Island in the Sky, Utah 2025

At a place like this, you feel like floating on a huge island over the grand canyon and rivers beneath

Best time: mid-March–late December

Island in the Sky is a large mesa towering 304 m above the valley with straight walls from the top of the plateau. It is located in the northern part of the Canyonlands National Park and is one of the most unique and easily accessed.

Highlights

Island in the Sky is a dramatic, sheer-walled mesa forming the northern section of Canyonlands National Park. A scenic drive winds along the mesa's rim, offering breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the rugged landscape carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. From many vantage points, the terrain drops nearly 1,000 feet straight down, revealing an awe-inspiring panorama of deep canyons and expansive vistas.

Best Spots to Enjoy the Scenery

Some of the best spots are the Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook, and sunset is the best time to enjoy the landscape. Upheaval Dome and Mesa Arch are two more attractions to visit.

Activities

Island in the Sky is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing along its diverse trails. For those seeking relaxation, the area also provides ideal spots for picnicking or stargazing beneath the breathtaking night sky. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear to enjoy the experience fully.

Best Time to Visit

The Canyonlands National Park operates all year round, with some facilities being closed for winter. Island in the Sky Visitor Center, in particular, operates on a seasonal schedule. During summer (April to late October), it is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. In winter (December to early March), hours are 9 am to 4 pm, with closures on December 25 and special hours on December 24. Early spring and late fall hours vary slightly, generally running from 8 am to 4 pm. Considering summer rains and the possible flash flooding they can cause, the prime season is late spring and early fall.

Getting There

To get to Island in the Sky, head 10 miles (16 km) north from Moab or 22 miles (35 km) south from I-70 along US 191. From there, turn onto UT 313 and drive southwest for another 22 miles (35 km). The journey to the visitor center from Moab takes approximately 40 minutes by car.