Island Park Overlook

Island Park Overlook peers across a vast plateau.

NPS Photo/Conrad Provan

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Island Park is below you, just out of sight. There, between Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain Canyon, the Green River flows placidly in island dotted channels. This grassy area near the river features abundant forage, attracting many early settlers, including the Ruple family. In April 1883, Henry and May Ruple homesteaded in Island Park and established a cattle ranch. They built a multi-story cabin with a stone fireplace—a fine house for anyone in such a remote area. After they finished construction, they were 18 miles from the nearest neighbors. The family ran cattle from Island Park to Wild Mountain, 10 miles away. In 1915, the Ruple’s son Hod took over the property and switched from cattle to sheep ranching. Sheep were better suited to the harsh, high desert climate and were an important part of the region’s early economy. The Ruples sold the majority of the property in 1945, but the family still retains a portion of the original homestead outside of the monument boundary.