Syncline Loop in Canyonlands National Park, UT

Hike Syncline Loop Canyonlands National Park, UT

Class 2 8.7 miles 1700 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Sep 26, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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The Syncline Loop is a fairly easy trail to follow, despite being advertised as "primitive". There are cairns marking the slightly diffiuclt sections, but we never got lost. The trail starts at the trailhead for a very popular overlook into Upheaval Dome. We made the silly decision not to just walk up and look into the dome, hoping we'd just get to see it during our hike. However, we were running out of daylight and didn't venture into the center of the geologic formation to see Upheaval Dome up close. I recommend you go check it out, especially if you're a geology buff. Anyway, we started east (clockwise) along the syncline loop and worked our way down some switchbacks into a canyon. The trail continued around Upheaval Dome, and then returned around the north side of it via some Class 2 scrambling up the cliffside. The scramble led us into another canyon where we encountered some gorgeous greenery as the canyon walls slowly shrunk on either side. The trail became slightly more difficult to follow because it didn't quite follow any washes or drainages and we were happy we weren't doing it in the dark.

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After leaving the main trail, going clockwise around the loop.
After leaving the main trail, going clockwise around the loop.
Overlooking the descent into the Upheaval Dome. That wide canyon in the center is where you'll end up.
Overlooking the descent into the Upheaval Dome. That wide canyon in the center is where you'll end up.
Working down the cliff face on switchbacks.
Working down the cliff face on switchbacks.
We entered the canyon, headed generally  northwest.
We entered the canyon, headed generally northwest.
Continuing through the canyon.
Continuing through the canyon.
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After getting to a junction that leads into the Upheaval Dome, which you can do (we had no time), continue around the loop by going up some stairs to bypass a dryfall.
After getting to a junction that leads into the Upheaval Dome, which you can do (we had no time), continue around the loop by going up some stairs to bypass a dryfall.
The view from the top of the stairs.
The view from the top of the stairs.
A wide open section with towering formations.
A wide open section with towering formations.
The trail leads to that canyon.
The trail leads to that canyon.
Looking back across the open grassy area.
Looking back across the open grassy area.
Headed into the steep section that requires some scrambling, which leads to the mouth of the canyon that will be the ascent.
Headed into the steep section that requires some scrambling, which leads to the mouth of the canyon that will be the ascent.
Class 2 scrambling up the canyon, with gorgeous views.
Class 2 scrambling up the canyon, with gorgeous views.
Toward the top of the canyon.
Toward the top of the canyon.
Dan posing as a wannabe cowboy.
Dan posing as a wannabe cowboy.
Pretty slickrock within the drainage after the scramble.
Pretty slickrock within the drainage after the scramble.
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The trail takes you through a canyon with pretty greenery and towering walls.
The trail takes you through a canyon with pretty greenery and towering walls.
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The canyon gets a little more rugged, but has a well-marked trail.
The canyon gets a little more rugged, but has a well-marked trail.
After exiting the canyon, the trail does become a little less obvious.
After exiting the canyon, the trail does become a little less obvious.
The Syncline Loop doesn't always follow washes, making it a bit difficult to stay on at times.
The Syncline Loop doesn't always follow washes, making it a bit difficult to stay on at times.
Image 24 from gallery
Looking back down the drainage.
Looking back down the drainage.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!