The Syncline Loop Trail is an 8.3 mile loop that goes around Upheaval Dome in Island in the Sky District in Canyonlands National Park.   There are no views into Upheaval Dome but there is a short spur trail that goes up to and along the rim that can be done after completing the loop or on another day.   We hiked Syncline Loop on a hot September day and found it to be a tiring, but rewarding route.

Going counter-clockwise, the trail goes west along the rock bench before it drops down 1300 feet into the canyons below.   Two junctions are reached ahead, one going for 6 miles west through Upheaval Canyon to the White Rim Road and another one going east for 1.5 miles up into the crater of the dome.   The main loop trail winds its way up through Upheaval Valley into a beautiful canyon between Upheaval Dome and Buck Mesa.   One steep section on the rock then leads to a side canyon which can be followed in a gradual climb all the way back to the start. 

The scenery is fine for the whole way on this rugged route.   Few people were on the trail and it has a remote backcountry feel to it.  There was almost no shade so bringing enough water is important.   Wildflowers and flowering cactus greeted us along the trail in April.  The longer trails in this District all drop down to the White Rim Bench and back up making a hot and tiring day of hiking.   On this route, staying on the trail can also be a challenge.   We kept a sharp eye out for cairns and managed to stay on track, finishing the hike in 3.5 hours

The short spur trail to the rim of the crater is definitely worth your time.   We enjoyed hiking to the lookouts and scrambling along the ridges, which will be a follow-up story.