Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
1 dzień / 20 mile / 39 minut
The Island in the Sky mesa rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet (304 m) above the surrounding terrain. Every overlook offers a different perspective on Canyonlands' spectacular landscape.
Dzień 1
9:05 - 5.9 mile / 9 minut - 9:14
The Shafer Trail at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is an iconic road that descends 1,500 feet (457 m) through a colorful, massive sandstone cliff. Its function has changed through the years; from a route made by Native Americans to access resources on the mesa top, to a trail for sheep herders moving flocks to better foraging in winter time, and then a road for trucks moving loads of uranium from the backcountry to market. Today, the Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are highly recommended.
9:19 - 1.0 mile / minuta - 9:21
Island in the Sky Visitor Center
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center offers exhibits, book & map sales, park orientation film, backcountry permits, general information, vault toilets, and park rangers on duty.
9:26 - 0.6 mile / minuta - 9:28
Shafer Canyon Overlook Trailhead
A sign at the shafer canyon overlook provides information on the shafer trail road.
9:33 - 0.4 mile / minuta - 9:34
The ridge narrows dramatically affording great views on both sides.
9:39 - 0.2 mile / - 9:39
This small roadside pullout is paved with enough space to accommodate a handful of cars. A short, but unpaved and uneven trail leads to a fenced viewing area.
9:44 - 1.1 mile / minuta - 9:46
The Lathrop Trail crosses a wide grassland on the mesa top, enjoys views of Colorado River, then descends into the canyon below. For a moderate trail option, hikers often turn around at the canyon rim. Continuing down to the White Rim Road means a strenuous hike back out.
9:51 - 4.2 mile / 7 minut - 9:58
Perched at the edge of the mesa top, this 27-foot-long (8.3 m) arch frames views of the canyon far below and the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
10:03 - 1.3 mile / 2 minuty - 10:06
From this small roadside pullout, enjoy sweeping views to the west, including more than one imaginatively named feature.
10:11 - 1.5 mile / 2 minuty - 10:14
This longer but mostly level hike leads past a historic corral on the mesa top. The trail ends with panoramic views of Candlestick Tower, the Green River, and the White Rim Road.
10:19 - 0.8 mile / minuta - 10:21
From a paved overlook at 6,240 feet (1,902 m) in elevation, enjoy sweeping vistas to the west and across the Colorado River canyon.
10:26 - 2.2 mile / 5 minut - 10:31
Walk to an east-facing overlook for views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains. Best in the late afternoon.
10:36 - 1.0 mile / 2 minuty - 10:39
This viewpoint near the end of the main park road offers a panoramic view across the canyon of the Green River. Dazzling sandstone cliffs of the aptly named Orange Cliffs unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area sit just across the river from the viewpoint, with The Maze district of Canyonlands stretching toward the south.
10:44 - 0.2 mile / - 10:44