ExpertLoop
8.1 mi
Distance
1,516 ft
Elev. Gain
4h
Est. Time
Loop
Route Type
Expert
Difficulty
About This Trail
The Syncline Loop circles Upheaval Dome through the surrounding canyons but does not offer views of the dome itself. It requires navigating steep switchbacks, climbing and scrambling through boulder fields, and route-finding where cairns are few and far apart, with a total elevation change of about 1,516 ft. NPS calls this the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district, and most park rescues occur here; it is not recommended during peak summer heat.
Trail Conditions
Trail Conditions
Open
Updated Yesterday
No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.
Hazards & Warnings
no waterexposuresteep dropoffsflash flood
Trail Details
- No dogs
- Route Type
- Loop
- Surface
- Mixed Surface
Official sources & verification
Managed by National Park Service
Source of truth
- Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
- National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.
Verify by phone or mail
- Operator:435-719-2313
- Address:Island in the Sky - 33 miles from Moab on UT 313, The Needles - 49 miles from Monticello on UT 211, The Maze - 68 miles from Hanksville off UT 24 - unpaved roads · Moab, UT · 84532
Best Seasons
Highlights
full circumnavigation of Upheaval Domedeep, remote canyon sceneryboulder-field scrambling and switchbackssome shade on the sandy ascentpremier strenuous day-hike/backpack in the district
Reviews
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Imported route
Hunt context
This trail crosses hunting units
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Utah hunting page
In this park
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Stay nearby
Campgrounds near this trail
- Reservable
Taylor: Backcountry Campsites
3.4 mi away · UT
Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
3.6 mi away · UT
- Reservable
Candlestick: Backcountry Campsites
4.2 mi away · UT
- Reservable
Hardscrabble Bottom: Backcountry Campsites
4.9 mi away · UT
- Reservable
Labyrinth: Backcountry Campsites
5.2 mi away · UT
Murphy Point Overlook: At-Large Backpacking Zone
6.1 mi away · UT
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