Hiking the Whale Rock Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
Located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, Whale Rock is one of the most prominent natural landmarks that can be seen from miles away.
That being said, Whale Rock is actually best seen in its truest shape of a whale from nearby hikes, like the Aztec Butte Trail, not the trail that climbs up Whale Rock.
In any case, the Whale Rock Trail is a great day hike for those who enjoy moderate scrambling, the ability to explore further than the trail itself, and a hike that doesn’t venture too far out from where it began. In fact, Whale Rock is one of the better kid-friendly day hikes in the Island in the Sky District, as the 0.4-mile (0.6 km) out-and-back trail makes for a great choice to hike with kids who aren’t accustomed to longer adventures.
Whale Rock Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Whale Rock Trailhead is located off the right-hand side of Upheaval Dome Road, about 4.0 miles (6.4 km) away from the turn off Island in the Sky Road.
That being said, the Whale Rock Trail tends to be one of the more popular day hikes in Canyonlands National Park, meaning that parking can be harder to come by during the peak morning and afternoon hours, which is especially true during the busy spring, summer, and fall travel season.
Google Maps Directions: Whale Rock 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 Whale Rock Trail
The Whale Rock Trail is one of the more straightforward hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
Essentially, what you see is what you get, as the prominent sandstone rock formation that you can see from the trailhead in the photo below is Whale Rock.
Initially, the Whale Rock Trail begins on a relatively flat trail before it begins to climb, gaining roughly 130 ft (39.6 m) of elevation from the base to the top.
This is the start of the climb up the Whale Rock Trail, which continues for the majority of the hike to the summit.
This is where the Whale Rock Trail begins to curve to the left, climbing up to the final portion of the ridge that leads to the summit of Whale Rock.
Whale Rock
According to the USGS, the summit of Whale Rock stands at 5,840 ft. (1,780 m), or about 130 ft. (39.6 m) above the surrounding landscape.
From the top, you can see other prominent landmarks, like Aztec Butte, the Upheaval Dome, and expansive 360º views of the Island in the Sky.
This is why Whale Rock can make for one of the best all-around sunrise and sunset hikes in Canyonlands National Park, being that the short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) trail can be hiked with relative ease.
That being said, come prepared with a quality headlamp, like the ones I’ve trusted and used below, if this is something that you’re considering.
