Murphy Point Overlook At-Large Backpacking Zone — Canyonlands National Park
SwitchbackKids
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2017

Perhaps THE best-kept secret in the National Parks!

We think that Murphy Point Overlook is one of the best-kept secrets in the entire National Park system (and we visited every national park last year!) 

After reading about this unique backcountry campsite in our National Geographic “Secrets of the National Parks” guide book, we were shocked that when we inquired about it to a ranger, he told us the spot was available for the night. It is still a secret.

In Canyonlands, there are many options for backcountry camping, and each area or “zone” has a designated number of permits available. What is unique about Murphy Point is that only one permit per day is issued, ensuring total solitude for camping in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Buying the permit at the visitor center was not necessarily cheap ($30 per permit, which is good for up to 14 days), but it was easy, even in the late-summer almost-peak season.

The site itself is amazing. A short (1.8-mile one-way) trail leads out the overlook, which is stunning, especially for your own private sunset and sunrise experience. Camping here allows you to see the best of the light in the evening and early morning and experience drop-dead views from the comfort of your tent window. It’s easily one of the best campsites we have ever been in.

During the rest of our time at Islands of the Sky, we followed the crowds around to Mesa Arch and other short (but beautiful!) overlook trails. We especially loved the White Rim Overlook trail, which is easy to miss as it appears to just be a picnic area but is actually a very deserted -- but incredible -- overlook. We also spent two days backpacking in the Needles District, which we highly recommend if you have the time.

You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Canyonlands)

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Murphy Point Overlook At-Large Backpacking Zone — Canyonlands National Park by SwitchbackKids , June 22, 2017
  • Review photo of Murphy Point Overlook At-Large Backpacking Zone — Canyonlands National Park by SwitchbackKids , June 22, 2017
  • Review photo of Murphy Point Overlook At-Large Backpacking Zone — Canyonlands National Park by SwitchbackKids , June 22, 2017
  • Video highlights from our time in the park.
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  • Review photo of Murphy Point Overlook At-Large Backpacking Zone — Canyonlands National Park by SwitchbackKids , June 22, 2017
  • Review photo of Murphy Point Overlook At-Large Backpacking Zone — Canyonlands National Park by SwitchbackKids , June 22, 2017