Located in the Islands in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, the Green River Overlook is a must-see viewpoint while exploring the park. This easy, short walk on a paved path takes you to a breathtaking southwest view where you can see the Green River, features of The Maze District, and the White Rim Road.
- Level of Difficulty: Beginner – paved walk to a lookout.
- Distance: 0.2 miles (viewpoint).
- Cost: National Parks fees.
About the Green River
Beginning in Wyoming and running 730 miles long, the Green River helped carve the mesas and deep sandstone canyons of the park. The Colorado and Green rivers flow through Canyonlands and meet at the Confluence Overlook Trail (accessible via The Needles District).
Upstream of the Confluence, people are able to canoe, kayak, or boat with shallow water craft because the river is relatively calm. However, past the Confluence, the rivers pick up speed and power, making it great for white water rafting.
The Green River was mapped by the Powell expedition in 1869 and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Why You Should Stop at Green River Overlook
This short and sweet, highly-accessible viewpoint is a must-see when in the Islands in the Sky District. The District itself is packed with amazing viewpoints, making it the most visited section of the park.
The overlook offers the best views of the Green River, without any serious hiking needed and it sits at about 6,000 ft elevation. It’s also an easy, quick turnoff for those continuing onto hike Upheaval Dome.
Viewpoints from Green River Overlook
Along with the Green River, from the viewpoint you can also see:
- The isolated and challenging Maze District, which spans 114-square miles.
- Dark brown shales and spire rock formations far in the distance – Lizard Rock, The Plug, Chimney Rock, and The Wall.
- The 100-mile long 4WD White Rim Road in Canyonlands wilderness backcountry.
- Elaterite Butte in the Maze District with an elevation of 6,552 ft.
- Ekker Butte in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with an elevation of 6,226 ft.
- Vertical rock faces of Orange Cliffs.
- Turks Head – named for its resemblance to a Turkish turban.
- Henry Mountains way in the distance, with the highest elevation reaching over 11,000 ft.
Best Time to Visit Green River Overlook
Since the viewpoint faces the southwest, one of the best times to visit is for sunset.
How to Get to Green River Overlook
Once you’ve entered Canyonlands National Park via Grand View Point Road, you’ll drive just past the trailhead for the famous Mesa Arch. On your right will be a turn for Upheaval Dome Road. After taking that right, you’ll shortly see a sign on your left to turn onto Green River Overlook. There are plenty of parking spaces for this overlook at the end of the road.
The parking area is just past the Island in the Sky Willow Flat Campground. In the parking area, there is access to a public restroom. A big bonus of this viewpoint is that it’s ADA accessible so everyone can enjoy the views.
