Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [88]
LONGER TRAILS
Gooseberry Trail 2.7 miles one-way. Moderate. Access: Island in the Sky Picnic Area, about 11 miles south of visitor center.
Although the beginning of this trail is so steep it looks like a cliff, don't be deterred. True, it drops 1,400 feet over the course of the hike, and most of that (1,300 ft.) in the first 1.5 miles. But the trail is well made, and with a little care is quite safe. As you gingerly hike down the switchbacks—be careful of the loose sand—you get superb views of this rugged red-rock country. Once down in Gooseberry Canyon, it's nearly a level walk out to the road. When you decide you're ready to face the climb back to the top, be sure to take lots of rest stops to admire the varying scenery.
Lathrop Trail
6.8 miles one-way. Strenuous. Access: Trailhead about 1.5 miles south of visitor center along paved road.
The first 2.5 miles of this trail are on top of the mesa, but then it meanders down into the canyon, descending about 1,600 feet to the White Rim Road. This strenuous hike traverses steep terrain and loose rock—and remember, unless you have been able to arrange for someone to meet you at the road, you have to climb back up to your car. As you hike down the slope, you get grand views of Lathrop Canyon and occasional glimpses of the Colorado River. It is possible to continue down to the river from the road (another 4 miles each way), but check with rangers about the feasibility of an overnight trip before attempting it.
Neck Spring Trail
5 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Trailhead about .5 mile south of visitor center along paved road.
This fairly strenuous hike follows the paths that animals and early ranchers created to reach water at two springs. You'll see water troughs, hitching posts, rusty cans, and the ruins of an old cabin. Because of the water source, you'll encounter types of vegetation not usually seen in the park, such as maidenhair ferns and Gambel oak. The water also draws wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, ground squirrels, and hummingbirds. Climbing to the top of the rim, you get a beautiful view of the canyons and even the Henry Mountains, some 60 miles away.
Syncline Loop Trail
8.3 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Upheaval Dome Picnic Area, at end of Upheaval Dome Rd.
This is a long, hot day hike over one of only three loop trails in the Island in the Sky District. Be sure to start early and carry plenty of water. The trail drops 1,300 feet, and the best approach is clockwise, so you take the steepest part going down into Upheaval Canyon. Along the way, you'll follow dry washes, climb small hills and steep canyon sides, cross part of the Syncline Valley, pass Upheaval Dome, traverse some slickrock, and finally hit an area of lush vegetation.
NEEDLES DISTRICT
Hiking trails here are generally not too tough, but keep in mind that slickrock can live up to its name and that there is generally little shade.
SHORTER TRAILS
Roadside Ruin Trail
.3 mile RT. Easy. Access: Trailhead just over .5 mile west of visitor center along paved road. This self-guided nature walk leads to an ancient granary, probably used by the ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) some 700 to 1,000 years ago to store corn, nuts, and other foods. For 25¢ you can get a brochure at the trailhead that discusses the plants along the trail. Although it's flat, this trail can be muddy when wet.
Slickrock Foot Trail
2.4 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Trailhead about 6½ miles from visitor center, almost at end of road.
View points along this trail show off the stair-step topography of the area, from its colorful canyons and cliffs to its flat mesas and striped needles.
LONGER TRAILS
Confluence Overlook Trail
5.5 miles one-way. Moderate to strenuous.