"Island in the Sky" is an area separated from the mainland by a small connecting ridge, about 40 m wide known as "The Neck". The Green River and the Colorado River converge in the park within the Needles district. The three districts are located between and around the two rivers separated by the rivers at the confluence.
The "Island in the Sky" district is about 35 miles from Moab. It is the observation deck of the park and provides expansive vistas from the Grand View Point Overlook. 1200 feet below one can see the White Rim a continuous sandstone beach. Another 1000 feet below lie the rivers shadowed by sheer cliffs. 17 miles of paved road take one to various observation points in the park in the "Island in the Sky" District. The Grand View Point Overlook provides a greater than 180 degree view of the White Rim, the Needles and the Maze. The Colorado river itself lies hidden beneath the White Rim amidst several nooks and turns of canyon land.
Shafer Canyon Overlook lies just beyond "The Neck" provides a first glimpse of the White Rim Road. It is 100 miles of unpaved road leading to the lower level along the White Rim.
The Mesa Arch lies just beyond Gray's Pasture, that streches for about 6 miles beyond "The Neck".
Whale Rock is a short walk by the road on the way towards Upheavel Dome. Upheavel Dome is a 1500 feet deep crater formed by slowmoving salt deposits that pushed sandstone upwards. There are two observation points here requiring a 1.6 mile hike to and fro to get to both points.
The Green River Overlook provides a view of the Green River in the distance that flows southwards to join the Colorado coming in from the North East.
Buck Canyon Overlook provides good views of the canyon formations above the White Rim.
The Mesa Arch lies just beyond Gray's Pasture, that streches for about 6 miles beyond "The Neck".
Whale Rock is a short walk by the road on the way towards Upheavel Dome. Upheavel Dome is a 1500 feet deep crater formed by slowmoving salt deposits that pushed sandstone upwards. There are two observation points here requiring a 1.6 mile hike to and fro to get to both points.
The Green River Overlook provides a view of the Green River in the distance that flows southwards to join the Colorado coming in from the North East.
Buck Canyon Overlook provides good views of the canyon formations above the White Rim.
Grand View Point Overlook is the place to be at sunset. A 1 mile trail along the rim provides good views Southwards and at one extreme towards the West. Closeby another 1.4 mile trail towards the West takes one down below to the White Rim.
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