Islet in the Sky is a sandstone pillar located within Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah, United States.Eric Bjornstad, Desert Rock: Rock Climbs in the National Parks, Chockstone Press, 1996, . It is situated in the Island in the Sky District of the park, one mile (1.6 km) east of the Island in the Sky paved road that leads to Grand View Point. This spire is composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. Precipitation runoff from Islet in the Sky drains east to the nearby Colorado River via Buck Canyon. Access is via the White Rim Road which traverses between this remote spire and the river.
Climbing The first ascent of the summit was made by Ken Trout and Bruce Lella on November 22, 1979, via the north side. Retrieved 2024-05-06. The climbing route is rated . Steve Bartlett climbed a new route, solo, in 1996.Eric Bjornstad, 1997 American Alpine Journal, Mountaineers Books, page 155.
Climate According to the Köppen climate classification system, Islet in the Sky is located in a cold semi-arid climate zone, which is defined by the coldest month having an average mean temperature below 32 °F (0 °C) and at least 50% of the total annual precipitation being received during the spring and summer. This desert climate receives less than of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter. Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit Islet in the Sky.
See also Geology of the Canyonlands area Colorado Plateau
References
External links Canyonlands National Park National Park Service Islet in the Sky climbing: Mountainproject.com