upheaval dome

Yeah, the short out-and-back gives you a nice view and it's a pretty cool sight, but if you're a hiker and you're out at the parks to really hit the dirt, do not miss the opportunity to scramble around the outside of Upheaval Dome's crater. Ok, so the views don't change all that much as you traverse the area, but it's challenging and fun! You can make this a pretty long hike or turn back at any point and call it good.I have not done the full circle with all the diversions, but according to the Falcon Guide I was using, it can be upwards of 20 potential miles. It's definitely not to be undertaken by the inexperienced hiker, and you want to be sure you have lots of water (I had a full Camelbak and extra water bottles - it's full sun the whole time), but if this is what you're out here for, you will enjoy at least a partial jaunt along the trail that circles the Dome.

An uphill walk to two overlooks. This is an interesting location with some question about what happened - meteor from above or something going on below. Easy trail to hike but not sure it was worth the view once there.

Very unique, the crater is unlike anything I had seen before. An easy 0.7 mile hike from the parking lot leads to a viewing area. Wear hiking boots for the best footing and carry water.

This is a great hike and has two view point. The second is much better but more work. The dome is unusual and Un explained

We had only planned to hike to the first viewing area but walked right by the sign. The first part of the hike was a bit steep in some areas but not too difficult. We hiked about half way to the second viewing area and stopped to see the greenish rock in the canyon. A good part of that part of the hike was over slick rock and was a bit more challenging but we didn’t have any problems. It is different from other views in the park and was beautiful because of that but it did not compare with Mesa Arch. We were there in September and the weather was nice but be sure to wear comfortable hiking-type shoes and take plenty of water.

The walk to the viewing point is as good as the view itself. The dome is quite different and no one quite knows what happened here and definitely worth a visit as you will not see anything like this elsewhere.

Interesting geologically anda nice little hike to view, but there are bigger and better vistas to see in Canyonlands

A nice, fairly gentle hike with some up and down. Cool views and a lot of unofficial trails to explore.

This walk is for the young & fit. Please be aware that it is very vertical & straight up, with any number of steep steps. We were assured that it was an "easy walk" by our B&B hosts. Who were, of course, young & fit. If you're 30 & built like a triathlete, yeah, it's easy. If you're "over 40" & carrying a few extra lbs (ok, several extra) this will tax you. Sturdy shoes & water are essential for everyone. The view is pretty cool, don't get me wrong. But there are far cooler things to see @ Canyonlands. If steep, rocky walks don't strain you, go for it. If you have trouble with steepness, steps, or breathing, you can skip this & not miss that much.

This isn't that impressive in comparison to other parts of the park, but if you go out to the second overlook you will see a geological event that is impressive (if you are in to that type of thing).It's not for everyone, but if you like geology and seeing all the park has to offer then avoid the first outlook and head straight to the second one.

Upheaval Dome is nice. There is a moderate hike up to the first viewing area, which we did. We did not have time to hike to the second viewing area. The Upheaval Dome is a meteor crater with some grayish salt deposits. It was not as picturesque or impressive as other parts of the park. If you have a limited time in Canyonlands, you can skip Upheaval Dome.Oddly, I overheard several people discussing their theories about what aliens or secret government projects are buried under the salt. I'm not sure why. Nothing about it looked unnatural.

I wasn't taken with the Upheaval area and didn't even walk to the 2nd viewpoint 1/2 a mile away. Mesa Arch and the Grand Viewpoint of the Green River were my favorites by far at CanyonLands!

If I had to pick one thing in Canyonlands that I could have skipped, this would have been it. The hike is fine. The surrounding canyons look wonderful. But in the end, this is just an open space with a wedge of greenish rock sticking up from the bottom, and when you consider the many jaw-dropping views this park has to offer, Upheaval Dome just does not fare well.

Most of the effort is to get to the first overlook... Take the time to go to the second overlook. The view from there is 360 and awesome...

The short hike to the first viewing area, though a bit steep, is well worth it, to see this geological mystery. We continued on a bit further, but gave up along the way, sensing that the additional pay-off would not be worth the rough climb in the mid-day July heat. But by all means, do the first short hike.