Syncline Loop Trail - 8.4 Miles Round-Trip

The Syncline Loop Trail follows a series of washes and canyons around the base of Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This strenuous trail is difficult to follow and requires athleticism to negotiate the route’s steep switchbacks, boulder fields and slickrock. Only experienced hikers should attempt the loop.

Anticipate longer travel times than the distance and net elevation change might suggest. Uneven terrain and frequent loss of clarity will compromise the pace. Carry extra water and take things slow so not to miss cairns that mark critical points.

Visitors will enjoy magnificent backcountry scenery, lush riparian corridors and diverse wildlife on the Syncline Loop. Trail extensions lead into the Upheaval Dome Crater and out to Green River via Upheaval Canyon. The following description travels clockwise:

After a brief climb the trail levels in a cluttered landscape framed by sandstone domes to the south. It moves quickly to a dramatic gap that peers down a deep canyon (.88 miles : 5,590’), where you’ll begin a challenging 1.1 mile, 1075’ descent to the canyon floor.

Tread carefully and remain navigationally vigilant on steep, twisting switchbacks that briefly moderate through 1.25 miles (5,284’).  At 1.75 miles the trail crosses a slickrock wash to a pair of cairns that mark a second steep drop to the canyon floor.

Travel moderates considerably once in the wash (2.0 miles : 4,515’), highlighted by mature cottonwoods and leafy brush. The trail generally favors the right side of the wash crossing and entering it several times.

It briefly rises out to circumvent an impassable obstacle (2.5 miles : 4,373’), then drops back in. The canyon-wash narrows and becomes more convoluted through 3.0 miles (4,272’) but the way is intuitively followed. The canyon opens at the Upheaval Canyon Trail split (3.3 miles : 4,238’).

It’s important to remain on the designated trail past this point (vs the adjacent wash), as it suddenly breaks left up stone steps (3.5 miles : 4,265’) to a terrace in a wide berth at the convergence of Upheaval Canyon and Syncline Valley.

A few steps through brush flats lead to the Upheaval Dome access spur (3.6 miles : 4,325’). The trail veers left and levels by the designated campsite and seasonal creek of Syncline Valley.

Cottonwoods line the creek corridor, a nice place to break. Pools large enough for soaking sometimes form but it’s advisable to leave these precious water sources to local wildlife.

The trail rises sharply at 4.0 miles (4,335’) and begins a challenging course through boulders, brush and debris. Proceed with care and attention to cairns through the rock. The route is difficult to follow and exposed to steep drop offs.

It reaches stone steps notched into a ledge (4.4 miles : 4,690’), just past which it scales a near-vertical rock slab that requires 3-4 points of contact.

Conditions moderate in the upper canyon (4.7 miles : 4,780’), a lush riparian zone with large trees and grassy meadows. This is a great place to find wildlife. The trail weaves through tall grass and heavy brush past a seep located just off trail to the right (4.95 miles : 4,820’).

Anticipate a sudden right turn and loss of clarity at 5.75 miles (4,925’) where the trail heads up a tall, rugged slot in the upper canyon (see map, points 18 – 19). Follow cairns closely.

Once through the clutter it scales a steep slickrock slab with a great look down the slot you just navigated (6.0 miles : 5,060’).

The trail moves to the left side of the slickrock and resumes an undulating course through a diverse landscape (6.5 miles : 5,285’). Travel quickens in and across several wash segments (6.5 – 8.0 miles), but remain alert for vague entry - exit points.

Enjoy moderate intervals with variously rugged and ill-defined stretches on the final leg back to Upheaval Dome Trailhead (8.4 miles : 5,675’).