Canyonlands National Park
A marvelous maze of canyons stretching across eastern Utah. Second only to the grand canyon, this massive expanse of cliffs was carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. Three distinct districts (Island in the Sky, Needles, and the Maze) are comprised of spectacular rock formations sculpted by the force of wind and water.
The park is fairly primitive, there is no guard booth for collecting tolls (entrance fees are paid at visitors centers) and there are no campsites, amenities, or facilities besides the two visitors centers (Needles and Island in the Sky)
ISLAND IN THE SKY DISTRICT
The most developed district in Canyonlands and, at under 45min from Moab, is also the most accessible. A scenic drive with views of the endless canyons takes you to Mesa Arch, Grand View, and Upheaval Dome.
MESA ARCH
This iconic arch is the most recognizable feature in the park. A wide arch sits on the precipice of a cliff, overlooking some of the most scenic canyons in the park. The arch creates a natural frame for photographers, and the sun rises over the eastern horizon behind the La Sal Mountains through which the arch faces, so this is a very popular destination for photographers and sunrise enthusiasts. From the parking lot, a quick, yet varied, mile long loop trail takes you to the arch. The miraculously hangs over the edge of the cliff and looks like it could fall off at any minute.
GRAND VIEW
Grandiose views of canyon after canyon, second only to Grand Canyon. The expanse of gullies and ravines seems to extend out beyond the horizon.
SCHAFER TRAIL
This steep 4WD dirt road descends aggressively into the canyons. Tight switchbacks, steep drop-offs, and a primitive dirt road without guardrails make this road fairly dangerous and should not be attempted by those without some off-road experience. Four-wheel-drive is a must and this road should be avoided during inclement weather or at night. At the end of Schafer Canyon Road, fork left to head toward Thelma and Louise Point, where the infamous scene of two outlaws driving their car into the Grand Canyon was filmed. To the right, Schafer Canyon Road turns into White Rim Road, an off-roading favorite.
WHITE RIM ROAD
This rugged off-road trail is a off-roaders paradise, looking down into vast canyons, and up at enormous canyon walls. The road roughly parallels the Colorado River heading south before it’s confluence with the Green River, when the road turns back north slaloming between the cliffs of the Island in the Sky and the banks of the Green River, before ascending onto the mesa from the other side of Canyonlands. The trip takes a few days to tackle, and there are no amenities so bring all of the food, water, and shelter you’ll need for a few days. This is also a popular mountain biking trail. Bikers often team up with a support vehicle to haul supplies.
NEEDLES DISTRICT
No paved roads transverse the park, so the get the Needles District south-east of Island in the Sky you’ll have to head south on US-191 from Moab for forty miles before turning right onto UT-211 at Church Rock. The Needles District visitor’s center is another 35 miles from 191. Along the scenic drive you’ll pass Newspaper Rock, a large rock with several hundred petroglyphs carved into its surface. Some etchings are over two thousand years old. After the visitor’s center, check out Wooden Shoe Arch, a natural arch that resembles a wood clog. The road ends at Big Spring Canyon Overlook.
THE MAZE DISTRICT
The maze is by far the most inaccessible region in Canyonlands National Park. This part of the park is not for those who are in a hurry. It is rare for visitors to spend less than three days in the Maze. There are no amenities in this part of the park so visitors should be prepared to be completely self-sufficient and prepared for the worst. The remoteness in this part of the country is not to be taken lately. To get here, from UT-24 near Goblin Valley State Park, take a 2WD dirt road for forty-six miles to the Hans Flat Ranger Station. From the station, the canyons of the Maze are another 3-6hrs along a 4WD dirt road that requires a high clearance vehicle.
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