By Hannah Lehr.
If you only have time for one activity while visiting Canyonlands National Park, check out the Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail. This 1.8-mile trail boasts the best view of the canyon below. Located at the edge of the Island in the Sky mesa, the trail follows the rim of the canyon, and you will be granted gorgeous, panoramic views for most of your hike. It is easy and accessible for all ages, yet steep enough to get your heart rate up.
Getting There
The Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail is in the Island of the Sky portion of Canyonlands National Park. This section is about 45 minutes from Moab and is the most visited section of the park due to its accessibility. The trailhead is also quite easy to find. From the visitor center, continue straight for 12 miles until your reach the Grand Viewpoint. This is a dead-end, and the road turns into a parking lot. The trailhead is located right next to the viewing platform.
Best Times to Visit
The best times to visit the park are during the fall and the spring, as temperatures sit at a mild 70 degrees during consistently sunny days. This trail tends to be crowded during the spring and fall, though this trail is spacious, and there is a lot of parking at the trailhead. As the trail follows the edge of the mesa, there is plenty of space for everybody to enjoy the views.
In the winter, you will find a lot more seclusion. Temperatures can get down to 40 degrees during the day, so dress accordingly. Canyonlands does get snow, but rarely enough for the roads to be closed. It is magical to watch the snow fall on the red rocks and spires along the canyon.
The summer is also a popular time to visit Canyonlands, but it is a dreadfully hot time. Temperatures can get between 90-100 degrees, and there is little shade from the sun. Be sure to pack more water than you think you need, and dress accordingly to shade yourself from the sun.
Main Attractions
This is not the type of hike you want to rush through. From the get-go in the parking lot there are fantastic, panoramic views of the canyon below. The views only intensify as you walk along the edge of the mesa. If you aren’t scared of heights, sitting along the edge of the mesa, and letting your feet hang will help you realize just how far down the canyon is.
Also, be sure to look for wildlife as you hike. It seems like there are lizards under every single rock in the park in the summertime. Look out for bald eagles as they soar above the canyon.
At the end of the hike, there is a large pile of rocks that people climb on top of. This is the best spot for a snack or a picnic lunch. Here, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree, endless views of the surrounding canyons.
Why This is the “Best Hike in Canyonlands”
I know, bold statement. Not only is this hike accessible for families, children, and older people, but this hike provides some of the most stunning views in the park. It also offers so many different angles to view the canyon below, and so many places to sit and let your feet hang! Although it can get busy, there is plenty of room to find some solitude. Also, most people hang around the beginning of the trail and look off the edge. Fewer people hike to the overlook, and even fewer climb to the top of the rock pile. From vast, desert landscapes, to cute little critters, to incredible views, this trail has it all.
Things to be Aware Of
Hiking in this dry environment can cause you to dehydrate faster than you normally would. Be sure to pack more water than you think you’d need and hydrate often. Water can be found at the Island of the Sky visitor center during the summer.
Hiking on the rocks can be slippery. Be sure to wear decent quality hiking shoes, and not sandals or crocs. These types of shoes will cause you to slip and slide on rocks, which can be dangerous.
Lastly, this trail can be difficult to follow at times. Trails are marked by cairns, or little rock sculptures. The cairns are sometimes knocked over and can easily be missed. Pay attention to piles of little rocks on the ground, as that was probably a cairn!
Nearby Activities
There’s plenty of other activities to check out in the area! First off, the rest of Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky is right in front of you. Some other great hikes in this part of the park are Mesa Arch and Upheaval Dome. There are also many roadside viewpoints to check out as you follow the road back to Moab.
You could also check out the nearby Natural Bridges National Monument. This park offers many camping opportunities, so you can spend days hiking around the otherworldly sandstone bridges. Visiting this park is a fantastic way to learn more about the interesting geology in Southwestern Utah.
Lastly, Arches National Park is located only 30 minutes away from Canyonlands. This park features many short hikes through oddly shaped red-rock arches. Some of the most popular hikes in this park are Delicate Arch Trail and the Landscape Arch Trail. Keep in mind that this park does have a timed-entry service during the spring, summer, and fall, and a time-stamped reservation is required to enter the park.
Don’t Forget to Bring…
- A ton of water!
- Sunglasses and a hat to protect your head
- A good, grippy pair of hiking shoes
- A trekking pole can be useful on some of the jagged rocks
- Sunscreen
My Rating /10
I rate this hike a 9/10, and it is my favorite hike in the park! This trail is short yet sweet, and it surrounds you in incredible views. The only two complaints I have about the trail are just how heavy the traffic can be, and how the trail can get confusing when cairns are knocked over. Overall, this trail is the best way to see the vast canyons and desert of Utah.
Your thoughts on the Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail?
Have you visited Canyonlands National Park and experienced the Gran Viewpoint Overlook Trail? What were your impressions? Perhaps you haven’t visited as yet but really want to? Do share your views in the comments below.
Hannah Lehr
Hi! I'm Hannah Lehr, and I'm a travel blogger. Currently, I'm living in my SUV in Arizona, hiding from the Winter. I'm passionate about exploring lesser known destinations and sharing my experiences with others.
This looks like a great place to check out. I have always wanted to travel out to this area. So beautiful and scenic!
I have never been to Canyonlands National Park. This does look like a great hike. Thanks for sharing.
This is so beautiful and a dream of mine! I am definitely making sure to get here soon as my best friend just did this hike and her pictures are also beautiful!
As someone who often travels with a pre-schooler, I’m always looking out for shorter trails that I could do with her. So thank you for introducing this short 1.8m hike of Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail. Indeed winters & summers don’t seem too comfortable, but still I wouldn’t mind the winter at 40f. Picnic lunch on a large pile of rocks with 360 deg panoramic view? You sold it to me!
Almost all the national parks are good but Canyonlands National Park looks irresistible. These are some excellent tips about hiking in dry environment.
I really miss hiking and must start soon.
The Grand Viewpoint Overlook trail at the Canyonlands National Park is a beautiful place with surreal vibes. And it looks true when you say it’s a hike not to rush through and sitting along the edge of Mesa with feet hanging and enjoying the landscape seems like a wonderful idea. And it’s a bonus when you can spot wild life like lizards and bald eagle on the way up. Also thanks for recommending water, sunglasses, hiking shoes, trekking pole and sunscreen for the dry weather. And definitely I would love the 360 degree view at the end of the hike! with great opportunity for photography.
I love Canyonlands National Park, it’s one of my favorite in Utah, and I also made Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail a few times. The views are spectacular, and it’s a relatively easy and short hike as it’s only 1,8 miles. It’s perfect for families with kids or the elderly. I love this place just after sunrise, as it’s not crowded. I agree that the best time is spring and fall, as the summer months are sweltering. Great tips to bring a lot of water, as there are not too many amenities in this park.
I thought so as well- easy hike with awesome views! Love that it had something for everybody to enjoy. I wish I got to visit at sunrise! Thank you for reading!
This is so full of details. Thank you for sharing this. Will make a trip there much better.
Thanks for reading, Amber!
It’s good to know that Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail offers an amazing view of the canyon. Also, thanks for the tips about hiking in a dry environment. I’ll also love to check out Natural Bridges National Monument and Arches National Park after the trip to Canyonlands.
Thanks for reading! Yes, that would be so fun to spend a week in Moab and visiting all of those places!
I miss hiking so much! I hiked a bunch of times this summer, it was amazing…I can’t wait to hike some more next summer and this location really provides some inspiration.
Hiking is such an amazing experience! It is very spiritual and inspirational to me. Happy to hear it inspires you as well, and I hope you get to go hiking soon!
We were sad we only got to visit the Island of the Sky part of Canyonlands when we visited. But were delighted when we hiked the Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail. I totally agree that this is not the type of hike you want to rush thorough. The views were simply stunning. The earth looked like it was ripped apart in places.
I hope to see the other sections of the park someday as well. The Maze section fascinates me the most, yet it is difficult to get to and requires a lot of self-sufficiency! Definitely one day!
We just visited Canyonlands NP earlier this year and did this very hike…and I can concur, it was the best hike in the park. And at less than 2 miles, a no brainer. Just pack water!
Yes, good advice! Super dry at Canyonlands! Thanks for reading 🙂
It looks so beautiful. I love to go to hiking and this looks to be a great place to do so.
This park is full of beautiful hikes! Thanks for reading!
It’s good to hear that such an easy trail – Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail – is recommended and it still offers one of the best views. I can see why it’s so popular, those views are pretty incredible.
I know right! You don’t need to work too hard for these views. Everybody can do this hike.
Wow! Those are all really wonderful and stunning views! I think I would try hiking now.
Awesome! This is a great trail to start out with. Be sure to wear some good shoes that you feel will give you a grip on the rocks, as they can tend to be slippery. And pack a lot of water!
This is such a thorough post. If I ever decide to hike here, you’ve laid it out crystal clear. Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Clara!
Our family is headed to Canyonlands NP next spring, and I am so excited! We have been to Moab before, but only visited Arches, so we are excited to return to explore this new-to-us park. Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail sounds like a must-do for those beautiful views, and it’s great to hear that we will be able to hike it as a family with our little ones. How nice that it’s just 1.8 miles for the best views in the park! Thank you for the tips. 🙂
Thanks for reading! That is so exciting to hear you are visiting Canyonlands Np soon! Arches is stunning as well. Have fun on your visit!
That’s awesome it has other activities. Definitely need to keep that in mind. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for reading! Hope you get to visit someday.
The views are stunning. What a fantastic landscape. The experience looks amazing and so exciting.
Yes, such an odd yet interesting landscape! Otherwordly.
Definitely unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!
Fall and Spring are indeed the best seasons to visit this place. I’ve visited all seasons and I’d say Fall is my favorite.
Awesome! I’d have to say fall or winter are my favorites as well! Thanks for reading, Alita!
Such stunning views! Thank you for the write up – I would love to hike here in the spring.
Thanks for reading! That’s a great time to visit!
This is why I love hiking so much. The beauty you find in nature can’t be duplicated anywhere else.
Agreed Leanne! Utah is a masterpiece!
Those views are absolutely amazing. This makes me want to get out my hiking gear!
And the winter is a great time to go! 🙂
Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail looks like a fascinating place to visit. I can see why it is The Best Hike in Canyonlands National Park, and your post is so informative! Your photos are stunning.
Definitely check it out next time you visit! Thanks for reading!