Place

Whale Rock Trail

Two hikers atop sloping sandstone features
Whale Rock Trail

NPS

Quick Facts
Location:
Island in the Sky district, Canyonlands National Park
Significance:
trail

Trailhead

Many features in this region bear imaginative names. Does this long sandstone dome looked like a giant whale to you? This trail walks along its side, then climbs from its "tail" up to its "blowhole."

  • Roundtrip Distance: 0.8 mi (1.3 km) 

  • Time: 1 hr 

  • Elevation Change: 141 ft (43 m) 

  • Difficulty: Moderate – Mesa Top 

  • Hike Description: This trail leads up the side of a sandstone dome, ending with broad views of the Island in the Sky. Great for kids who like to scramble on rock. Be careful: wear soles with good traction and avoid steep drop-offs.  

  • Accessibility: This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. 

  • Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal? 
     

Whale Rock is part of a large outer ring of sandstone surrounding the nearby Upheaval Dome formation.

Canyonlands National Park

Tags

Last updated: January 11, 2024