Murphy Loop Trail

A hiker steps up onto a wooden bridge to ascend a steep canyon 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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 10.8
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1448

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 10.8
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1448
Estimated Time: 5–7 hours
Trail Surface: Rocky, uneven terrain with stone steps, switchbacks, and unpaved road sections.
Trail Features: Murphy Hogback with panoramic views
White Rim Road section
Exposed geologic layers in switchbacks
Stone steps and rocky scramble
Desert plateau vistas
Scenic canyon overlooks
Trail Highlights: Outstanding views from atop the Murphy Hogback and White Rim Road. The loop reveals dramatic geologic layers and Colorado Plateau vistas.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required or available.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: No official seasonal closure. Winter conditions (snow, ice) may affect passability; traction devices recommended.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: 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.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Elevation gain and switchback strain
Dehydration risk (waterless, high-altitude desert)
Full sun exposure and heat exhaustion
Rocky, uneven terrain (twisted ankles)
Stone steps and scrambling sections
Steep drop-offs near White Rim Road
Snow/ice in winter (slipping risk)
Trail junction confusion
Fatigue-induced falls on descent
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Unreliable to none. Assume no signal and carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator if traveling solo.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate. The strenuous difficulty and full-day commitment deter casual hikers; most users are experienced backcountry travelers.
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends in spring and fall see higher traffic; mid-week in off-season is quieter.
Best Season: Spring and Fall (March–May, September–November)
Best Time To Visit: Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer stable temperatures and lower heat risk. Start by 6 AM to beat afternoon sun and wind. Winter brings snow and icy conditions; summer heat is dangerous on this exposed, waterless trail. Aim for cool-morning departure when temps are below 70°F.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Island in the Sky
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.
Dogs Allowed: No. Dogs are not permitted. Service animals allowed per NPS policy.
Shade Level: 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.
Emergency Contacts: 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.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Expect snow and icy conditions November–March; traction devices recommended for winter attempts.
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
Recent Updates: No recent trail closures or major maintenance reported as of 2026-07-02.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.