Syncline Loop Trail
This strenuous trail circles Upheaval Dome, in Canyonlands National Park. Halfway around the loop there are two spur trails, one leading into the dome crater and the other leading down to the White Rim Trail, just above the Green River. The route has a total elevation change of about 1,300 feet. The wash on the north side of the crater may have water, and will offer some shade. There is one designated campsite along the trail, for those who want to backpack. (A permit is required for an overnight trip.)
Trail Head: 38.4264, -109.926
Trail Type: Hiking
Length: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
UPHEAVAL DOME TRAILHEAD
The trailhead is located at the end of the Upheaval Dome Road, in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands. Several popular trails can be found in this area.
UPHEAVAL DOME CRATER
Upheaval Dome is an anticline where rocks have been pushed up and then eroded, forming a crater and other interesting features. Surrounding the dome is a downwarp in the rock layers, a feature called a syncline. The loop hike follows the syncline around the dome and crater.
JUNCTION WITH CRATER SPUR
From the west side of the dome, a spur trail runs into the center of the crater. The round trip hike into the crater totals 12.6 miles.
JUNCTION WITH WHITE RIM SPUR
Also from the west side of the dome, another trail runs 3.4 miles down to the White Rim Trail. From the trailhead, it is 13.5 miles round trip along the shortest route to the river.
WHITE RIM TRAIL
The White Rim Trail is a rough jeep road that runs for 100 miles around Island in the Sky Mesa.