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Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (57)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Canyonlands National Park
  5. Island in the Sky
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“View the brilliant colors and mysterious geology of Upheaval Dome from two wonderful overlooks. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.3

KM

Out and Back

5,801' 1,768 m

High

5,626' 1,715 m

Low

278' 85 m

Up

278' 85 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

No biking.

Overview

The out-and-back Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail provides the best views of the dome. This short and rewarding hike is a highlight for many visitors to the Canyonlands area.

Description

From the parking area, follow the wide gravel trail uphill, utilizing rock stairs to gain elevation. The first overlook comes at about 0.3 miles, off a fork to the right. Here, interpretive signs explain the two theories about how this huge crater was formed.

Geologists are not sure, but most think it was caused by a meteorite 500-1000 feet across hitting the earth, causing a crater and then erosion slowly reshaping the land. Another theory is that a thick layer of salt deposited by ancient seas was pushed up through layers of rock creating a salt bubble that eroded away over time. The presence of shocked quartz has led most to believe the meteorite explanation.

After contemplating the enormous forces involved in creating this rough multicolored gash, return to the main trail. If you're pressed for time, you can return to the parking area- the views from the second overlook are not appreciably different from the first one. However, if you want more solitude and decide to complete the trail, continue west along the jagged rim of the crater. At some point, the trail begins to descend over sandstone slabs and you'll need to follow rock pile cairns to stay on track. The trail ends at the second, fenced in overlook next to a large outcropping. Retrace your steps back to the parking area.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Canyonlands

Shared By:

Megan W with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 57 votes

#2

in Island in the Sky

#246

Overall
  4.1 from 57 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
26%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Island in the Sky

#29

in Utah

#246

Overall
8 Views Last Month
2,940 Since May 16, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Upheaval Dome from the first overlook
Dec 31, 2019 near Moab, UT
Great dome.
Jul 6, 2016 near Moab, UT
The First Overlook provides a stunning view of the surrounding rock strata.
May 14, 2017 near Moab, UT
Upheaval Dome from the second overlook
Dec 31, 2019 near Moab, UT
Notice how the rocks stand vertically rather than horizontally like the rest of Canyonlands
Jun 23, 2018 near Moab, UT
View across Upheaval Dome, Canyonlands National Park UT
May 19, 2015 near Moab, UT

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 59 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Dec 14, 2024
John Searing
1.4mi
Jun 9, 2024
Michele ONeill
May 16, 2024
Rachel Ganger
Apr 26, 2024
John Eversmeyer
1.4mi — 0h 53m
Oct 15, 2023
Elizabeth Tackett
Jul 19, 2023
Dave Cerlanek
12h 30m
Jun 28, 2023
Jey Lucero
First stop in Canyonlands Island in the Sky half-day; starter trail around 12:30-1pm, finished probably 40+ min later? We only got to first overlook. 0.6mi
Jun 23, 2023
Jan Laurens

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