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Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.8 (53)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Canyonlands National Park
  5. Island in the Sky
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“An easy route along the southern-most edge of the Island in the Sky with phenomenal views in every direction. ”

Karl W
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Map Key

1.8

Miles

3.0

KM

Out and Back

6,257' 1,907 m

High

6,215' 1,894 m

Low

154' 47 m

Up

155' 47 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Views

Family Friendly A short, mostly flat trail, with excellent views that the whole family can enjoy provided the small rock ledges/stairs don't present a mobility barrier.

Overview

Grand Viewpoint Trail is often considered the second most popular trail within the Islands in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park after Mesa Arch Trail. It has arguably the most scenic and diverse views, and is a must-hike for sunset. This is a 1.8-mile flat out-and-back hike along a thin ridge of cliffside at the southernmost end of the park.

Description

The trail starts with a paved ADA-accessble path to the overlook. From here the primative trail starts with well maintained rock steps leading to a typical rock and dirt trail. The primative trail then follows the canyon edge, taking hikers to the edge of the "island" that the district was named after. Hikers are treated to expansive views. To the east, Monument Valley can be seen for miles with the distant snowcapped LaSal mountains creating a great juxtaposition of geology. Around 0.5 miles into the hike the trail then switches to allow views to the north and west looking into the maze of cliffs created by the Green River. The end of the trail is an excellent spot to watch the sunset. For the average hiker, the short and relatively flat 0.9-mile return trip can be completed before it gets too dark. As with any sunset hike, always come prepared with a headlight. As with the rest of the park, there is no water at the trailhead. The hike is quite exposed to the elements and can be a dangerous place during an electrical storm. While not lengthy, it is recommened to bring water along, especially in summer. For those afraid of heights, this may not be the best hike for you. While the trail does give plenty of buffer from the cliff edge, some sections do provide simultaneously amazing and vertigo-inducing views of the massive 1,300-foot drop below. For the photographers, a standard zoom lens will be ideal. A telephoto can also be helpful to zoom in on specific details in the canyon below. While it will be tempting to take pictures directly off the cliff edge, attempt to capture some foreground interest when available to add a sense of scale and depth

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Canyonlands

Shared By:

Karl W with improvements by Spencer Schaber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 53 votes

#1

in Island in the Sky

#184

Overall
  4.8 from 53 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Island in the Sky

#23

in Utah

#184

Overall
9 Views Last Month
2,051 Since Feb 19, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
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26%
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Photos

There are plenty of vantage points to snap a panorama.
Apr 22, 2017 near Moab, UT
Looking at the main trail
Mar 22, 2023 near Moab, UT
Canyonlands.
Oct 31, 2016 near Moab, UT
Two bicyclists pausing on White Rim Road give scale to Monument Basin (lowermost section of the rim 1/3 from the right edge of the photo).
Apr 7, 2018 near Moab, UT
Grand View Point eastern view. Canyonlands National Park
Aug 19, 2017 near Moab, UT
Grand views, indeed!
Feb 19, 2016 near Moab, UT

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Jun 21, 2024
Abhishek K
Jun 9, 2024
Michele ONeill
May 16, 2024
Rachel Ganger
Apr 26, 2024
John Eversmeyer
0.7mi — 0h 20m
Oct 15, 2023
Elizabeth Tackett
Oct 14, 2023
Evan Lei
Jul 8, 2023
Paul Lugo
May 19, 2023
George Vogel

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