Hiking the Upheaval Dome Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km
The Upheaval Dome may be the most unique natural geologic formation in all of Canyonlands National Park.
This otherworldly natural depression is actually the center of a debated formation story among geologists, which you can read more about in the section below.
That being said, there are two ways to see the Upheaval Dome: the Upheaval Dome Trail and the Syncline Loop Trail, the latter being much more difficult than the Upheaval Dome Trail.
For this reason, the Upheaval Dome Trail is the more popular choice, and it’s a personal favorite of mine because it allows you to truly appreciate the massive size of the mysterious crater from the top of the crater rim.
How Did the Upheaval Dome Form?
This is the big debate, and there are two leading theories:
Meteorite Impact Crater:
A massive meteorite smashed into the Earth’s surface, causing a violent explosion and leaving this crater-like formation. The impact turned rock layers inside out, explaining the unusual geology.
Salt Dome:
A layer of salt deep underground was pushed upwards due to the pressure of the overlying rock. As the salt rose, it fractured and deformed the surrounding rock layers, creating a dome-like structure.
Upheaval Dome Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Upheaval Dome Trailhead is located at the very end of Upheaval Dome Road.
This small parking area is also the parking lot for the Syncline Loop Trail and Upheaval Dome Picnic Area, meaning that parking here is typically one of the more challenging places within the park, especially during the busy summer travel season.
Google Maps Directions: Upheaval Dome Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Canyonlands
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Canyonlands National Park.
Hiking the Upheaval Dome Trail
The Upheaval Dome Trail begins at the joint trailhead for both this and the Syncline Loop Trail, which circles the crater.
Syncline Loop Junction
Within just a short walk of the trailhead, the Upheaval Dome Trail crosses over the Syncline Loop Trail: an 8.1-mile (13.0 km) trail with an optional 1.2-mile (1.9 km) out-and-back spur trail to explore the inside of the crater.
That being said, go straight to continue up the Upheaval Dome Trail.
Then, after just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Upheaval Dome Trail begins climbing, which continues for most of the hike to the first overlook.
First Upheaval Dome Overlook Junction
As the trail nears the crater rim, it splits, with the first overlook located shortly ahead, and the trail to the left that continues further to the second overlook.
First Upheaval Dome Overlook
In my opinion, the First Upheaval Dome Overlook is beautiful, but it’s not nearly as beautiful as the second, located about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away.
First Upheaval Dome Overlook Junction
Once back on the main trail, go right to hike further along the crater rim to the second overlook.
This is where the Upheaval Dome Trail begins its short descent before climbing up the final rock formation to the second overlook.
After about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the first overlook, the Upheaval Dome Trail makes this hard right turn.
Once at the bottom the short descent, you can see the final rock formation off in the distance, which is the summit of the second overlook.
At the top of hill, go right to hike the final section to the second overlook.
Second Upheaval Dome Overlook
The Second Upheaval Dome Overlook is the better of the two, but that is truly just one person’s opinion.
In any case, the flat sandstone area atop the second overlook is a beautiful place to hang out, eat some food, and enjoy one of Canyonlands’ most unique viewpoints!
