Hiking the Upheaval Dome Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km
The Upheaval Dome may be the most unique natural geologic formation in all of Canyonlands National Park.
This otherworldly natural depression is actually the center of a debated formation story among geologists, which you can read more about in the section below.
That being said, there are two ways to see the Upheaval Dome: the Upheaval Dome Trail and the Syncline Loop Trail, the latter being much more difficult than the Upheaval Dome Trail.
For this reason, the Upheaval Dome Trail is the more popular choice, and it’s a personal favorite of mine because it allows you to truly appreciate the massive size of the mysterious crater from the top of the crater rim.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
How Did the Upheaval Dome Form?
This is the big debate, and there are two leading theories:
Meteorite Impact Crater:
A massive meteorite smashed into the Earth’s surface, causing a violent explosion and leaving this crater-like formation. The impact turned rock layers inside out, explaining the unusual geology.
Salt Dome:
A layer of salt deep underground was pushed upwards due to the pressure of the overlying rock. As the salt rose, it fractured and deformed the surrounding rock layers, creating a dome-like structure.
Upheaval Dome Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Upheaval Dome Trailhead is located at the very end of Upheaval Dome Road.
This small parking area is also the parking lot for the Syncline Loop Trail and Upheaval Dome Picnic Area, meaning that parking here is typically one of the more challenging places within the park, especially during the busy summer travel season.
Google Maps Directions: Upheaval Dome Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Canyonlands
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Canyonlands National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Upheaval Dome Trail
The Upheaval Dome Trail begins at the joint trailhead for both this and the Syncline Loop Trail, which circles the crater.
Syncline Loop Junction
Within just a short walk of the trailhead, the Upheaval Dome Trail crosses over the Syncline Loop Trail: an 8.1-mile (13.0 km) trail with an optional 1.2-mile (1.9 km) out-and-back spur trail to explore the inside of the crater.
That being said, go straight to continue up the Upheaval Dome Trail.
Then, after just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Upheaval Dome Trail begins climbing, which continues for most of the hike to the first overlook.
First Upheaval Dome Overlook Junction
As the trail nears the crater rim, it splits, with the first overlook located shortly ahead, and the trail to the left that continues further to the second overlook.
First Upheaval Dome Overlook
In my opinion, the First Upheaval Dome Overlook is beautiful, but it’s not nearly as beautiful as the second, located about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away.
First Upheaval Dome Overlook Junction
Once back on the main trail, go right to hike further along the crater rim to the second overlook.
This is where the Upheaval Dome Trail begins its short descent before climbing up the final rock formation to the second overlook.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
After about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the first overlook, the Upheaval Dome Trail makes this hard right turn.
Once at the bottom the short descent, you can see the final rock formation off in the distance, which is the summit of the second overlook.
At the top of hill, go right to hike the final section to the second overlook.
Second Upheaval Dome Overlook
The Second Upheaval Dome Overlook is the better of the two, but that is truly just one person’s opinion.
In any case, the flat sandstone area atop the second overlook is a beautiful place to hang out, eat some food, and enjoy one of Canyonlands’ most unique viewpoints!
More Canyonlands Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Canyonlands National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
With summer temperatures that soar well above 100 ºF (38 ºC) and snow storms come winter, both Arches and Canyonlands National Park are known for having extremely variable weather throughout the year.
That being said, heavy snow storms are uncommon in the Moab area, but summer adventures need to carefully be planned around the dangerous mid-summer heat. For this reason, you may consider visiting Moab during the off season in order to maximize your time in either park, while also visiting during a time of year that’s far less crowded.
Furthermore, be sure to know the local forecast if you are hiking during the summer monsoon season, as it’s not uncommon for areas, such as slot canyons, to fill with water rapidly, creating very dangerous situations for anyone inside. On top of this, summer monsoonal weather is typically accompanied by lightning, which can be very dangerous in exposed desert areas like the parks around Moab.
As for Canyonlands specifically, the most important thing to stress is the dramatic cliffs surrounding the Island in the Sky and other parts of the park. Even the Mesa Arch is a deadly cliff, which most photos, such as mine, don’t show.
Finally, there is at least one venomous rattlesnake found across the area, which you can learn more about here.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Arches and Canyonlands National Park websites.
National Park Service: Arches National Park / Canyonlands National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
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