Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP

Tyler Rosenhan

Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP

02/21/23

Probably the coolest hike I’ve done in Canyonlands NP (although I haven’t done many). A lot of elevation change, first descending towards the river before ascending back up. Make sure you are familiar with the route before going as it can be hard to know where you’re supposed to be going.

5.0

Scott Thorson

Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP

09/10/17

This is not a trail to take lightly especially during summer months and flash flood season. Expect to drink a gallon (easily) or more and pack accordingly as there are no water sources except 8mi round trip trail to the green river. Temps in the canyon during august were easily 100-110+ with little relief in the shade. I got a permit to camp solo and started clockwise on the loop, brought about 40lbs of gear including a gallon of H2O and a 1 man tent. I was almost half way through my water when I reached the crater trail (another 3mi round trip) so I dropped my pack in the shade and walked in with a 1L nalgene to at least see the crater for a short time. Ended up hiking back the way I came, was brutal but saw some amazing views and Geology. I DO NOT recommend going solo if you are not familiar with basic desert survival techniques. Also flash floods kill dozens of people every year, and this hike is %60 going through old washes. Follow the carins and you shouldn't get lost.

5.0

Brian Skibbe

Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP

05/19/17

I did this loop as a training run on Sunday, May 14, 2017. The temperature was around 80 degrees. When doing it as a tempo run as I did, you really have to keep your eyes open wide and on the trail at all times, as there are many hops, skips, slick rock sections, jumps, and terrain variations to navigate tempo speed. There are definitely a few sections where you are not running, but rock climbing and bouldering. In these sections there's also some exposure, with steep drop-offs, so if you have acrophobia these will be sections where you'll have to face that fear. ;) Also, since I was running tempo, I really had to pay attention to the cairns, as there are many places where you can go off trail, or in the wrong direction, as there are quite a few gullies and dry stream beds, especially in miles 4-6, that run into the trail route. I ran up a these from time to time when my mind wandered and had to backtrack. Some guides say to take a map, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you will always be able to spot a cairn, as there are hundreds of them, yes hundreds, along this loop. HYDRATION!! Even though it was only 80°, I went through my gallon of water very, very quickly. This arid climate it really sucks it out of you....fast. In Kansas where I live, an 80° run up to 10 miles or so usually doesn't require a water stop, whereas on this loop I'd consumed my gallon by the fifth mile (with 3+ miles and 1000+ feet of elevation gain to go!), and was completely parched by the time I finished. This is a trail where people get lost and off-trail often, so this makes having plenty of water even more important. All in all, this is a wonderful loop, with lots of variation and scenery. Don't expect to set an 8 mile tempo run PR here though...lol. I did this loop in 2:26, and I'd say I was pushing it at 80-90% of my physical ability. In addition, I would definitely recommend wearing a trail-oriented shoe. If you wear a road running shoe, your grip and stability will be greatly compromised without off-road tread and a footbed designed to absorb rock impacts. #getouside!

5.0