Orange Cliffs Overlook

Q: Can I access this overlook with a wheelchair or mobility device?

The paved parking area and immediate overlook are accessible from vehicles. The uneven, rocky terrain closer to the rim is not wheelchair-accessible.

Q: How long should I spend here?

Most visitors spend 20-30 minutes viewing from the parking area. Add another 20-30 minutes if exploring the rocky terrain closer to the rim.

Q: Is there water or restrooms available?

No. The overlook is a parking area only with no facilities. Bring water and use restrooms at Island in the Sky Visitor Center or Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground before arriving.

Q: Why are these cliffs called Orange Cliffs?

The orange-red color comes from iron oxide (rust) in the Cutler Formation sandstone. The cross-bedded structure and varied mineral composition create the distinctive orange, red, and rust-colored banding visible across the canyon.

Q: Are there any trails starting from this overlook?

This is an overlook-only location with no formal trails beginning here. Nearby trails include Mesa Arch Trail, Whale Rock Trail, and White Rim Overlook Trail in the Island in the Sky district.

Type

Overlook

Accessibility

Drive-up view from paved parking area; unpaved rocky terrain near rim for those comfortable with uneven ground

Best Season

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) offer cooler temperatures, clearer air, and better light on the canyon. Canyonlands is open year-round and accessible in all seasons.

Features

Panoramic Green River canyon views, orange-red Cutler Formation sandstone cliffs (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area unit), cross-bedded and ripple-marked strata, views of The Maze district to the south

Overview

About This Attraction

From Island in the Sky, your gaze sweeps across the Green River canyon toward the dazzling orange-red cliffs of Glen Canyon's Orange Cliffs unit—a tilted stack of Cutler Formation sandstones in countless bands of rust, orange, and deep red. The river has sculpted these formations by relentlessly cutting through rock layers that record 300 million years of ancient shorelines and dune fields, exposing their cross-bedded and ripple-marked faces. To the south, The Maze district fades into the distance, creating a landscape that extends far beyond the park boundary. When Grand View Point fills with visitors, this overlook offers the same panoramic clarity with fewer crowds.

Quick Facts

Type

Overlook

Access

Drive-up view from paved parking area; unpaved rocky terrain near rim for those comfortable with uneven ground

Main Features

What You'll See

Panoramic views of the Green River cutting through the landscape below. Distinctive orange-red and rust-colored Cutler Formation sandstone cliffs rising across the canyon. Clearly visible cross-bedded and ripple-marked strata in multiple colored bands. The Maze district visible to the south.

What Makes It Special

Strategic alternative to heavily-visited Grand View Point while offering the same panoramic Green River canyon views. Located at the north end of Island in the Sky district. Provides unique sightline to The Maze district to the south.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (sunrise to 9am) for best illumination of the Orange Cliffs' cross-bedded strata and fewer crowds. Avoid midday harsh sun and afternoon glare.

Safety Considerations

Significant cliff-edge drop to the Green River canyon. Uneven, rocky terrain near the rim presents tripping hazards and is unstable underfoot. Keep a safe distance from the cliff edge. Supervise children carefully. Exposed location with wind and afternoon thunderstorm risk in summer.

Visitor Tips

Arrive early morning to capture the best light on the Orange Cliffs' cross-bedded strata and avoid afternoon crowds
Bring plenty of water and sun protection; there is no shade at the overlook
The uneven, rocky terrain near the rim is unstable—watch your footing and keep children close
Look across the Green River for The Maze district visible to the south
Use wide-angle compositions to capture the panoramic canyon sweep; zoom in on the layered cliff faces for detail shots
This overlook is less busy than Grand View Point, especially mid-morning through early afternoon

Details

Location & Features

Type: Overlook

GPS: 38.313497661,-109.85837807

What Makes It Unique:

Geology

Formation Type: Fluvial-carved cliff in Cutler Formation sandstone

Scientific Interest:

Visible Cutler Formation sandstone with prominent cross-bedding and ripple marks recording 300-million-year-old ancient dune fields and shallow marine environments. Example of differential erosion by the Green River creating prominent vertical cliff faces along active fluvial valleys. Tilted strata showing tectonic uplift history.

Getting There

Directions:

Follow the main scenic road through Island in the Sky toward Grand View Point. Orange Cliffs Overlook is located near the end of the main park road. The overlook has a paved parking area with access to unpaved rocky viewpoints closer to the canyon rim.

Access Type: Drive-up view from paved parking area; unpaved rocky terrain near rim for those comfortable with uneven ground

Road: Paved main scenic road to parking area; unpaved, rocky, uneven terrain near rim viewpoints

Parking: Paved parking area. When Grand View Point parking area is full, this overlook makes a good alternative.

Entry Fees: $30 (Private Vehicle), $25 (Motorcycle), $15 (Per Person), $80 (America the Beautiful annual pass)

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

From the paved parking area for panoramic views; uneven rocky terrain closer to the canyon rim for closer perspectives of the cliff faces and more intimate Green River views

Photo Opportunities:

Early morning backlighting reveals the cross-bedded strata in sharp relief against the canyon. Wide-angle compositions capture the panoramic sweep across the Green River canyon. Zoom in on the layered cliff faces to isolate the color banding and geological structure. Golden hour light accentuates the orange and rust tones in the cliffs.

Sunrise/Sunset: Good for sunrise viewing when early light illuminates the Orange Cliffs. Early morning light reveals the cross-bedded structure of the sandstone. Afternoon light creates strong contrast but can cause glare. Sunset light is backlit and less dramatic for this east-facing overlook.

Facilities

Interpretive Signs

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Bighorn sheep may be spotted on the canyon cliffs (view from safe distance of 25 yards). Ravens and other canyon birds. Mountain lions and coyotes are present but rarely seen.

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) offer cooler temperatures, clearer air, and better light on the canyon. Canyonlands is open year-round and accessible in all seasons.

Best Times: Morning hours (6am-10am) to avoid afternoon crowds that shift from Grand View Point

Weather:

Clear skies typical in spring and fall. Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Wind exposure is significant on the open overlook. Winter brings occasional snow and ice, making rocky terrain near rim more hazardous.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Grand View Point Overlook and Trail, Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Colorado River Overlook, Upheaval Dome, Canyonlands' Cave Spring Trail

Nearby Services:

Moab is the nearest town with restaurants, gas stations, and lodging (approximately 30 miles southwest).

Visitor Information

Family Friendly:

The paved parking area is suitable for families with young children and those with mobility concerns. Views are accessible from vehicles or near the parking area. The unpaved, rocky, uneven terrain closer to the rim is challenging for young children and those with mobility limitations. Supervise children carefully near the cliff edge, and consider the terrain difficulty before attempting the rocky viewpoints.

Nearby Facilities:

Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground is the nearest campground. Island in the Sky Visitor Center has restrooms and ranger services. No water, restrooms, or shade at the overlook itself.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting if I've already seen Grand View Point?

Yes. Both overlooks offer panoramic Green River canyon views, but Orange Cliffs is less crowded and provides a unique perspective of The Maze district to the south. It's an excellent quieter alternative when Grand View Point reaches capacity.

Can I access this overlook with a wheelchair or mobility device?

How long should I spend here?

Is there water or restrooms available?

Why are these cliffs called Orange Cliffs?

Are there any trails starting from this overlook?