Guide Sections
Use Island in the Sky's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Island in the Sky Details
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
N/A
The Island in the Sky is a flat mesa rimmed by 1000-foot sheer cliffs that have been cut away for more than 150 million years by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A scenic road follows the rim of the "island" with amazing views of the Maze and Needles Districts as well as much of Southern Utah. The sparse vegetation reveals the rich reds and oranges of rock formations. The Island in the Sky is the most accessible district in the park and is a great destination for those looking for a half-day car tour or an introduction to Canyonlands. Highlights of the Island in the Sky's 34-mile (roundtrip) circuit include Mesa Arch and the Grand View Point Overlook. The road, originally built to facilitate mining, is now used by almost half a million tourists every year.