Top 6 Overlooks at Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District

Canyonlands National Park offers some of the most stunning overlooks with desert views in Utah. If you’re exploring the Island in the Sky district, these six overlooks are the ones you absolutely can’t miss.

Why Visit Island in the Sky?

Canyonlands National Park is epic nature at its finest, preserving nearly 338,000 acres of canyons, mesas, arches, and buttes. And to be honest, every overlook in Island in the Sky is breathtaking!

The park is divided into four districts:

• Island in the Sky – Closest to Moab and the most visited district
• The Needles – Great for backcountry hiking and 4×4 trails
• The Maze – Extremely remote, for experienced backpackers only
• The Rivers – Perfect for boating and water activities

⚠️Important: None of these districts are connected by roads. Driving from one to another can take 2–6 hours, so plan accordingly.

Island in the Sky is the easiest to access and offers the most iconic viewpoints for a day trip from Moab (only about 40 minutes away).

So, if you’re traveling to Moab, make sure to add Canyonlands to your Utah National Park itinerary!

What to Know Before Visiting the Overlooks

Canyonlands is a high desert environment, which means full sun exposure, dry conditions, and big temperature swings. Be prepared with:

• Water: At least 4 liters (1 gallon) per day, even if you’re not hiking much.
• Sunscreen: Sun exposure is intense year-round.
• Proper clothing: Summers are hot (80–100°F), winters cold (30–50°F). Layer up and wear UPF shirts for sun protection.
• Good shoes: Surfaces are sandy and rocky—use hiking shoes or sandals.

How Much Time Do You Need?

If you want to see all the overlooks and do a couple of short hikes in Island in the Sky, plan at least 8 hours.

The 6 Best Overlooks in Island in the Sky

1. Shafer Canyon Overlook

This overlook gives you an incredible view of the Shafer Trail backcountry road winding through the canyons. It’s easily one of the best spots for photos!

2. Green River Overlook

From here, you can see part of The Maze district across the Green River, plus Orange Cliffs and iconic buttes like Ekker and Elaterite.

3. Buck Canyon Overlook

Here, I was surrounded by pure desert landscape and panoramic views. In Buck Canyon Overlook, I felt an incredible sense of peace and it was just perfect! This is also one of the overlooks where you can appreciate the details of the landscape the most.

4. Orange Cliffs Overlook

One of the most unique overlooks, full of dramatic contrasts and massive rock formations that feel completely different from the others. The rocks and the cliffs are just magnificent!

5. Grand View Point Overlook

This overlook is a must and you really don’t want to miss it! The most popular overlook in Island in the Sky (and the most crowded), but absolutely worth it. From here, you can also hike a 2-mile out-and-back trail along the canyon edge for even more jaw-dropping views.

6. Candlestick Tower Overlook

This viewpoint lets you see the striking Candlestick Tower rising above the desert floor. You can enjoy it from your car, but it’s worth getting out for a closer look. It’s a very nice view of what appears to be a candlestick. Hence, the name Candlestick Tower.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Island in the Sky district in Canyonlands National Park is an epic outdoor adventure. Island in the Sky is one of the most photogenic districts in Utah’s Mighty Five national parks.

Part of the magic is its uncrowded overlooks, where you can truly take your time and soak in the beauty of the desert.

Which of these overlooks in Island in the Sky is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

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Yanitza Ninett

Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.