Length (round trip)5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain500 ft up
Typical time2 hr 45 min
TrailheadLathrop trailhead, Island in the Sky road
SurfaceGrassland then slickrock
Best seasonSpring and autumn. Summer highs exceed 100F with no shade and no water on any trail.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see
🌄 Big views🌼 Wildflowers
The Lathrop Trail crosses a wide grassland on the mesa top, enjoys views of Colorado River, then descends into the canyon below. For a moderate trail option, hikers often turn around at the canyon rim. Continuing down to the White Rim Road means a strenuous hike back out. Lathrop to Canyon Rim Roundtrip Distance : 5 mi (8 km) Time : 2-3 hrs Elevation Change : 158 ft (48 m) Difficulty : Moderate Hike Description : Trail crosses open grasslands, ending in spectacular views of Airport Tower & Colorado River. Bring : Water (1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal? Lathrop to White Rim Road Roundtrip Distance : 11.8 mi (19 km) Time : 5-7 hrs Elevation Change : 1,721 ft (525 m) Difficulty : Strenuous Hike Description : Trail crosses open grasslands, then drops 1,600 ft (488 m) into the canyon below. Enjoy views of the La Sal Mountains and fanciful sandstone knobs on this varied and challenging hike to the White Rim. Bring : Water (at least 1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?
Tips
Turning round at the rim keeps it moderate. Continuing down to the White Rim Road makes it a hard 13.6 miles with 1,600 feet of climbing on the return.