Price
Price
The tour is not available yet.

Proceed Booking

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

28

Island in the Sky, Utah

Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe of the unique geological formations that have been shaped by the forces of nature over time. Among the park’s most breathtaking areas is the “Islands in the Sky” region.

Canyonlands NP: Island in the Sky
Green River Overlook, Islands in the Sky, Utah

History and Naming:

The “Island in the Sky” area of Canyonlands National Park gets its name from the towering mesas and buttes that rise up from the surrounding landscape, giving the appearance of islands floating in the sky. These striking formations rise up to 1,000 feet above the canyons and offer visitors stunning panoramic views of the park. The area was named by the park’s first superintendent, Bates Wilson, who saw the unique rock formations from an airplane in the 1950s. The name stuck and has since become one of the most recognizable features of the park.

Main Attractions of the Area:

While the Island in the Sky region is undoubtedly the main attraction of Canyonlands National Park, there are plenty of other sights to see in the nearby area. Visitors can explore the park’s other two districts, the Needles and the Maze, or take a scenic drive along the White Rim Road.

Mesa Arch

No visit to the Islands in the Sky region would be complete without a stop at Mesa Arch. This iconic arch is a stunning natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. The arch is best viewed in the early morning when the sun is rising and casting a warm glow on the surrounding landscape, creating a breathtaking scene that is truly unforgettable. The hike to Mesa Arch is short and easy, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities.

Green River Overlook

One of the most impressive viewpoints in the Islands in the Sky region is the Green River Overlook. From this vantage point, visitors can take in sweeping panoramic views of the Green River as it winds its way through the rugged terrain below. The overlook is particularly stunning at sunset, when the warm hues of the sun cast a golden light on the surrounding landscape, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.

Canyonlands NP: Island in the Sky
The distant rim of the canyon peeks out from the clouds, creating a stunning vista that is sure to take your breath away. Imagine the sounds of the canyon floor, over 1,000 feet below, as you let your other senses come alive.
The Trifecta

Located in close proximity to one another, Buck Canyon Overlook, White Rim Overlook, and Grand View Overlook offer visitors a chance to take in some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring views in the Islands in the Sky region of Canyonlands National Park. From Buck Canyon Overlook, visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and cliffs, while White Rim Overlook offers a bird’s eye view of the striking white sandstone formations that give the area its name. Finally, Grand View Overlook lives up to its name, offering visitors a breathtaking panorama of the entire park, with sweeping views of the canyons, mesas, and buttes that make up this unique and beautiful landscape.

Dead Horse Point State Park

While not actual part of the Islands in the Sky region. Dead Horse Point State Park, located just a short drive from the Canyonlands entrace, offers stunning panoramic views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyons. The park is also home to several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground.

Proceed Booking