|
|
|
|
|
 The Island in the Sky
District
occupies a
peninsula between the great canyons carved by the
Colorado and Green Rivers. Atop the peninsula is
the park's main scenic drive. It leads to some
short hikes and several overlooks with great views
of the the vast orange-red canyons below. This is
the most easily visited part of the
district.
The top of the
peninsula falls away steeply 1,500 feet to a flat
desert mesa high above the rivers. Running along
the mesa is the famous White Rim 4wd Road, popular
with mountain bikers and 4wders. Several trails and
two jeep roads run down from the top of the
peninsual to this mesa affording great backcountry
opportunities.
Provided below are
descriptions of the main sights and short hikes on
top of the peninsula. For information on
backpacking, mountain biking and 4wding in the
backcountry, select Island in he Sky
Backcountry.
|
|
|
Main Scenic Drive -- Overlooks and
Short Hikes
The main scenic drive is 25 miles
long, including all branches. In one day, you can easily see the sights,
stop for a picnic lunch and also visit Dead
Horse Point State Park near the district's entrance. Select Island
in the Sky SuperMap for a more detailed, full page version of the
map to the below.
 Shafer Canyon Overlook provides a nice view east over the Colorado River.
From the overlook one can watch 4wd vehicles tackling the terrifically
sharp and steep switchbacks of the Shafer Trail Road as it quickly falls
1,200 feet to the river below. The overlook is an easy 1/4 mile walk form
the road.
Mesa Arch
is a good sized arch clinging to the edge of the canyon rim. An easy .5
mile loop trail through desert vegetation leads to the arch. Framed through
the arch is a nice view of the La Sal Mountains. [See
Photo]
The Green River Overlook
provides superb views of the Green River and the canyons created thereby.
An easy trail (2.4 miles roundtrip) across slickrock provides additional
nice views.
Upheaval Dome
consists of a crater about 3 miles across and 1,200 feet deep containing
a raised jumble of rock. Geologist speculate that a meteor caused the
odd formation. An easy trail leads 1/4 mile to a viewpoint over the crater.
Hikers can continue another 1/2 mile over slickrock to a second lookout.
Near the parking lot is a pleasant picnic area.
|