Canyonlands National Park guide · 1 min read
Island in the Sky Overlooks Tour
The mesa top of Island in the Sky rests on sheer sandstone cliffs more than 1,000 feet above the land around it.
It is the quickest part of the park to see in a short visit. Paved roads reach many pullouts, where you can take in the landscape without committing to a long backcountry trek.
The scenic drive runs 34 miles round trip across the mesa top, passing several overlooks and trailheads along the way. Expect the drive itself to take two to three hours, with the total shaped by how often you pull over. Give yourself a full day to reach the highlights and squeeze in a handful of short walks.
Grand View Point looks out over a broad stretch of canyon country and is especially known for its sunset views. Green River Overlook lets you look down on the Green River, and it is also a scenic spot at sunset.
The canyons you see from these overlooks were carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Shafer Canyon Viewpoint offers another view across that canyon country.
The mesa has short hiking trails alongside a mix of easy and difficult routes, so you can stretch your legs between stops. The Grand View Point Trail looks out over the White Rim. Pick trails that match the time and energy you have.
