Canyonlands National Park

Visited: May 2014

Nearby city: Moab, UT (Island in the Sky area)

                     Monticello, UT (Needles area)

"The most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth -- there is nothing else like it anywhere"

-Edward Abbey

Canyonlands is a large park in southeastern Utah that encompasses the area where the Colorado River and Green River meet. Moab, UT, which serves as your home base for Arches National Park, also serves as home base for exploring Canyonlands (at least the Island in the Sky area).

Canyonlands is divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers into 3 distinct and separate districts. (1) Island in the Sky, in the northern section of the park, is the most accessible and frequently visited area of the park. It is a high plateau that provides commanding views of the rivers and the canyons. There's lot of good overlooks, short hikes, and access to the adventurous White Rim Road. (2) Needles District (in the southeast) is a place full of pinnacles, fins and natural arches. It's a lot like Arches National Park except much more remote and undeveloped. Lots of crazy 4WD roads and long trails, suitable for backpacking. And finally (3) The Maze (this takes up the western side of the park). This place is incredibly remote. Only accessed by miles and miles (and miles) of very primitive roads. The rivers themselves also act as a separate district of the park. Cataract Canyon contains Class III/IV rapids, and there are a number of outfitters that offer day trips to week-long excursions.

We only spent about half a day in the park, all of it in the Island of the Sky region. Canyonlands is worth a visit, especially since it is so close to Arches. Canyonlands is not really the park for casual day-trippers. If you really want to experience this place, you probably need to devote an entire vacation to exploring it. And you need to have some experience hiking, 4-wheel driving, or rafting. But Island in the Sky is perfect spot for day-trippers like us.

From US Highway 191 head west on State Highway 313, the turnoff is a few miles north of the entrance to Arches National Park. Take 313 all the way to the Island in the Sky District. The entrance fee is $25. Stop at the Visitor Center and then take the road all the way to the end to Grand View Point Overlook. You can soak in the views from the parking lot, or take the mile long trail along the canyon's edge. The colors are dramatic, the views are monumental.

Grand View Point Overlook

The Green River Overlook is a rare spot to view the actual river (along with the canyons) without venturing from your car. 

Brave souls can take the Shaffer Rim Road or the White Rim Road in a 4WD or on a mountain bike. The White Rim Road is a 100 mile unpaved road. The park recommends that you take 2-3 days to drive the road. You'll need a permit to camp at the back country sites.

Looking down at the White Rim Road from the Main Park Road. See the truck?

Our last stop at the Park was Mesa Arch. This beautiful arch clings to a sheer cliff face and perfectly frames the Canyonlands scenery.

It would be simply impossible to visit all that Canyonlands has to offer in one day. But if you are short on time, stick with Island in the Sky. If you're looking for a little more fun and adventure (and you have more time) take the White Rim Road or go to the Needles District. Although Arches is the more popular park, head on over to Canyonalands because it's definitely worth your time to take in the tremendous scenery. More info: https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm