Utah's Canyonlands National Park, Islands in the Sky Section

The Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands didn't have many hikes of any length.  We drove to various areas, and took a few short hikes.  I assume the park is called Islands in the Sky because you're sort of on a giant mesa, with cliffs thousands of feet high all the way around.  Everywhere you go, you have great views looking out over canyons, with mountains a hundred miles away.

There are no rails anywhere along this hike, and there are thousand-foot plus drops all the way.  Makes for great views, but be careful!

Canyonlands is certainly an appropriate name for this place.  This is a canyon inside a canyon.  I really love the sharp edges of the canyon, and how they're outlined with white rock. Almost like an artist trying to emphasize an edge.  

Another canyon in a canyon.  A view that goes on for a hundred miles, as promised. I also love the way the shrubs have spaced themselves fairly evenly in the foreground.  I assume the spacing is caused by the amount of water available. 

What's the name for a formation like this?  Not quite a mesa.  More like a tower or a castle.  

This arch created a frame for an incredible view of the canyons and snow-capped mountains way beyond.  It's close to parking, and swarmed with visitors.  I had to dodge and weave constantly to avoid getting photo-bombed. 

Wow. 

An infinity of canyons.  Settler caravans looked on this view and despaired. 

If you enjoyed these, please take a look at my other posts from our hiking trip to Moab, Utah. 

Arches National Park, Part 1

Arches National Park, Part 2

Canyonlands National Park, The Needles Section