Canyonlands National park
The Places One Should Visit in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park was established in 1919 and is located in northwestern Arizona, USA. It covers an immense area of 1.2 million acres. Around 6.2 million visitors visit the park each year. In 2019, it was designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The park is divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers.
Island in the Sky
The Island in the Sky is elevated 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain and is considered the easiest place to visit. You can explore the backcountry by hiking trails or four-wheel-drive roads. It is around 40 minutes from the visitor center. The visitor center is open year-round but may be closed on some winter days. They provide important information, exhibits, books to buy, water, wireless internet, a picnic area, and backcountry permits.
Mesa Arch
Mesa Arch is one of the most popular places to visit. It is located at the edge of a cliff above Buck Canyon. It looks like a gigantic window, and the view of the White Rim and La Sal Mountains is breathtaking. It is a short hike of 0.5 miles round trip, which takes about 20-30 minutes. The view during sunrise is incredible and perfect for photographs. The parking area is large, and since it is a short trip, the area is less crowded.
Grand View Point
Grand View Point, with an elevation of 6,080 feet, is located at Canyonlands Island in the Sky. From there, you can see the Colorado River, Green River, and the Needles district. The high vistas offer a broader experience, justifying its name. The Grand View Point trail is popular for hikers and is an easy short trip with a 1-mile hike. It takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. The sunset view is incredible, so don’t miss it while visiting.
Green River Overlook
This is a place you should keep on your bucket list. The view is different from other overlooks. It is not far from the parking area. The White Rim Road, Orange Cliffs, Ekker Butte, and the Maze district are visible from a distance. Even the canyons look wider from there, and the Green River flowing below the canyon, creating a curve, looks amazing.
Upheaval Dome
The Upheaval Dome is a large crater formed by a meteorite. It has different shades of colors inside it. There are two viewpoints: one is 0.3 miles from the parking area, and the other is 0.5 miles away, which is more difficult but offers a beautiful view.
White Rim Overlook
This is an easy trail of 2 miles with incredible views. It takes about 1 hour to complete the trail. It is less popular compared to the Grand View Overlook, making it less crowded. If you want to enjoy a different scenery of Canyonlands and have enough time, you can add it to your visit list.
The Needles
The Needles is situated in the southeast corner of the park, dominated by colorful sandstone. You can enjoy Tower Ruin, Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, and the Joint Trail within the area. There are hiking trails for those who love adventure. Moreover, you can walk or drive a four-wheeler to explore the beauty of the area. Camping is also available, and you may visit the service center for more information.
The Maze
The Maze is the most remote place in Canyonlands National Park. The road conditions and difficult trails make the trip more time-consuming. If you plan to visit the Maze area, be prepared with essential equipment. The Orange Cliff unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area should be visited by reservation or permit along with overnight trips. There are also specific sites for mountain bike groups and four-wheelers to stay in. There is the Hans Flat Ranger Station for emergencies.
The Rivers
The Colorado and Green Rivers are two prominent rivers. The river corridors are full of greenery with shades and wildlife. The rivers’ calm upstream confluence makes them accessible for canoes and kayaks. There are also guided trips available. The flow of the rivers depends on the snowmelt and rainfall, and the nature of the rivers changes according to the season.
How to Get There
Directions from Moab:
- Take Highway 191, 10 miles north to Highway 313
- Then drive southeast for 22 miles
The nearest airport is Canyonlands Field Airport, and the closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport.
Accommodation in the Park
There are no lodging arrangements within the park. The lodging and dining facilities in nearby communities are:
- Moab
- Monticello
- Green River
- Hanksville
Entry Fees
- $30 per vehicle (good for 7 days)
- $15 per individual
Best Time to Visit There
Spring (March-May)
Spring is the most popular time for visitors. Despite being the least visited park in Utah, you can expect fewer crowds even during peak seasons. The weather is warm, the days are sunny with little precipitation, and hiking opportunities are abundant. The La Sal Mountains remain snow-covered, offering spectacular views and wildflowers. Parking is at a premium, so if you want to stay at the campground, you need to make reservations in advance. Online reservations are available.
Summer (June-August)
In the summer, the desert becomes brutally hot. July is the hottest time in the park. The trails are accessible, but you have to start early and carry plenty of water. The temperature at night becomes mild, but you have to deal with the hottest days. Most people visit the main viewpoints by car. There is still the possibility of thunderstorms in the evening.
Fall (September-October)
Fall offers relief from the hot temperatures of summer. The average high temperature remains in the 70s to 80s. There is also the possibility of precipitation. Less vegetation is found during this time. This is a good time for water trips into the Colorado and Green Rivers. Mountain biking or driving on the White Rim Road and backpacking trips in the Needles are popular activities.
Winter (November-February)
Winter is not crowded at all. The temperature is low, and you can see snowfall. Snow-covered mountain peaks will amaze you, but most remote corners are not accessible. Hiking is still allowed where possible. Snow skiing and stargazing are favorable for visitors. The park’s services are limited, so be prepared to manage on your own.
Things to Do in the Canyonlands National Park
- Auto Touring
- Backpacking
- Biking and Boating
- Camping and Climbing
- Hiking
- Horse Riding
- Ranger-led Programs
- Stargazing
- Guided Tours
Pros and Cons of Visiting
Pros
- Stargazing
- Hiking
- Less crowded compared to other national parks
Cons
- Artificial lighting disrupts wildlife
- Closures in winter
Achievements and Suggestions
Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest park. The vast area provides visitors with orange-red canyons and a beautiful array of rock formations. With spectacular views, hiking, camping, astrophotography, driving, and boating, Canyonlands has something for everyone. As the area is huge, plan your tour for 3-4 days. In spring, you can enjoy the park to the fullest, though it is open year-round. Make your reservations in advance and plan your tour according to the season.
