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We had spent an awesome day checking out all the viewpoints, and taking a small hike at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. We wanted to go on a second trail however, and were told that you can catch a good sunset from the end of Grand View Point Trail. It was only 2 miles round trip, so why not end our day with that? We’re so glad we did, it was probably the most fun we had on a trail on our whole 2 week western road trip!
Grand View Point Trail Details
- Location: At the end of Grand View Point Road, very easy to find in the park.
- Length: 2 miles Round Trip
- Elevation gain: 50 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
The trail starts out at a view point, one of the best I saw all day I think! You can see the canyon below pretty close, with White Rim Road following around it. The whole formation looks like a giant chicken’s footprint if you ask me! Or a mega huge dinosaur maybe? ;p
The trail as a whole is very easy. Mostly flat with bits of gravel and reddish dirt, with some small sets of stairs here and there. Some stairs are carved out of the rock, but a lot are man-made. There is uneven ground here and there too where you’re walking on a rocky surface.
Most of the time the trail follows the rim of the canyon, but if being close to the edge bothers you, don’t worry. You’re never that close! There’s always plenty of room so you don’t have to get near it if you don’t want to. I thought this was awesome, seeing that spectacular view as we walked along!
Cairns are placed here and there, although we never felt in danger of getting lost, the trail is used enough that it’s clear to see as you go along. There’s also lots of beautiful colorful vegetation. I was able to identify a couple, but I honestly wish I knew more. There are pamphlets and photos in the Visitor’s Center however, and you can always ask a ranger if you’re interested in learning about that.
Walking along you’ll come across some really cool stone formations. Holes blown out of the cliff side by wind and sand. I bet small animals love to go hide in these, and upon looking closer up, we did see an inhabitant!
As you go farther, you walk away from the rim for a time, more in the middle of this part of the mesa, among the rocks and plants. Some stone formations just beg for some creative shots…even my husband had fun posing!
At the end of the trail you come back out to the rim, and the view was equally impressive here. As sunset was approaching there was getting to be a number of people gathering here to watch it. We stayed for a little while, taking a break.
Since we didn’t have any flashlights with us, we left before sunset to be on the safe side(once the sun starts going down, it goes fast!), but the sky was still beautiful on our whole walk back to the car.
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WOW!! just stubbled onto your site while preparing my for my trip next month. I must say, your site is the best. Very practical, useful, detailed information and beautiful pictures and so funny! Thank you very much.
You’re welcome, glad you could find the information here useful! 🙂
I’m always looking for a little not-too-strenous hike lol. Also that lil watercolor at the end is so cute!
Thank you! Luckily there’s always some good easy hikes in the parks. Something for everyone! And glad you like the painting! 🙂
Loved this post! The chipmunk was so cute! I don’t know how you got that close for a photo!
Thanks! Well that chipmunk wasn’t afraid of people at all lol..plus I zoomed in with the camera a little 😉
This is gorgeous. I’ll definitely do a hike like this, in a heart beat. Gorgeous and fun photos. I wouldn’t have mind crawling to the tip of the edge though 🙂
Haha, yeah some people are more adventurous and would do that, I wouldn’t get that close!