Trail

Murphy Point Trail

Trail
A juniper tree sits at the edge of a canyon overlooking sweeping canyon views.

This 3.4-mile roundtrip ranks as an easy hike for most fitness levels—mostly level terrain with a modest 142-foot elevation gain. The trail crosses Canyonlands' Island in the Sky mesa past a historic corral, rewarding you with panoramic canyon views at its terminus. You'll see Candlestick Tower, the Green River, and the White Rim Road stretched below. The terrain is rough and uneven with rocky sections and stone steps; not for wheelchairs, and potentially icy in winter.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
3.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy hike (mostly level)
Elevation Gain Feet
142

Trail profile

Distance Miles
3.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy hike (mostly level)
Elevation Gain Feet
142
Estimated Time
2 hours roundtrip for a steady pace. Add 30 minutes if stopping frequently for photos or moving carefully over rocky terrain.
Trail Surface
Rough, uneven desert terrain with rocky sections and stone steps. Not paved.
Trail Features
  • Historic corral
  • Mesa top hike
  • Canyon panoramas
  • Green River views
  • Candlestick Tower viewpoint
Trail Highlights
Panoramic views of Candlestick Tower, the Green River, and the White Rim Road from the mesa top. Historic corral on the route offers a glimpse of Canyonlands' ranching past.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Island in the Sky district, Canyonlands National Park (38.355°N, 109.864°W)
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Not required
Fees
$30 per private vehicle (up to 15 passengers), $15 per person (hikers without vehicle), $25 per motorcycle. Valid 7 days from entry.
Trail Status
Open year-round
Seasonal Closures
No closures reported. Winter (December–February) may bring snow and ice; traction devices recommended.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Dry trail. No water sources available. Carry minimum 2 liters.
Accessibility
Rough, uneven terrain with rocky hill and stone steps. Not wheelchair accessible. Winter snow/ice conditions may require traction devices.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Rough/uneven terrain
  • Rocky hill with stone steps
  • Full sun exposure
  • Winter ice/snow
  • No shade on mesa top
Hazard Details
The trail is rough and uneven with a rocky hill that requires ascending and descending stone steps. The mesa offers full sun exposure with zero shade. In winter, ice and snow are present; traction devices are recommended. The trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Best Season
May to October (late spring through early fall)
Best Time To Visit
May through October. Spring avoids winter ice hazards; fall offers cool temperatures. Start by 6:00 AM to escape afternoon sun on the exposed mesa top.
Tips Advice
  • Bring a minimum of 2 liters of water—the mesa offers no shade.
  • Traction devices (microspikes) mandatory in winter; ice is a real hazard.
  • Watch for uneven rocks and stone steps; tighten your boots.
  • The historic corral is your landmark halfway point—don't miss it.
  • The views at the endpoint justify the hike; don't turn back early.

More details

Park Area
Island in the Sky district
Trail Markers
Well-marked official NPS trail
Dogs Allowed
No. Service animals permitted.
Shade Level
Full sun—the mesa top is exposed. No shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Map Recommended
1
Insider Tips
  • The historic corral marks the halfway point—use it as a mental reset.
  • The views progressively improve as you continue; don't stop early.
  • Bring trekking poles for the rocky descent; your knees will thank you.
  • The endpoint offers the best panoramic views—worth the rough terrain.
Family Friendly Notes
Can work with older children comfortable with rocky, uneven terrain. No baby strollers. Younger kids may struggle with stone steps. Dogs not allowed (service animals permitted).
Nearby Facilities
Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground (30+ sites)
Review Summary
Hikers consistently praise the canyon views and ease of the route for its distance. The rough terrain and full sun are the main challenges, but the reward-to-effort ratio is favorable. Most complete the hike in 2–3 hours with photo stops.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this hike doable if I'm not super fit?

Yes. It's rated Easy by NPS: 3.4 miles, 142 feet of elevation gain, mostly level terrain. Most people complete it in 2 hours. The rough ground is the main challenge, not the distance.

Do I need special gear or trekking poles?

Trekking poles are helpful for the uneven, rocky terrain—especially on descent. In winter, microspikes or traction devices are mandatory; ice will form on the stone steps.

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes. It's an official NPS trail with good foot traffic. Stay hydrated, tell someone your plan, and carry a map. Cell service is unreliable—assume you can't call for help.

What should I carry?

2 liters of water (the trail is dry), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a map, and sturdy boots with good ankle support for the rocky terrain.

When is the best time to go?

May through October. Avoid December through February due to ice. Avoid midday July and August—temperatures on the exposed mesa exceed 90°F.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not allowed on Murphy Point Trail. Service animals are the exception.

Mesa Arch

0.6-mile loop, 56 ft gain; sun-exposed, crowd-heavy sunrise.

Corona Arch

3-mile out-and-back over slickrock; safety cables and ladder lead to Corona Arch.

Lathrop Trail

Grassland mesa crossing to Colorado River rim views. Moderate 5 miles but brutal sun—1L water per hour mandatory.

Murphy Loop Trail

10.8mi strenuous loop: 1,448ft gain, full sun, rocky terrain. Bring 2L+ water and nerve; Murphy Hogback views reward the pain.

Alcove Spring Trail

Descend 1,300 feet to Moses and Zeus towers. Strenuous 11-miler—bring water and grit.

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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 June 2026. Report an issue.