The Syncline Loop Trail follows a series of washes and canyons around the base of Upheaval Dome. This strenuous trail is difficult to follow, and only experienced hikers should attempt the loop. Visitors will enjoy magnificent backcountry landscapes, lush riparian corridors and good wildlife viewing opportunities on the Syncline Trail. The following pictures appear in clockwise order on the Loop.

Cryptobiotic soil is a living ground cover comprised of cyanobacteria and varying amounts of lichen, moss, green algae, micro fungi, and bacteria

After .9 miles of easy travel, the trail reaches a cliff on the rim of a deep canyon

Magnificent views accompany a perilous 1.1 mile, 1075' descent to the canyon floor

Despite receiving only 9" of rain per year, cottonwoods and leafy brush thrive along riparian corridors

A slickrock wash (1.75 miles) marks the end of a brief reprieve on the rugged descent to the canyon floor

A pair of cairns at 1.75 miles marks the second phase of the initial canyon descent

During mating season, female Leopard Lizards will display red bars across their backs which disappear when the season is over

Travel down the wash is fairly intuitive, occasionally rising above it with useful perspective

Non-native Cheatgrass competes with native Bunch and Sod grasses, vital food sources for native plants and people

Desert bighorn sheep are considered to be a unique subspecies; they have longer legs, lighter coats and smaller bodies than their Rocky Mountain cousins

Shortly past the split for Upheaval Canyon, the trail makes an abrupt turn up stone steps over the wash

A large, open desert terrace near the convergence of Syncline Valley and Upheaval Canyon

Travel moderates considerably through the riparian area of lower Syncline Valley (3.7 miles)

At 4.0 miles, the trail turns sharply up an increasingly rugged path into the upper canyon (view down Syncline Valley

Looking down Syncline Valley through the difficult transition zone from the lower to upper canyon

The infamous boulder fields of the Syncline Loop require patience and athleticism

Once out of the boulder fields, travel moderates through grassy meadows and heavy brush

The lush riparian zone from 4.7 - 5.7 miles is a great place to find wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep and mountain lion

Large slickrock domes frame the seep and spring fed upper canyon

At 5.75 miles, the trail becomes difficult to follow as it makes a sharp right turn up a tall, narrow gap

Cyanobacteria converts atmospheric nitrogen to a synthesizable form, a vital resource for native vegetation

Despite milder conditions, navigational vigilance is critical to the very end