whale rock

Interesting but just a bare hint of what is to come. Difficult to photograph and do justice. Not a must see attraction

We loved taking the hike on Whale Rock. It was a little scary as it was a rounded rock but lots of fun (although no shade). We stopped but noticed people further along - how did they get there? A very short and doable trail so don't hesitate to tackle it!

The hike to the top of this giant rock is not long, but it does get steep. At the end, you are on top of one enormous rock, looking out at a magnificent vista. Well worth the effort. Doesn't take much time. I'd think little kids would love this.

The was such a quick hike it was almost hard to believe how great the view was. Great, easy, rock scrambling hike for all ages. I did it with 2 broken ribs and had no trouble. Our middle school aged children really enjoyed this and Aztec Butte.

If you are not planning on doing the hike, I think Whale Rock is just okay. I haven't actually done the hike, but it sounds like it offers up some amazing views. I would say if you are not planning on hiking to Upheaval Hill either and are short on time, you could skip this portion of the trip. Having said that, there are still amazing vantage points along the drive. I will be back to make the hikes.

It is an interesting view and worth a stop along the road for a picture on your way to the Upheaval Dome. We didn't have time for a closer trail viewpoint.

I've hiked this 1-mile round trip trail twice, and both times it's been a memorable experience. The trail is mostly crossing slickrock with occasional wires to hang onto; this is quite exciting to the younger children who loved pulling themselves along. (This wasn't necessary, but they loved it). Because the trail is on slickrock, it's not for those who are looking for a smooth, easy trail. However, it's also not that difficult a hike and would be fine for anyone who's half used to hiking. At the top are incredible views of Canyonlands National Park; mile upon mile of rocks, canyons, spires, etc. On a windy day, at the top, you can feel like you're about to be blown away - we enjoyed this on our second trip, but it also drove other hikers away. A good time to hike is in the early morning, when the light is just starting to flow over the landscape.Fees: $10 fee to enter Canyonlands National Park

Please note that this TA 'Attraction Entry' is incorrectly referenced to the TA 'Moab' webpage, when the trail is in fact many, many miles away in the northern part of Canyonlands NP and the entry should be referenced to the TA CL attractions list along with all the other trails located there. I'll try and get it changed, but don't hold your breath....I hiked the 'Whale Rock Trail' on the 4th day of my multi-day visit to the magical Canyonlands NP, as part of my month-long tour of the Utah/Arizona natural attractions last year. I have posted separate reviews for several individual trails/overlooks, plus an 'introductory' review for the 2 main areas within the NP ('Island in the Sky' and the 'Needles') and the NP as a whole under the TA webpage (incorrectly) entitled 'Canyonland' (sic).Situated within the 'Island in the Sky' region, I think that the 'Whale Rock Trail' is a very enjoyable and potentially challenging hike since the rock in question is a slickrock 'mound', making both the ascent AND descent a little tricky as it is quite smooth and potentially 'slippery'. However, your efforts are rewarded with some excellent, essentially 180 degree views around the CL IITS mesa, encompassing a portion of the nearby 'Upheaval Dome', the 'Green River' plateau and all points south towards the 'Needles' district.I have compiled an extensive Trip Advisor 'Trip List' for my tour, which includes 'extra' attractions and also has links to the other individual TA reviews I've contributed for the accommodation/attractions I visited - it has been made a Trip Advisor 'Itinerary'; I hope it is of interest and use to you, especially as I have also included visitor information/viewable media sections to add to the information 'count'..... The most direct way to access it is by clicking my review-count below my profile name to the left of this review text. Alternatively, see after my review below the dashed line... Along with a link at the end of this review, you can also access my other Canyonlands reviews that way...The trailhead is easy to find, starting from a relatively large parking lay-by situated on the northern side of the main scenic drive as it heads to it's 'endpoint' of the popular trailhead parking area (which has toilet facilities) for the 'Upheaval Dome Trail' and beyond.The trail has a round-trip distance of 1 mile and an ascent of some 100ft - it is graded by the NP as 'Moderate'. Whilst the WR trailhead was quite well 'populated' and I saw a number of people walking around the trail area, I met nobody on the slickrock mound itself - odd !Things start off sedately on a level, firm/sandy path as you head north towards WR, which is visible from the beginning of your hike. Along the way there are some pleasant views all around you, but nothing particularly special - this portion is essentially a 'means to an end' to get you to WR itself and the more 'interesting' bit of the hike ! There is no shade available anywhere enroute....Scaling the slick surface of WR can be tricky as it's so smooth. Despite the occasional presence of handrails you need to be wearing foot wear offering good grip, as what makes the ascent/descent even more of a challenge is that it is often VERY steep - I think the descent is the more imposing as you you are at quite an extreme angle with nothing but a bare slope in front of you as you go down.In what were dry conditions my boots coped admirably; once I properly appreciated that the slickrock is actually 'rough' (a bit like sandpaper), my boots quickly gained my 'confidence' I was able to creep up and down the slopes with some aplomb on what I initially thought was going to be an impossible venture !Once you've fully scaled the undulations, you'll know that you've finally reached the end 'peak' (there are a few 'false alarms' on the way !) when the drop in front of you is back to ground level and you can see much, much further to the west of the mesa area.The resulting panoramas from atop are quite excellent and cannot be properly captured with a single photo - I found video the best medium to 'fit it all in' and hence plan to add my footage to this webpage once my review has been posted.If you view them, apart from observing the base to get a feeling for composition of the WR slickrock surface you will see side views of 'Holeman Spring Canyon' and 'Candlestick Tower' to the southwest, a flat view of part of 'Green River' to the west and then a sideways peek into the top part of the 'Upheaval Dome' canyon to the northwest - fantastic !As long as you can overcome any trepidation of scaling the slickrock of the WR mound, this trail is very rewarding - but note the hike to/from the mound isn't that exciting. It isn't at all strenuous, just a bit tricky to achieve your ascent/descent. Once you gain access to the westerly 'peak' of the mounds you are rewarded with a range of extensive, impressive panoramas to all angles of the CL IITS Mesa.I will add my photo and videos after this review is posted by TA.----------------------------As well as the method described near the start of this review my TA 'Trip List' can also be accessed from the 'Utah Itineraries' link on the right of the Utah Forum page. Or the direct link is :http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/GoListDetail-i24850-Las_Vegas_to_Zion_Bryce_and_other.htmlAlternatively, to search via TA, it is entitled 'Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce and other SUtah Natl Parks + Monument Valley-May 2011'.Please feel free to send me messages with any questions.

Right near Whale Rock is the syncline trail. This trail is tough and I consider myself an experienced hiker. The sign says 5 - 7 hours; it took us close to 7. When the sign says bring a gallon of water per person, you had better listen. Also, you had better be able to scamble and not be afraid of heights. Also, I would not recommend it during July/August - too hot. The park is added more steps (why??) near the end portion of the hike, which should make it easier for some people.

Our family had a great 4x4 trip through the very rugged back roads of Arches with Tag-a-long. We stopped at dinosaur tracks, tower arch, whale rock and a couple others. A fun adventure, and great guide, but we are also going back tomorrow with the car to see the popular arches you can reach by car.