Natural Attraction

Orange Cliffs Overlook

Natural Attraction
Three people sit along the edge of the overlook, sweeping canyons and clouds build in the distance

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
38.313497661,-109.85837807

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Grand View Point Overlook and Trail, Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Colorado River Overlook, Upheaval Dome, Canyonlands' Cave Spring Trail
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.
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.
Tips Advice
  • 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

More details

Park Area
Island in the Sky
Family Friendly Notes
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.
Attraction Type
Overlook
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view from paved parking area; unpaved rocky terrain near rim for those comfortable with uneven ground
How To Get There
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.
Parking Availability
Paved parking area. When Grand View Point parking area is full, this overlook makes a good alternative.
Road Type
Paved main scenic road to parking area; unpaved, rocky, uneven terrain near rim viewpoints
Entry Fees
$30 (Private Vehicle), $25 (Motorcycle), $15 (Per Person), $80 (America the Beautiful annual pass)
Main 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
What Youll 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.
Unique Characteristics
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.
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.
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 Quality
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.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
0
Picnic Areas
0
Interpretive Signs
1
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Nearby Services
Moab is the nearest town with restaurants, gas stations, and lodging (approximately 30 miles southwest).
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.
Geological 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.
Best Visit Times
Morning hours (6am-10am) to avoid afternoon crowds that shift from Grand View Point
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.
Weather Patterns
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.
Fishing Nearby
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Green River Overlook

Green River Overlook: a mesa view of the Green–Colorado confluence over White Rim Sandstone.

Buck Canyon Overlook

Westward vistas across Colorado River canyon from a paved overlook at 6,240 feet. Wheelchair accessible.

Candlestick Tower Overlook

Tower formations resembling candlesticks, paved overlook with views. Limited parking—arrive by 9am on peak days.

Colorado River Overlook

Colorado River canyon with layered rock walls below. Unprotected overlook in The Needles; rough 7-mile 4WD required.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.