Hiking in Grand View Point Canyonlands gives you breathtaking scenery and a rewarding outdoor experience. Situated in the stunning Canyonlands National Park in Utah, this trail provides panoramic views of the vast canyon landscape below, including the intricate formations carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

This hike is quite popular, particularly for visitors whose main goal is to take in Canyonlands National Park. You’ll be amazed at how the ever-changing light casts dramatic shadows and highlights on the paths throughout the day, creating mesmerizing views that captivate every hiker.

Learn why tens of thousands of people hike the Grand View Point Trail annually.

Map Of Grand View Point Overlook & Trail

About Grand View Point Overlook & Trail, Canyonlands

• Trailhead GPS: 38.310751, -109.856605
• Location: Island the Sky, Canyonlands
• Website: nps.gov/places/grand-view-point.htm
• Canyonlands Admission: Per Person: $15 | Motorcycle: $25 | Private Vehicle $30
• Amenities: Huge parking, vault toilets, trailhead, wheelchair-accessible
• Level: Easy
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Estimated Time: 41 minutes

This is the one view that should rule them all. Grand View Point at Canyonlands National Park offers a panoramic view that will answer any question you may have about why this region is called Canyonlands.

The National Park Service has installed several interpretive signs at the Grand View Trailhead. One of these signs is a panoramic one that lists many of the region’s notable landmarks, including the Totem Pole, the meeting point of the Colorado and Green Rivers, and the White Rim Road that circles Island in the Sky.

This is a flat, mostly well-defined track with plenty of cairns to indicate the way. The cliffs are quite far down, so take caution not to approach them too closely. Keep a close eye on your little children if you’re bringing them.

You can sit at the trail’s end and take in the incredibly expansive vista while reflecting on how nature changed the once featureless plain into what it is now.

Guided Tour Of Grand View Point Overlook & Trail

If you can only fit in one activity while visiting Canyonlands National Park, the Grand Viewpoint Overlook Trail is a must-see. Because of its accessibility, this area of the park—roughly 45 minutes from Moab—sees the highest volume of visitors. The trailhead is also very simple to locate.

Once you get to the trailhead, simply follow the cairns. It may seem unbelievable, but if you continue, the vistas grow much greater from the official “Grand View Point Overlook.”

You’ll follow a mild, clearly signposted walk along the canyon rim to get a view of the well-known White Rim trail below. In the distance, you’ll see the snow-capped summits of the La Sal Mountains gleam.

If you’re coming here with kids, keep your children near, as there are no guard rails around. Many of the mesa’s edges are undercut, which makes them quite unstable for standing on.

You’ll come to a set of short steps that cross a few inclines. Then, views from both sides of the mesa will be visible. To the north, the Orange Cliffs and the Green River canyon system are located.

After around one mile, the mesa abruptly ends. Scurry up the big rock in front of you to reach the best vantage point on the Grand View Point Trail. At the start of the viewpoint, you’ll see expansive views, and they just keep going.

All in all, the hike is short and has a few carved steps. You’ll be treated to plenty of vistas directly from the car, although after the first few hundred yards, it’s not very wheelchair accessible (you’ll want knobby tires). There are one or two short scrambling moves needed for the climb up, but nothing too strenuous.

Return the same way you came, observing the different vistas toward the wider mesa region. Stay on rocky, hard surfaces, but venture out a little. Steer clear of black soil.

What To Expect on Your Hike

Once you leave the visitor center, go straight for 12 miles to the Grand View Point. There’s a small paved walkway that leads to an amazing vista. From there, you can hike another mile to another viewpoint. Rangers often provide geology talks at Grand View Point from Spring through Fall.

From this vantage point, you can view far-off mountains, miles of rugged gorges, the White Rim four-wheel-drive road, and elements of The Maze and The Needles. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can get a better sense of how far down the canyon is by sitting along the mesa’s edge and letting your feet hang.

Note: As you hike, remember to look for animals. In the summer, the park seems to be home to lizards under every rock. Bald eagles also soar over the canyon.

The road ends at a parking lot, marking a dead end. The trailhead and the viewing platform are adjacent to each other. 

At the end of the trip, people scramble up a sizable mound of rocks. This is the ideal location for a picnic or a quick snack. You’ll be rewarded with an unending 360-degree panorama of the neighboring canyons.

The Grand View Point Overlook is crowded, yet there’s still enough of space to find solitude. In addition, most visitors gather near the trail’s start and gaze over the edge. Fewer people ascend to the top of the boulder pile, and even fewer hike to the overlook. This trail has it all—wonderful views, adorable little animals, and expansive desert landscapes.

How To Find The Grand View Point Overlook & Trailhead

To reach the Grand View Point in Canyonlands, you should go to the Island in the Sky District, which is also home to one of the most scenic drives in Moab.

Take 191 north until you get to a signposted intersection for road 313; it’s 45 minutes to the north and west of Moab. See the directions for Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Proceed straight ahead on that route until you arrive at Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky gate.

Keep driving while keeping an eye out for the Grand View Point Overlook signage. At the end of the main road, you’ll find a huge paved parking space. This is where you should begin your hike.

What Time is The Busiest?

The best times to hike in Moab are in the spring and fall, but they are also the busiest since this is one of the most popular activities in Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks. For the best weather, visit Grand View Point during these times. The average temperature is warm during the day and cool at night, but not unbearably so.

October is also a great nice time to visit because of the low wind. The cacti and desert flowers are starting to bloom, but there is a little increase in the chance of rainfall in the spring, which could ruin other plans you have if you have other things to do in Moab. As one of the most stunning national parks in the US, the desert blooms are a must-see!

Winter is a terrific time to visit Canyonlands if you don’t mind the cold, as it’s one of the best national parks to explore all year round. It is usually colder at night than it is during the day. But you’ll find it’s pretty much abandoned. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Grand View Point Canyonlands after a light snowfall, don’t miss the chance. It’s very amazing.

I would not recommend hiking here during summer. It’s crammed with people and extremely hot – 100 degrees or higher in the desert, which feels more like a blast furnace.

Flying A Drone (Is It Allowed?)

The Grand Canyon is not a place where you can fly a drone. Since 2014, all national parks, including the Grand Canyon, have been under a strict no-fly zone enforced by the National Park Service (NPS). That’s for nature’s protection, safety, and privacy. Furthermore, you would be in the airspace of the Grand Canyon Airport, and we don’t want any accidents there!

What to Bring On Your Hike

When embarking on a hike at Grand View Point Trail and Overlook in Canyonlands National Park, it’s essential to be well-prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of items to bring with you:

1. Water: Bring an ample water supply, as desert hiking can dehydrate you. It is recommended that you carry at least one liter of water per hour of hiking.
2. Snacks: Pack lightweight, energy-boosting snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit to keep you fueled throughout the hike.
3. Sun protection: To protect yourself from the intense desert sun, wear sunscreen with a high SPF rating, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
4. Appropriate footwear: To navigate the rocky terrain safely, opt for sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots with good traction. 
5. Weather-appropriate clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes throughout the day. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is ideal for hiking in the desert.
6. Map and compass: Familiarize yourself with the trail map before setting out and carry a compass or GPS device to aid navigation, especially in remote areas.
7. First aid kit: Pack a basic first aid kit containing essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister treatment.
8. Emergency supplies: Bring a whistle, flashlight, or headlamp, and extra batteries in case you encounter unexpected situations or need to signal for help.
9. Backpack: Carry your gear, snacks, and water in a comfortable, well-fitted backpack during the hike.
10. Camera: With a camera or smartphone, capture the stunning scenery and unforgettable moments along the trail.

Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles while hiking Grand View Point Trail by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Since this is just an easy-level trail, you won’t need to worry about strenuous walks and climbs.

What People Are Saying About Grand View Point Overlook & Trail

People who have explored Grand View Point Overlook and Trail all the way only have a lot of good things to say about the destination. Here’s what others are saying about it:

Grand View point over look is at the end of the loop road and all I can say is they saved the best for last. All the views in the park are beautiful, but this one is special….it is gorgeous, captivating and needs to be seen in person.

DLP – Tripadvisor

Wonderful trail. It was an easy trail with well marked cairns. Views were spectacular.

James Covelli – AllTrails

The views are amazing from start to finish. Parts of the trail features natural stone stairs carved into the trail… Once you arrive at the end of the trail the views are incredible in every direction.

Susan Moore – Solo Trips and Tips

Soak Up the Sun at Grand View Point in Canyonlands

It’s no secret that Grand View Point in Canyonlands offers the most breathtaking views of Moab’s largest national park. You’ve come to the ideal spot if you want to be in awe of the enormously impressive desert landscapes, canyons, and layers upon layers of rock.

Grand View Point Overlook offers stunning vistas of the Colorado and Green River canyon systems. The Grand Viewpoint Trail offers breathtaking views of the entire park, allowing visitors to fully appreciate Canyonlands National Park’s vast expanse.

You cannot simply go to Moab and miss the Grand View Point Overlook and Trail. Pack your hiking essentials now!

Grand View Point Canyonlands FAQs