These hikes were part of a larger trip to Moab with my mother and father-in-law and wife. On Day 1, we visited Arches National Park. On Day 2, we headed to Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area.

Our first stop in Canyonlands was to hike to the Upheaval Dome viewpoint. The was a short and quick trail that provided good views of Upheaval Dome, which is a large area where some rocks in the middle have been pushed up and those surrounding have been pushed down. There are 2 theories... the Salt Dome theory and the meteorite theory. Either way, it was neat to see.

After that hike, we followed the trail to the top of Whale Rock. This was a fun little trail to the top of a rock that, you guessed it, looks like a whale. The slick rock is safe and fun to walk on.

Next on the list was Aztec Butte. My mother-in-law is afraid of heights, so this one had me worried based on the description from our guidebook. Turns out it wasn't that bad and we really enjoyed the top! Make sure you follow the trail that loops around the rim of the butte. Then make sure you visit the Indian grainery found on the small butte just west of Aztec Butte.

When then hit Green River Overlook, Mesa Arch, and lastly Shafer Canyon overlook.

Great day in a very interesting area!

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There is plenty of information on each hike mentioned. We used the book - Utah National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands Day Hikes by Anne Poe.