Distance: 1.7 miles (RT) The greyish dome in the center rises 750 feet from the floor, a giant belly button surrounded by a rust-colored rim. Trail Head: 38.4264, -109.926. Backpacking permits required. Geologists have two possible theories for what caused Upheaval Dome, which you can learn about along the trail. Our final hike in Canyonlands was the moderately rated one-mile trail to Upheaval Dome. Four short, self-guided trails along the paved scenic drive highlight different aspects of the park's natural and cultural history. Walk to an east-facing overlook for views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains. Carry a map, extra gallons of water, and a flashlight. A 1.7-mile hike visits two overlooks along the rim of this three-mile wide 1,000-foot deep crater. White Mesa Cultural and Conservation Area, Find out how to navigate the permit system ›, Grand Canyon Gear Guide: What to pack for your hike. But don’t stop there. Upheaval Dome at Canyonlands National Park on Google Maps A few weeks later I had made my way to Moab, Utah, and found myself at the Canyonlands National Park visitor center. Add your voice ›. In the center, the rocks are pushed up into a circular structure called a dome, or an anticline. The trailhead is at the end of the road. Ahead, you walk past piñon trees, junipers, and Mormon tea. Entering, touching, or climbing on archeological sites is strictly prohibited. Trails are marked with cairns (small rock piles). Canyonlands National Park charges a fee to enter. How did this peculiar feature form? The trailhead is at the end of the road. A short hike leads to a cliff-edge arch. The Needles offers over 60 miles of interconnecting trails as challenging as they are rewarding. The Upheaval Dome trail is located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park west of Moab, Utah. Very limited trailhead parking. For current conditions call the Canyonlands National Park Headquarters in Moab at (801) 259-7164. Carry a flashlight, map, and basic first aid equipment. Uneven slickrock leads to diverse pothole communities as well as views of the Needles. These magnificent lands will be here waiting for you then. Experience the rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park with 4-wheel drive transportation on a half-day tour from Moab. Don’t jump to the conclusion that Upheaval Dome is just a boring geology lesson. Two ladders must be climbed. Net elevation change is generally several hundred feet or less, except for the Lower Red Lake Trail, which drops 1,400 feet to the Colorado River. Surfaces can be uneven. Syncline Loop Trail - 8.4 Miles Round-Trip. Veer to the right when you see a sign for the first viewpoint, walking about 150 feet to the overlook and high point of the hike. Return the way you came. The hike across rough rock surfaces – some with steps carved into the face – is part of the fun. All are considered strenuous, with an elevation change of 1,000-2,000 feet, and require negotiating steep slopes of loose rock as well as sections of deep sand. This geologic feature has an interesting greenish-white tint which contrasts against the orange-red soil all around. Go another 4.8 miles to the Upheaval Dome Picnic Area at the end of the road. You have the option to hike the spur trail into Upheaval Dome. This hike offers panoramic views of the desert mesas and valleys that comprise Canyonlands, a great opportunity for any photographers looking to try their hand at landscape photography. Elevation change: 300 feet / 91 m, Island in the Sky's steepest trail rapidly descends 1,400 feet (427 m) to the White Rim bench. Trail guides are available at the visitor center and at the trailheads. Lower section is at-large camping only. This challenging trail follows the canyons around Upheaval Dome and requires … You will climb two ladders to complete the route. Turn right at the next intersection, and follow signs to Upheaval Dome. This trail offers one of the most spectacular views in The Needles. Planning an overnight trip? Protect Your Park - Keep off the Arches. The out and back to the Upheaval Dome overlooks, starting from the same trailhead, provide some of the best views of the area. Vicinity: Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky District, near Moab Upheaval Dome is one of the The last 0.25 mile at the upper end is steep with one ladder and some scrambling. Note the rock layers distorted by salt pushing up from below. A great full-day hike, this trail drops off the side of the mesa top for a 1,400-foot (427 m) elevation change. We did this hike in the evening when the temps were much cooler but the lighting was not ideal. Keep straight, merging onto Grand View Point Road and following signs to Canyonlands National Park (UT 313 turns left towards Dead Horse Point State Park). A short but steep trail leads to a clear view into Upheaval Dome. The trail begins with a brief climb to the rim of the dome, and after a few minutes, your first view of canyon country. One of the highlights of this area is the massive Upheaval Dome, which the Syncline Loop Trail traces on its difficult 9-mile journey. The upheaval dome itself is a huge crater that is 3 miles wide. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the Upheaval Dome trailhead, where we’ll also find restrooms and picnic tables. On International Women's Day, learn about some of the artists, scientists, and river runners who made history in the Grand Canyon. Many remote trails do not receive regular maintenance and may not be adequately marked. This trail provides many great panoramas of the Needles formations. Trail crosses open grassland, then drops 1,600 feet (488 m) into the canyon below. Upheaval Dome in the most puzzling geological feature in Canyonlands National Park. Water available seasonally. Along the way you’ll see great views, both of the crater and of the surrounding area. The eastern fork to your right ascends Aztec Butte for spectacular views. Go the extra mile across what becomes a bit of a scramble to the second overlook. Upheaval Dome—a deep, circular depression containing sharp, chalky badlands—is one of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park’s, or even the American Southwest’s, greatest geological mysteries. Upheaval Dome is a wilderness of rock. Along White Rim Road. This trail features expansive 360-degree views. Elevation change: 1,400 feet / 427 m. This challenging trail follows the canyons around Upheaval Dome and requires navigating steep switchbacks, climbing and scrambling through boulder fields, and a 1,300-foot (396 m) elevation change.