Loading trail…
Whale Rock Trail
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Save this plan
Sign up to save your own editable copy — you'll pick up right here.
Utah
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Whale Rock Trail
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No elevation data on file for this trail.
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
<p>Many features in this region bear imaginative names. Does this long sandstone dome looked like a giant whale to you? This trail walks along its side, then climbs from its "tail" up to its "blowhole."</p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="45" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{41}" paraid="1643395219"><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 0.8 mi (1.3 km) </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="46" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{44}" paraid="1782287218"><strong>Time</strong>: 1 hr </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="47" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{47}" paraid="2054007394"><strong>Elevation Change</strong>: 141 ft (43 m) </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="48" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{50}" paraid="652405392"><strong>Difficulty</strong>: Moderate – Mesa Top </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="49" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{53}" paraid="1888812353"><strong>Hike Description</strong>: This trail leads up the side of a sandstone dome, ending with broad views of the Island in the Sky. Great for kids who like to scramble on rock. Be careful: wear soles with good traction and avoid steep drop-offs. </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="50" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{56}" paraid="562753937"><strong>Accessibility</strong>: This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="51" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{60}" paraid="1760780803">Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/planyourvisit/service-animals.htm">What is a service animal?</a> <br /> </p> </li> </ul> <p>Whale Rock is part of a large outer ring of sandstone surrounding the nearby Upheaval Dome formation.</p>
Alcove Spring Trail
~1 min drive
<p>After descending 1,300 feet (396 m) past a large alcove, the trail meanders in a wide canyon to the base of the notable Moses and Zeus towers. </p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 11.2 mi (18 km)</p> </li> <li> <p><strong style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); fon…
Syncline Trail
~1 min drive
<p>The Syncline Trail follows canyons around Upheaval Dome and requires navigating steep switchbacks, climbing and scrambling through boulder fields, and a 1,500-foot (460 m) elevation change. <strong><em>This is the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district, an…
Upheaval Dome Overlooks Trail
~1 min drive
<p>Two short but steep hikes lead to overlooks of a spectacular and colorful geologic feature: Upheaval Dome.<br /> <br /> <em>Within minutes of starting, the Overlooks trail crosses the very challenging Syncline Trail, which loops around Upheaval Dome without viewing its cent…
Wilhite Trail
~3 min drive
<p paraeid="{dd69bb86-0131-4382-92b9-332d48e86814}{233}" paraid="840572081">A primitive trail with steep switchbacks drops 1,600 feet (488 m) into a long, sandy wash. Follow the wash to the White Rim Road. No shade.</p> <ul role="list"> <li paraeid="{dd69bb86-0131-4382-92b9-33…
Aztec Butte Trail
~5 min drive
<p paraeid="{6586b1d3-5177-47f9-8426-e7e98ddba119}{68}" paraid="308520971">Indigenous people once stored foods and medicines in rock structures, called granaries, built into alcoves here. Despite the current name, they were not part of the Aztec civilization. <em>Do not touch…
Moses and Zeus Towers Trail
~6 min drive
<p><i>Reaching this trail requires a permit to drive the 4WD White Rim Road or hiking down Alcove Spring Trail (11.2 mi/18.3 km roundtrip).</i><br /> <br /> Moses and Zeus are two prominent towers overlooking Taylor Canyon. This trail leads to their base.</p> <ul role="list">…
Mesa Arch Trail
~6 min drive
<p>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. The loop hike has slightly more elevation change at the beginning if you travel counter-clockwise. To reduce the number of stai…
Lathrop Trail
~8 min drive
<p>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.</…
Shafer Trail Viewpoint
~9 min drive
<p>A short, 0.9 mi (1.4 km) drive past the Island in the Sky visitor center leads to a breathtaking view of the Shafer Trail. <br /> <br /> 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) throug…
Neck Spring Trail
~9 min drive
<p>A walk back in time, this loop trail passes historic ranching features and two springs where cowboys watered cattle.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 5.6 mi (9 km)</li> <li><strong>Time</strong>: 3-4 hrs</li> <li><strong>Elevation Change</strong>: 418 ft (1…
Also worth it near here
