesa Arch for a sunrise view. I would then drive all the way to Grand View Point and see the early sun on the cliffs. Afterwards, you can see everything in between. The reason for going so early is that it will be VERY hot in July. The earlier in the morning, the better. Also, by 10:00, the haze will start and take away from your views.
Written 20 May 2018
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