Murphy Point Trail
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Murphy Point Trail
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The Murphy Point Trail is a short, out-and-back hike to an incredible overlook. This trail is family-friendly with little elevation gain. From the overlook at Murphy Point, you will be able to gaze across the desert landscape all the way to Junction Butte and beyond.
Getting there
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, follow Grand View Point Road for 8.6mi to the Murphy Trailhead on the west side of the road.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | Year-round |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Murphy Point Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Murphy Point Trail Description
The Murphy Point Trail is a short hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. This hike has no shade and it gets hot out there so wear sunscreen, long light layers, and a good sunhat. This hike may be short but bring lots of water along for yourself and everyone in your hiking party. You might even want to bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy with the family at the viewpoint. This hike is way less busy than other popular overlooks such as the Mesa Arch or the Grand View Point, so it’s a great place to go with loved ones to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Utah desert.
The views from the Murphy Point Overlook are absolutely stunning. From the viewpoint, you will be able to see the deep canyons carved by the Green River, the White Rim Front, Junction Butte and more! Don’t forget the camera on this hike, these vistas are some of the best in Canyonlands. For an especially spectacular view (and some reprieve from the desert heat) try this hike at sunrise or sunset.
From the trailhead, follow the path southwest for 0.5mi to a divide. Take a right at this fork and continue southwest for another 1.3mi to Murphy Point.
Take a long rest at the overlook and soak in the expansive views of the Utah desert before turning around and following the trail back to the Trailhead.
Insider Hints
For an especially spectacular view at the overlook, try this hike at sunrise or sunset.
If you’re looking for more to do in the area, check out the Murphy Loop, Murphy Wash, and Murphy Hogback trails.
This hike is a great alternative to the popular, and often crowded Mesa Arch overlook.
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