Canyonlands National Park

The Canyonlands National Park is a dream-come-true for hikers who love the high desert wilderness. The park is a maze of canyons, gorges, mesas and other geological formations. These hikes aren't as easy as going through a wooded park, but for families who like a challenge the difficulty is half the fun!

The canyon walls show a great deal of classic sandstone banding that is so common in rock formations around Utah. It always makes for great photos, especially if you catch the right light at sunset.

Out of the 3 main sections of the park, only the Islands in the Sky district is easily accessible by vehicle. On the other hand, the Needles and the Maze are both much more rugged and remote with no paved roads, making them absolutely perfect for some backcountry backpacking. Most visitors say that you should allow yourself at least 3 days, but you can easily fill a week or more without seeing the same scenery twice.

Certain points all through the park can provide great overhead views of the canyons, and offer spectacular spots for photos. The Schaeffer Trail overlook and Grand View Point are two our favorites. Grand View Point is just off the road that goes through the Islands in the Sky and if you follow the trail to the rim and then walk along it for a while you’re rewarded with the best views.

Whether you stick with the easier trails, or plunge onward through the distant mesas, you’ll have a great choice of routes. All three districts have marked and mapped trails so you can navigate this huge canyon park without being completely lost.

Don't think that Canyonlands is all dusty stone  and desert. Both the Colorado and Green Rivers runs right through the park, and is just crying out to be ridden. You can take it easy with a peaceful float or experience the thrill of big-water rafting. Sound interesting? We'll get you a seat on the right boat.

Quick Facts:

--Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once had a hideout in the Maze area of the park.