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Whale Rock Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.0 (24)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Canyonlands National Park
  5. Island in the Sky
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“This short, easy trail surmounts the "whale" rock formation for a great view of Upheaval Dome below ”

Megan W
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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.9

KM

Out and Back

5,793' 1,766 m

High

5,715' 1,742 m

Low

78' 24 m

Up

77' 24 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly A short jaunt with awesome stone features and beautiful views.

Overview

This family friendly trail is a mellow introduction to desert travel. Kids will like the idea of crawling around on a giant whale and may even enjoy making up stories about cetacean life.

Description

From the northwest corner of the small parking lot, hike over flat sandy ground. There is no shade on the gravel trail, so be prepared for desert travel. Stay on the path between shrubs taking care not to step on the fragile cryptobiotic crust.

In the distance you'll see a large rock formation stretched out lengthwise, like a beached whale (head to the left, tail to the right). Because the sides of the whale are too steep to climb, the trail goes up the tail, along the whale's back and ends at the head. Follow the cemented rock pile cairns and handrails to find the best path. From your perch atop the whale, enjoy views west towards the Upheaval Dome and views south into gaping canyons. Retrace your steps back to the parking area.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Canyonlands

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 24 votes

#3

in Island in the Sky

#1040

Overall
  4.0 from 24 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Island in the Sky

#76

in Utah

#1,040

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,289 Since May 16, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
5%
5%
81%
5%
5%
0%
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Photos

From the whale
Oct 23, 2021 near Moab, UT
Enjoy a stunning desert view from the Whale Rock Trail.
May 14, 2017 near Moab, UT
Desert cactus in bloom
May 19, 2015 near Moab, UT

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 42 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 23, 2023
Jan Laurens
Jun 6, 2022
Jeffrey Bergeson
10h 52m
May 20, 2022
Maura McLay
May 13, 2022
alex carlton
Has some cool Mountain View's on an awkward shaped rock — 4h 00m
Nov 3, 2021
Tom Herr
Fun hike up a big rounded sandstone. Explored up top to see all the way round. Must do! 0.8mi
Jul 3, 2021
Elisa Schmitz
0.8mi
Jun 8, 2021
Ashleigh Shunk
May 2, 2021
Breck Tuttle

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