Hike to Murphy Point

Murphy Point, found in the Island In The Sky district of Canyonlands NP, takes hikers on a mesa that ends at an overlook with sweeping vistas over Murphy Basin, the White Rim, and Green River. If you're looking to get away from the tourists, then head to this quiet and often overlooked trail.

The trailhead is right off the main road to Grand View Point and the parking lot is pretty small, so keep your eyes peeled. At the beginning of the trail you will be hiking through grassland and prairie brush on a flat but sandy trail. Early on you'll pass an old corral that serves as a reminder of the cow herding past.

About a half mile from the trail head and not far past the corral, you will come to a split. The left fork will lead you off the mesa for 4.2 miles to White Rim Road. To reach Murphy Point, stay to the right at the junction and continue on to the sandstone trail.

The elevation gain/loss on this trail is minimal, but there are some short sections where you will be hiking a gradual uphill grade. Regardless, this trail is perfect for beginners or families.

As you continue on, the gravel trail will eventually disappear and you will soon find yourself hiking on sandstone. Keep an eye out for the cairns to lead you the rest of the way. Please do not build new cairns as these could confuse future hikers.

Continue following the cairns until eventually reaching the Murphy Point overlook. From here you will have spectacular vistas of the landscape below.