Natural Attraction

Upheaval Dome

Natural Attraction
Layers of green, red, beige and orange rock are visible within a crater.

A circular dome of tilted rock rises abruptly from Canyonlands' layered landscape, its strata deformed as if wrenched by violent force from below. Geologists debate the cause: a salt bubble rising for millions of years or a meteorite impact approximately 60 million years ago. The one-mile roundtrip trail climbs 100 feet to the overlook, where the deformed anticline and surrounding syncline become starkly visible. Recent research supports the meteorite hypothesis, offering a rare window into deep-crust structures normally hidden underground.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
38.424868807,-109.927088882
Accessibility
The one-mile trail to the first overlook is a maintained dirt path with moderate grade. Trail surface is rocky and uneven. Elevation gain is 100 feet over the route. Not accessible to wheelchairs or people with severe mobility limitations.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Overlook and Trail, Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground.
Nearby Facilities
Picnic tables at trailhead. No water or food available at the site. Nearest supplies and services in Moab.
Best Time To Visit
Early morning (6am-8am) to avoid afternoon heat and lightning. Late afternoon (4pm-6pm) for angled light on tilted strata. Avoid midday July-September due to intense heat and thunderstorm risk.
Tips Advice
  • Observe how steeply the strata are tilted compared to surrounding layers—this deformation is key evidence of the impact or salt dome hypothesis.
  • The overlook rim outlines the uplifted dome; look for the surrounding depression (syncline) that rings it.
  • Bring water; no sources at the trailhead.
  • Descend before dark; the rocky trail is tricky in poor light.
  • If lightning threatens, return immediately—this overlook attracts strikes during summer storms.
Insider Tips
  • The rock color shifts dramatically with light angle—reds and purples are most vivid in early morning and late afternoon.
  • Binoculars reveal fracture patterns and striations in distant rock faces.
  • The overlook reveals a void in the rock structure—the absence of rock where salt or impact material was removed is part of the story.
  • Imagine the rock layers as they were originally: flat and horizontal. Now see them tilted sharply. That deformation tells the whole story.

More details

Park Area
Island in the Sky
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for school-age children (8+) with hiking experience. Rocky terrain and 100-foot gain challenge younger kids. No railings at overlook—maintain close supervision. Not recommended for children under 6.
Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Accessibility Level
One-mile hike with 100-foot elevation gain; rocky terrain; no drive-up viewing available.
How To Get There
Access via paved road in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands (open year-round). Trailhead parking is available. The trail to the first overlook is one mile roundtrip, gaining 100 feet of elevation.
Parking Availability
Small pullout lot at trailhead. Typically has capacity but fills mid-morning to mid-afternoon during peak season (April-October).
Entry Fees
$30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle; $25 — Entrance - Motorcycle; $15 — Entrance - Per Person (Youth 15 and under free). America the Beautiful annual pass: $80.
Main Features
Circular anticline with steeply tilted strata; surrounding syncline (downwarp); deformed rock layers visible in cross-section; geological mystery with competing salt-dome and impact-crater origin hypotheses.
Unique Characteristics
Geologic mystery with competing hypotheses: possible meteorite impact crater (supported by recent research) or deeply eroded salt dome. If the salt-dome hypothesis is correct, Upheaval Dome would represent the most deeply eroded salt structure on Earth.
Safety Considerations
The overlook sits above steep rock faces with significant vertical exposure. Stay behind marked areas and do not approach the rim edge. Keep children close—there are no railings. Do not venture off-trail. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June-September; descend immediately if lightning threatens. The site is exposed; do not stray from marked paths.
Photo Opportunities
Early morning light (6am-8am) warms red and tan strata with golden tones. Late afternoon (4pm-6pm) casts long shadows that exaggerate the tilted layers and circular dome structure. Wide-angle lens best captures the dome's shape from the overlook.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault/Composting toilet at trailhead.
Picnic Areas
1
Interpretive Signs
0
Cell Service
Unreliable or absent at the trailhead and overlook.
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Upheaval Dome Overlooks Trail
Connecting Trails
Upheaval Dome Overlooks Trail (connects to additional overlooks).
Nearby Services
Nearest supplies and accommodations in Moab.
Common Wildlife
Desert wildlife including mule deer, ravens, and lizards. Maintain 25-yard distance from wildlife.
Geological Formation Type
Anticline
Scientific Interest
Visible cross-section of deep crustal rocks normally buried thousands of feet underground. Anticline and syncline structures are clearly visible. An ideal site for studying either impact mechanics or salt-dome formation. Recent research increasingly supports the meteorite impact hypothesis.
Best Season
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer moderate temperatures and stable weather. Summer daytime heat is intense (100°F+), and afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. Winter is typically passable on paved roads but snow is possible.
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms common May-September; descend by early afternoon if clouds develop. Summer heat reaches 100°F+. Winter snow is possible but rarely closes the paved road. Spring and fall offer mild, stable conditions.
Peak Fill Times
9am-3pm, especially April-October.
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this just a drive-by overlook, or is there a real hike?

There's a one-mile roundtrip trail with 100 feet of elevation gain over rocky terrain. Most visitors complete the hike in 30-45 minutes.

Will I actually see the meteor impact?

The impact site is thousands of feet underground and not visible. You see the geologic aftermath: the dome of uplifted rock and tilted strata deformed by the impact, now exposed by erosion.

Is Upheaval Dome worth visiting, or should I skip it?

The geological formations here are unique in Canyonlands—the circular dome and deformed strata are visually striking. If you're in Island in the Sky, it merits a detour. Pair it with Mesa Arch or Grand View Point for a full morning.

Can we bring young children?

Kids ages 8+ typically complete the hike. Younger children struggle with rocky terrain and the 100-foot elevation gain. The overlook has no railings, so close supervision is essential.

Is the overlook dangerous? Are there drop-offs?

Yes, the overlook sits above steep rock faces. Stay behind marked areas, keep children close, and do not venture off-trail or approach the rim edge.

When should we visit to avoid crowds and bad weather?

Early morning (before 8 am) and late afternoon (after 3 pm) are quieter. Spring and fall are ideal seasons. Avoid summer midday due to intense heat and afternoon thunderstorms common July-September.

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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.