Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
186.00 ft (56.69 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.00 mi (3.22 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The hike to White Rim Overlook in the “Island in the Sky” district of Canyonlands National Park provides stunning views with little effort required. In fact the hardest part of this hike may be finding a parking spot, as parking is very limited at the trailhead. This does help to keep crowds down on the trail however, so you’ll likely only run into a handful of people on your hike.

Once you’ve secured a parking space, begin by hiking down some slickrock away from the picnic area. You’ll quickly come to a junction where the Gooseberry Trail turns left and descends steeply down into the canyon, while the White Rim Trail heads right. Stay right.

The White Rim Trail descends gently as it ventures out onto the ever narrowing peninsula. The trail alternates between easy to follow singletrack and occasional slickrock sections that are marked with cairns.

Continues east and keep walking until you’ve ventured out as far as you can on the peninsula. Stunning views await here. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Colorado River, the popular 4WD White Rim Road, Monument Basin and the La Sal Mountains.

Use caution here as there are steep dropoffs all around the overlook area. Once you’ve taken your fair share of photos and enjoyed the views return the way you came back to the trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy hike. Stunning views.

Cons

Limited parking.

Trailhead Elevation

6,261.00 ft (1,908.35 m)

Highest point

6,270.00 ft (1,911.10 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Wildlife
Family friendly
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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