Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail
The Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail is a short, family-friendly hike to an incredible geological formation. This dome and crater formation dates back approximately 60 million years and its origins are hotly debated. Salt bubbles? Meteorite Impact? Aliens? Check out this geological wonder and see what you think.
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Route Description for Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail
The Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail is a family-friendly hike to two viewpoints overlooking the incredible Upheaval Dome. This hike can get quite busy, so we recommend heading out early in the day to avoid the crowds and the heat. This trail is short but has a few steep sections, so wear proper footwear.
The Upheaval Dome is an enigma; this formation, 5.5 km in diameter, is a dome of sandstone surrounded by a deep crater. It is theorized that this formation was caused either by salt bubbles under the earth or by a meteorite impact. This hike is a fantastic place to go with kids and learn about the wonders of Canyonlands National Park.
You will see three paths from the trailhead—follow the one in the middle straight ahead for 0.3 km to the first overlook. Continue for another 0.5 km to the second overlook.
Enjoy the views and snap some photos before turning around and following the same path back to the trailhead.
Trail Highlights
Upheaval Dome
The Upheaval Dome is an anomalous geological formation: a dome of rock surrounded by a crater moat. There is debate over what caused this formation but there are two main theories that prevail. The first is that the upheaval dome was caused by molten salt bubbling up under the earth and pushing the overlying rock into a dome-like formation. The other, a more popular theory, is that The Upheaval Dome was created by a meteorite impact approximately 60 million years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the upheaval dome?
The upheaval dome was likely created by either a salt bubble or a meteorite impact.
How big is the upheaval dome?
The upheaval dome is 5.5 km in diameter.
Insider Hints for Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail
- This hike gets busy- head out early in the day to beat the crowds
- Leave the flip-flops at home- this hike has some steeper sections, proper footwear is strongly recommended
- If you are looking for a longer hike in the area- check out the Syncline Loop—a trail that circuits the entire crater.
Getting to the Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail Trailhead
From the Island in the Sky Visitors Center, follow Grand View Road south for 10.1 km then take a right to head west on Upheaval Dome Road. Follow this road for 7.7 km to the Upheaval Trailhead.
Route Information
Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail Elevation Graph
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