# Island in the Sky District - Link: https://mywalkabout.net/island-in-the-sky-district/ - Published: 2022-09-10T04:33:50-07:00 - Author: My Walkabout **Day two in Canyonlands**, and this time I make it further than beyond the National Park entrance. Today I explore the vast reaches of the Island in the Sky District. I have no planned itinerary, but instead use luck and intuition as I go. The morning sun has just broke free of the clouds as I start on my first hike. Temperature is maybe 10 degrees so people are scarce. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_1673.jpg?resize =640%2C360&ssl=1) **It is an awe inspiring journey** across the mesa, and when I reach the viewpoint at the end, the power from the vortex in this area has me welling up with tears of joy. Or perhaps the cold has me crying. Next I decide to hike the Murphy trailhead to see where it leads. I am treated to perfectly placed cairns that take me along another mesa showcasing the west side of Island of the Sky. I want to go down to the valley floor, but time and a sufficient water supply holds me back. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_1706.jpg?resize =640%2C360&ssl=1) **I then find a trail** that showcases the remain of an ancient volcanic eruption if one is willing to put in the effort, and be brave enough to scale the immense boulders for a jaw dropping view. I find that I have enough of both on this day…. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_1710.jpg?resize =640%2C360&ssl=1) **As the sun starts** to set in the early winter afternoon, I find myself at Whale Rock. My niece tells me this was her favorite spot from when she was here earlier this year. She is ten. I see why as the boulders are a crazy fun climb suitable for most ages. At least this is the case until you make it out to the whale’s head, and the wind is unforgiving. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_1747.jpg?resize =640%2C480&ssl=1) **I hold on though** and am not blown off the rock. After a safe, albeit slow descent I turn in for day, satisfied. ### Share this: * [ Email ](https://mywalkabout.net/island-in-the-sky-district/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Island%20in%20the%20Sky%20District&body=https%3A%2F%2Fmywalkabout.net%2Fisland-in-the-sky-district%2F&share=email) * [Post](https://x.com/share) * [Share on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share) * [ WhatsApp ](https://mywalkabout.net/island-in-the-sky-district/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Nextdoor ](https://mywalkabout.net/island-in-the-sky-district/?share=nextdoor) * [ Threads ](https://mywalkabout.net/island-in-the-sky-district/?share=threads) * [[ * [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) * [ Reddit ](https://mywalkabout.net/island-in-the-sky-district/?share=reddit) ### Like this: Like Loading…