Last updated: January 11, 2024
Place
Whale Rock 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."
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Roundtrip Distance: 0.8 mi (1.3 km)
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Time: 1 hr
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Elevation Change: 141 ft (43 m)
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Difficulty: Moderate – Mesa Top
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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.
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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.
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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.