Short Hikes at the Island

Hikers on the Grand View Point Trail

NPS Photo by Neal Herbert

 

Several short trails exist along the scenic drive at the Island. These include Aztec Butte, Grand View Point, Mesa Arch, Whale Rock and Upheaval Dome (to the first overlook). Each of these trails highlights some aspect of the park's natural or cultural history. Guides are available for some of the trails at trailheads and in the visitor center.

Aztec Butte Trail
Length: 2 mi/3 km round-trip
Start: Aztec Butte parking area
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Change: 225 ft/69 m
A steep climb up a slickrock dome leads to some ancestral Puebloan granaries and outstanding views of Taylor Canyon.

Grand View Point Trail (see photo above)
Length: 2 mi/3 km round trip
Start: Grand View Point
Time: 1 hour
An easy walk out to the very end of the Island in the Sky mesa. Panoramic views.

Mesa Arch
Length: .5 mi/.8 km round trip
Start: Mesa Arch parking area
Time: 30 minutes
A mild walk out to an arch perched right on a cliff edge. A great sunrise hike.

Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail
Length (round-trip): 1 mi/1.5 km to first overlook
Start: Upheaval Dome parking area
Time: 30 minutes
Elevation Change: 50 ft/15 m
Good view of a very intriguing rock formation. Hiking to the second overlook adds 1 MI/1.5 km and at least 15 minutes.

Whale Rock Trail
Length (round-trip): 1 mi/1.5 km to main overlook
Start: Near Upheaval Dome parking area
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Change: 100 ft/30 m
A short climb up Whale Rock leads to views of upheaval dome and the surrounding area.