Whale Rock Trail
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Whale Rock Trail
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The Whale Rock Trail is a fantastic little hike with incredible views. The hike up this sloping sandstone structure is so much fun for adventurous kids to climb on, play around, and conquer. The views from the top are absolutely stunning—the top of Whale Rock gives you a 360-degree look at the desert landscape of Canyonlands National Park.
Getting there
From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, head down Grand View Road for 6.4mi then take a right onto Upheaval Dome Road. Follow Upheaval Dome Road for 4.0mi to the Whale Rock Trailhead.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | year-round |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Whale Rock Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Whale Rock Trail Description
The Whale Rock Trail is a short hike up a sloping fin of sandstone shaped like a big beached whale. Leave the flip-flops at home for this one—this hike has a good incline and grippy shoes are definitely an asset for both the ascent and the descent.
The views from the top of the Whale are absolutely breathtaking. With a 360-degree panoramic view of Canyonlands National Park, you and the fam will be able to play I-Spy to your heart’s content. For an especially spectacular experience, give this hike a try at sunrise or sunset; although, no matter when you go, we promise that you’ll have a whale of time!
From the trailhead, follow the cairn-marked path for 0.4mi up to the top of the whale.
Soak in the incredible views before turning around and following the same path back to the trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Whale Rock?
Whale Rock is 150ft tall.
Insider Hints
Wear grippy shoes on this hike to help on the ascent and descent
This hike is a lot of fun for kids (and grown-ups)
For other cool hikes in the area, check out Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail
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