Whale Rock - Canyonlands National Park

Whale Rock in Canyonlands National Park

August 15, 2012

After our hikes in Arches National Park (Delicate Arch and Devils Primitive Garden Loop), we went into Moab, ate lunch, and paid for showers at the Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center. Our next destination was the Island in the Sky portion of Canyonlands National Park. The main focus of this visit was not to hike since we didn't want to get sweaty after our showers but rather stop at the vistas and take pictures. However, that all changed when we saw Whale Rock and felt compelled to not let it go unhiked.

It was midday when we started and our fresh shower seemed a waste with the oppressive heat and scorching sun. Luckily for us, we noticed that there weren't any other hikers out. Encouraged by this, M and I quickly hiked the 1 mile trail to the top of Whale Rock enjoying the solitude. The hike consisted of sand and slick rock with cairns to mark the way. It was easy going up and the top of Whale Rock afforded us a view of the surrounding canyons. After a while, we saw more people arrive so we hiked back to our car and drove to our next hike even though we had said we wouldn't hike anymore that day.

Trail leading to the Whale's tail

  

Walking up the slick rock on Whale Rock

Looking back at the trail

Up on the slick rock surface of the Whale

Looking northwest on top of Whale Rock at Upheaval Canyon

Upheaval Canyon

On top of Whale Rock, we can see the road that we came in on

The middle of the Whale's back had a cluster of slick rock...maybe its blowhole? 

Looking southeast at the road while on top of Whale Rock

Looking west at the Upheaval Canyon area

M wanted to climb the blowhole

I was too tired to go up so M went alone

M coming down the blowhole

Whale Rock had pristine and gorgeous views of Upheaval Canyon

M and I on top of Whale Rock