Mesa Arch is a natural span of sandstone perched of the edge of the plateau. The view is incredible at any time of day, but at sunrise the formation makes a perfect picture frame, and the rock glows gold with the first rays of light. The scene has become famous on social media, making this short loop one of Canyonlands’ top hikes.

Grand View Point offers a stunning panorama just steps from the car, but if you choose to add a hike you’ll find even better views from the tip of the point itself. While the trail looks mostly flat, climbing up and over blocky rocks on your way to the end actually requires a bit of time and energy. Be sure to bring a water bottle for the roughly 2-mile round trip.

The 6-mile Neck Spring Loop is a fantastic way to experience the splendor of Canyonlands. It travels between narrow walls and offers expansive views from the edge of a canyon rim. There is not much elevation gain, but the 6 miles does include a lot of minor ups and downs along the way.

Upheaval Dome is a geologic enigma that has scientists stumped about how it was formed. A circular valley three miles wide, rimmed by vertical cliffs but with a hilly uplift in its center, has thus defied any confident explanation. You can see it for yourself by hiking a trail along the canyon rim. The rugged path crosses bare stone and loose sand, reaching two overlooks with distinct views of the mysterious dome.

This short but nicely varied trail combines views of the landscape with a glimpse into the past. You can climb a tall mesa to find a panorama over the canyons, or circle a smaller mesa to find Native American ruins. Choose to visit one or both of the sandstone outcrops, depending on what you want to see and how long you want to spend.

Though it begins on the popular and casual Murphy Point Trail, the full hike on Murphy Loop is a demanding, all-day adventure. Leaving the Island in the Sky behind, a rugged trail plunges downward toward the canyons, eventually meeting the White Rim Road far below. This is a trek for lovers of wilderness and solitude, and for those prepared to be self-sufficient out in the desert.

Gooseberry Trail begins on the flat path to White Rim Overlook, but quickly diverges and tips downward over the rim. This is the steepest of all the trails at Island in the Sky, and makes the shortest route to the White Rim Road at only 3 miles one way. Once at the road hikers may continue on to other destinations, or turn around and hike back up.