Rough Canyon is located on the border of Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky district and is yet another example of Utah’s endless beauty. No, this trail is not necessarily “rough”, however, it does offer a rollercoaster effect as it bobs up and over rolling red sand knolls; small in size, but fun none the less. The trail wraps around the north side of the large dome known as Whitbeck Rock, while Beehive Butte is likely to catch your eye in the distance to the west. You’ll trek across grassy plains with the occasional juniper tree, eventually descending down toward the rocky canyon rim. The end of the trail meets up with the park boundary and vehicle access stops. From here you can hike the 1.3 miles to the rim of the canyon, where you will not be disappointed.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Easily identify whether the trail is stock friendly
or not.
View 14 specific concerns along the trail such as
height and width restrictions.
Upgrade from free to our All-Access Membership and get
every detail, waypoint, photo, and more on every single
trail guide.
When you are an All-Access member, our trail guides
come with a short video of the author running the trail
to give you a visual understanding of what to expect.
Follow US Highway-191 northbound approximately 11 miles. Turn left (west) onto US Highway-313 and travel 14.6 miles. Continue straight, US Highway-313 transitions into Grand View Point Road/Island in the Sky Road, follow for 2.5 miles. On the right (west) side of the road will be the trailhead for Rough Canyon.
Same as other review. Cool rocks in the beginning and some good camp spots. Couple fun rock sections and sandy bits. First one down this season and didn’t go the whole way before turning around.
This trail is more or less a dud as compared to some of other trails in the area. The rock formations in the first half are spectacular, but after those, it peters out scenic wise.
From the Community
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Ask the author of a trail guide any questions you may have and
get a direct answer from the author and the community! One of
the many perks that come with an All-Access Membership.
Sierra, is an optimist. She has lived in the Salt Lake Valley the entirety of her 25 years.
She is passionate about nature and being outdoors. Though an amateur photographer, she has an eye for unique beauty.
She's a proud owner of a Jeep wrangler, year 2000. She is new to off-roading, finally getting out on the dirt. None the less, eager to learn all there is to know, and meet like-minded people.
Spends most of her time with her 5 year old son, whom is equally an adventurist.
Welcoming to all the advice, tips and tricks made available. Looking forward to sharing all the knowledge and many
adventures to come.
By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each
policy linked to above. You also agree to the storing of cookies on
your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site,
enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our
site is used.