Upheaval Dome is a hike found in Canyonlands National Park, and it’s one of the most unique geological mysteries in the park. There is much debate as to what created this impressive formation. One thing, that’s not up for debate is that only a 0.6 mile roundtrip hike will give you a first person glimpse of this mystery. This trip report will cover the hikes to the two overlooks of Upheaval Dome
Upheaval Dome Hike Details
Distance – 1.6 miles roundtrip to both overlooks
Distance – 8.3 miles roundtrip to do the Syncline Loop Trail
Approximate hiking time – 1 to 2 hours for both overlooks
Elevation at Trailhead – 5705 feet
Elevation at 1st overlook – 5777 feet
Elevation at 2nd overlook – 5616 feet
Difficulty – Moderate – lots of elevation gains and losses especially to the 2nd overlook
Trail – sand, rock, sandstone/slickrock
Amount of water recommended – 2 liters, especially in the summer
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Season to hike – Year around
Permits – Park Pass purchased at Entrance station for $10 per vehicle. Valid for 7 days.
Pets: Not permitted
How to get there:
Take Interstate 70 to Exit 182 Crescent Jct/Moab onto US Hwy 191. Head south on US Hwy 191 for 20.4 miles. Turn right (West) onto UT Hwy 313. If coming from south from Moab, from downtown Moab take US Hwy 191 north for 11.0 miles and then turn left (East) onto UT Hwy 313. There are signs for Canyonlands National Park in both directions along US Hwy 191.
Follow UT 313 for 14.5 miles. UT 313 will then turn left and go to Dead Horse Point State Park. You will continue straight on the same road, which is now called Island in the Sky Road. Continue straight on this road for 13.1 miles, during which you’ll come to the Park Entrance booth. The fee is $10 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. At the booth you’ll receive a map of the park. You can use that to get to the Upheaval Dome trailhead. On your way to Upheaval Dome, you’ll pass the Visitors Center. As you continue down Island in the Sky Road you’ll pass several overlooks and other hikes. You’ll follow the signs and turn right down Upheaval Dome Road and follow it to the end of the road, which is about 4.8 miles.
Hitting the Trail!
The mystery surrounding how Upheaval Dome was formed is fascinating. Hikers have a couple of options at Upheaval Dome. There are two overlooks, one is 0.6 miles roundtrip and the other is 1.6 miles roundtrip. Both share the same trail for the first 0.3 miles. At this point you will have arrived at the first overlook.
Hikers also have the option to hike the around all of the rim of Upheaval Dome, although you won’t have views of Upheaval Dome from the trail. That hike is more strenuous and is about 8 miles roundtrip.
How was Upheaval Dome formed?
That is the big mystery. There are many opinions as to how Upheaval Dome was formed, but experts can’t agree on one. Scientists and geologists can’t agree what caused/created Upheaval Dome. There are two main theories.
Impact Crater
Some say it was a meteorite strike, but the uplift of rocks in the middle doesn’t seem to be consistent with the impact crater of a meteorite. Some geologists think that around 200 million years ago a meteorite struck here, and after the impact there was a violent uplift of rock below to fill the void of the above rock that was destroyed by the impact. Soil samples do not show any evidence of debris, which some geologists say has been washed away by erosion.
Salt Dome Theory
Millions of years ago, much of southern Utah was an inland sea. Over time, the sea evaporated, but left thick layers of salt behind, in some places several hundred feet thick. This salt layer remains today in some parts. Salt is not your typical solid. Due to its composition, salt can flow over and around rocks. Since it is not as dense as sandstone, it was eventually pushed to the surface creating a salt dome, which can deform the surrounding sandstone.
This is found at the first overlook at Upheaval Dome. Click on the picture to zoom
Upheaval Dome Today
We may never definitively discover what caused Upheaval Dome. I know that I’m certainly not smart enough to figure it out. However, this I do know. Upheaval Dome is an unique and fascinating rock formation, which should definitely be on your list of things to see when visiting Canyonlands National Park. Let’s hit the trail!
On the trail!
Temperatures here can regularly rise to over 100 degrees during the summer months, so we recommend that you do the majority of your hiking early in the morning to avoid the heat. There is no shade on this trail, so come prepared with a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, and at least a quart of water if you’re just hiking to the overlooks.
The trailhead for Upheaval Dome starts at in a picnic area at the end of Upheaval Dome Road. There are not a lot of parking spaces, so you may need to park on the shoulder of the road and walk a couple hundred feet to reach the trailhead. There is a sign and picture of Upheaval Dome, and that is where you start. It is the only trailhead.
This picture is posted at the trailhead and gives a great overhead perspective of Upheaval Dome
Shortly after starting the hike to the overlooks the Syncline Loop Trail will intersect the Overlook trail.
Just after starting on the trail, you’ll insect the Syncline Loop Trail. This is a 8.3 mile loop that takes you around the entire Upheaval Dome, but you’ll will have no views of Upheaval Dome from the trail. The trail is also hard to follow in several parts. While the Syncline Loop Trail is a nice hike, most hikers shouldn’t take the time to do this hike, but instead hike to the two lookout points instead. It is a shorter hike, and rewards you with great views of Upheaval Dome.
You’ll continue straight through the Syncline Loop Trail junction. The trail is well marked and will begin to climb. Rock steps have been constructed to aid the climb on the trail. It is not a difficult or dangerous trail. There are no dropoffs until you reach the overlooks and there are clearly marked signs telling hikers to stay back once get to the first overlook. It’s only 0.3 miles to the first overlook, and most people make this their destination. You’ll have great views of Upheaval Dome.
The trail to the overlooks is well-marked with rock cairns and rock borders
When we do this hike, we prefer to continue past the first overlook and head for the second overlook and then hit the first one on the way back. While you may see a dozen or more people at the first overlook, you’ll make only see one or two people on your way to the second viewpoint.
View into Upheaval Dome from the 2nd overlook
The second overlook is only 0.5 miles farther than the first overlook. You’ll be gaining and losing elevation several times, as you go up and down sandstone hills, so it will seem longer than that. This section of the trail traverses sandstone, so the trail is marked with rock cairns to lead the way. When you reach the second lookout, it has a steel railing that provides hikers with a little more comfort and safety. Do not climb over the railings, as a fall here would lead to serious injury. Great photos are to be had from either overlook. It’s difficult to understand the immensity of Upheaval Dome until you see it!
View of Upheaval Dome from the 1st overlook
If you don’t have a lot of time, stick with visiting the first viewpoint only. Both view points offer only slightly different views. I would recommend saving your energy and your time for other hikes in the park, like to Aztec Butte, Mesa Arch, and others.
Dead Horse Point State Park is also a must see spot and is only a couple of miles outside of Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse Point has some of the best vistas in Utah. Make sure to go there in conjunction with your visit to Canyonlands National Park!
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Here are some hiking shoes we recommend for adults:
