Route: Murphy Loop, Canyonlands (UT)

A 10.5 mile lollipop loop from the Murphy TH in Islands in the Sky (Canyonlands National Park), looping on the Murphy Hogback Trail, the White Rim Road, and the Murphy Wash Trail.

Described by Brandon Yonke:

Murphy's Loop begins from the Murphy Trail parking area in Canyonlands NP Island In the Sky District. Take the trail toward the rim and fork gently left at the first sign about a half mile in. You'll quickly become reliant on cairns to guide you to the rim, another few hundred yards out. The trail becomes narrow and rugged as is descends a cliffside. A misstep could lead to a bad day on this section, though no proper climbing experience/hands is needed. Once beneath the cliff area, split right when you encounter the second sign to follow the Murphy Hogback Trail. Near mile 4.5, you'll intersect the White Rim Road, popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Split left. At mile 5.8, at the bottom of a winding descent, look for a wash (which may have lots of white sediment) and a sign marked Murphy Wash. Enter the wash and follow this, which is well cairned. Keep on the widest wash whenever it splits if cairns are not present. Join back to the initial Murphy Trail at the bottom of the rim wall, and climb back up the same route you came down, continuing back to the parking lot. 10.5 Miles and 1,550ft gain.