Murphy Loop Trail

Q: Do I really need 2L of water? Can I refill on the trail?

Yes, you need 2L minimum (ideally more). There is NO water on this trail—no creeks, no springs, no refill opportunity. You must carry everything. Running out of water at mile 6 in full sun is a medical emergency.

Q: Am I fit enough for this? What if I get tired halfway?

If you can hike 8+ miles with 1,000+ ft gain and maintain steady pace for 3 hours without stopping, you're in the ballpark. If not, skip. There's no bail-out point (no shuttle, no road), so you must finish the loop. Turning back at mile 5 means hiking another 5.8 miles—not easier.

Q: Is it safe to hike solo?

Not ideal, but hikers do it. Risks: if you twist an ankle at mile 7, rescue is hours away. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger (Garmin inReach) if traveling alone. Tell someone your expected return time.

Q: What about the junction confusion—will I get lost?

The Murphy Point Overlook split is confusing. Carry a map and/or download offline maps (Gaia, OnX). Pay attention at mile 0.5 on the way out—scout which direction is the switchbacks. On return, you'll know not to turn.

Q: What if I encounter snow in winter?

Bring microspikes or crampons (small cleats that strap to your boots). The stone steps and rocky sections are slippery when iced. Winter visibility is also poor—start early and turn back by 3 PM if clouds roll in.

Q: Is there cell service to call for help?

Assume no cell service on the trail. Island in the Sky is remote. If you need to call for help, you may not be able to. Carry a satellite communicator or PLB if safety is a concern.

Distance

10.8 mi

Elevation Gain

1,448 ft

Est. Time

5–7 hours

Route Type

Loop

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring and Fall (March–May, September–November)

Overview

About This Trail

Murphy Loop is a full-day strenuous hike demanding fitness, water discipline, and preparation. The 10.8-mile loop climbs 1,448 feet through switchbacks, then descends onto the White Rim Road—a technical rocky section with dramatic geologic exposure. Expect 5–7 hours of constant effort under sun and wind. The payoff: unobstructed views from the Murphy Hogback and a rare glimpse into the Colorado Plateau's exposed stone layers—but only if you can handle the grind and manage dehydration.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

Trail Highlights

Outstanding views from atop the Murphy Hogback and White Rim Road. The loop reveals dramatic geologic layers and Colorado Plateau vistas.

Insider Tips

• Hike counter-clockwise as described—it sequences terrain better than clockwise • The false-summit mind game: when switchbacks end, don't celebrate—the real work is descending via the White Rim Road wash • Start before 6 AM to finish with daylight margin; the descent is hazardous in low light • Scout the junction with Murphy Point Overlook on your way to the switchbacks (mile 0.5)—you'll know where NOT to turn on return • The stone steps section is slick even when dry; use poles and steady foot placement • Eat and drink at the Murphy Hogback viewpoint (mile ~5)—it's the turnaround moment for energy reset

Best Season to Hike

Spring and Fall (March–May, September–November)

Hiking Tips

Carry minimum 2L water per person; drink 1L per hour during exertion
Tighten your boots—stone steps and rocky sections demand ankle support
Bring a map and headlamp; pay close attention at the Murphy Point Overlook junction
Trekking poles reduce knee load on the descent
Sunscreen, hat, and layers—desert sun is relentless, but altitude chill hits at dawn/dusk
Eat before you're hungry; energy crashes are dangerous at altitude
Turn back if you're running behind pace by mile 3—no summit rush is worth a rescue call

Family Info

Not recommended for families with young children or inexperienced hikers. The strenuous difficulty (1,448 ft gain over 10.8 miles), 5–7 hour commitment, full-sun exposure, and water discipline requirements demand adult fitness and judgment. Teenagers with strong hiking experience may attempt with caution.

What Hikers Say

Experienced hikers praise the Hogback views and geologic exposure, but widely note the dehydration risk and relentless sun as the true challenge. Most report taking the full 5–7 hours and emphasize careful water planning as non-negotiable.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 10.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,448 ft

Duration: 5–7 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Rocky, uneven terrain with stone steps, switchbacks, and unpaved road sections.

Getting There

Trailhead: Island in the Sky trailhead (shared with Murphy Point Overlook Trail). Located at 38.355°N, 109.864°W on the Island in the Sky plateau.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required for day hiking.

Fees: $30 (Private Vehicle) – Canyonlands entrance fee valid 7 days. $25 (Motorcycle), $15 (Per Person). Youth 15 and under admitted free. Fee as of 2026-07-02.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle required or available.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Dogs are not permitted. Service animals allowed per NPS policy.

Trail Markers: Main trail is well-worn and generally clear. Junctions are marked, but pay close attention at the Murphy Point Overlook split—hikers report confusion there. A map is essential.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Dry trail. Carry all water: minimum 1L per person per hour of hiking. No natural water sources on trail; do not count on finding water.

Shade: Full sun exposure. No shade on most of the loop; the White Rim Road section and mesa top are completely exposed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Cell Service: Unreliable to none. Assume no signal and carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator if traveling solo.

Hazards:

Terrain is rough and uneven with stone steps and exposed rocky sections. Switchbacks demand sustained leg strength. The White Rim Road section has exposure and drop-offs. High-altitude desert sun (full exposure, zero shade) combined with a waterless trail creates acute dehydration and heat-illness risk. Winter brings snow and icy conditions; traction devices required. The junction with Murphy Point Overlook Trail requires attention—wrong turn adds distance and confusion.

Emergency: Dial 911 if cell service available. Island in the Sky Visitor Center: emergency assistance available during operating hours. Canyonlands ranger stations coordinate rescue for reported emergencies.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Low to moderate. The strenuous difficulty and full-day commitment deter casual hikers; most users are experienced backcountry travelers.

Peak Times: Weekends in spring and fall see higher traffic; mid-week in off-season is quieter.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible. Trail is rough and uneven, with stone steps, a rocky hill, and exposed sections. Traction devices (crampons or microspikes) recommended for winter snow/ice. Not suitable for people with limited mobility or fear of heights due to drop-off exposure.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Island in the Sky Visitor Center (on-site, offers maps and ranger assistance). Nearest lodging, food, and supplies: Moab, Utah (~30 miles south). No facilities at the trailhead.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail really 5–7 hours? Can I do it in 4?

Not reliably. Most hikers take the full 5–7 hours even if fit. The elevation gain (1,448 ft), rocky terrain, and navigation attention required don't allow rushing. Faster hikers save 30 minutes max. Pushing pace increases heat illness and fall risk—not worth it.

Do I really need 2L of water? Can I refill on the trail?

Am I fit enough for this? What if I get tired halfway?

Is it safe to hike solo?

What about the junction confusion—will I get lost?

What if I encounter snow in winter?

Is there cell service to call for help?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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