ModerateOut and Back
0.8 mi
Distance
141 ft
Elev. Gain
23m
Est. Time
Out & Back
Route Type
Moderate
Difficulty
About This Trail
This moderate trail climbs the bare slickrock side of a sandstone dome, ending with broad views over the Island in the Sky. Whale Rock is part of the large outer ring of uplifted sandstone surrounding nearby Upheaval Dome. NPS lists it at 0.8 mi round trip with 141 ft of elevation change; footwear with good grip is advised near steep drop-offs.
Trail Conditions
Trail Conditions
Open
Updated Today
No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.
Hazards & Warnings
no waterno shadeexposuresteep dropoffs
Trail Details
- No dogs
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Surface
- Rock
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
bare slickrock dome ascentbroad Island in the Sky viewskid-friendly rock scramblingpart of the Upheaval Dome outer ring
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
3.5 mi away · UT
- Reservable
Candlestick: Backcountry Campsites
4.6 mi away · UT
- Reservable
Hardscrabble Bottom: Backcountry Campsites
5.3 mi away · UT
- Reservable
Labyrinth: Backcountry Campsites
5.5 mi away · UT
Murphy Point Overlook: At-Large Backpacking Zone
6 mi away · UT
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