Island in the Sky is just that, an Island in the Sky. It sits on a 6000 ft. Mesa which towers between 1500-2000 ft. above the surrounding countryside. Grand View Point is an overlook with views of hundreds of square miles. It is possible to see approx. 100+ miles at viewpoints located throughout Island in the Sky. A few granaries are also scattered throughout this section.

The Schaeffer trail, an old Uranium mining trail, is also located here.

The Needles section is a beautiful area of sandstone formations, spires, arches, canyons, grabens, petroglyphs. and yes even a few ruins. Many of these are tucked away or hidden in the backcountry.

The Maze section is considered by some to be one of the most remote and inaccessible sections in the U.S. It is a "Maze of Canyons." Some have referred to it as a puzzle. The Harvest Scene pictograph is located in this section of the park. If one is looking for solitude this is a great area to go.

The Horseshoe Canyon Unit is not attached to the rest of the park, but is located west of the main park. The Great Galley, a large collection of pictographs are located here. These pictographs are in the Barrier Style, and some of these ancient paintings are 8 to 10 ft. (2-3 meters) tall.

Visitors Centers are located at the Island in the Sky and Needles sections.

Location: Canyonlands National Park is located in Southeastern Utah. The Park is divided into 4 sections. These sections are Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and the Horseshoe Canyon Unit. The Green River and the Colorado River separate the Needles, Maze and Island in the Sky sections. Moab, Green River, Monticello and Hanskville are the closest towns, with Moab being the jump off point to Island in the Sky.

Climate: Please note this is high desert and high elevation.