Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is really diverse! The hikes range from really easy to harder than I had time for (on this trip). So there’s something for everyone. It’s neat that it’s sort of divided into easier (Island in the Sky), harder (The Needles), & extreme (The Maze), & it’s sort of nice (or inconvenient, if you’re a pessimist) that they’re divided by rivers. It should encourage people to treat it as separate experiences, even though it’s all Canyonlands. Highly suggest the Grand View Trail in the south end of Island in the Sky. Incredible.

I only had few hours in the later part of the afternoon to see this park after hiking since the crack of dawn at Arches National. I did Mesa Arch; and Dead horse point which is technically not in Canyonlands National Park. Although not as spectacular as Grand Canyon but the locals disagree; never the less I think it is a beautiful area. I did not even make it to the Grand View Point Overlook. I would like to come back and devote a few days to this area.

Canyonland — sounds like a name that — well I think a better name is in order, but that is a side note. After doing arches the day before and being wowed by a. the red cliffs, I found Canyonland to be even more amazing with its incredible panoramas. Each stop, starting with the visitor center, requires a short walk, or for those way out of shape, a hike (oh my) to a point of vista panoramico! I just love this sort of view and found Canyonland to be one of my big favorites. It is a long drive to the entrance from I70 (25 miles) and and another 24 to the grand panorama. Make a day of it, bring your picnic, Take a few hikes and be sure your camera /​phone batteries are ready for a feast.

There are 3 different districts to Canyonlands NP.
1 — The Maze. I never visited but was told you need an off road vehicle and at least a minimum of 3 days to visit this place.
2 — The Needles District. WARNING — if you are a regular tourist, just looking to do simple exploring and sight seeing… this place is not for you. This section is a hiker’s paradise. If you’re a simple drive and go or get out of the car and see the sights person, the only district you need to visit at Canyonlands is Island in the Sky… which I will get to shortly.
This Needles section has about 10 strenuous hikes ranging anywhere from 6 — 12 miles round trip and is for experienced hikers. There are 4 short/​easy hikes to do but there’s not much to see along the way. My father and I decided to check out the Needles District because we had read good reviews and since I’m a national park guru (been to about 2/3’s of them), I wasn’t just going to see Island in the Sky and skip the Needles section.
Couple things… the drive from Island in the Sky to the Needles section is roughly 120 miles. After first spending an entire day at Island in the Sky, we made the drive to Monticello to spend the night (35 – 40 miles from Needles). Btw, we spent the night at a lovely B&B called The Grist Mill Inn in Monticello. Getting up the next day, driving 34 miles to the entrance of the Needles District of Canyonlands was fantastic! Literally my father and I joked that for the average tourist, all you need to see at Needles is the 35 mile drive to the entrance, then you can turn back around and go on your way! I’m serious. It’s all you need to do. There are plenty of places to pull over for great photos up close to these awe inspiring needles. They’re like singular column rock formations that sit right next to each other one by one. They’re really fascinating! Especially in the early sunrise the sun glistened off of them it was beautiful to see.
But, my father and I did spend a disappointing half day at The Needles… doing the 4 easy trails and a couple of scenic overlooks. Here they are…
1. Roadside Ruin — ¹⁄₃ mile round trip featuring an ancestral Puebloan granary. You can skip.
2. Cave Spring Trail — .6 miles round trip of a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric petroglyphs. You climb 2 ladders along the way. Very average. We were the only ones there.
A stop along the road at Wooden Shoe Arch is worth a quick picture.
3. Pothole Point Trail — .6 miles round trip looking at pothole ecosystems on the ground and eventually a descent view of The Needles. Just ok.
4. Slickrock — 2.4 miles round trip leads to panoramic viewpoints. They say you see frequent bighorn sheep sightings along the way but I saw none.
Finally you end at Big Spring Canyon Overlook where I expected to see dramatic vistas but was disappointed with average views. I took a couple photos here and that was it for The Needles district. I wish I was more of a hiker maybe I’d appreciate things more but just seeing the sights to and from the entrance of this part of the park was good enough for me.
3 — Island in the Sky! Yah, now I can be more positive! This portion has the most visitors as expected and is right near Moab and Arches NP and don’t forget Dead Horse Point State Park. This whole area in Moab is a must see and do for any traveler exploring the United States.
There are many pullouts w/​spectacular views along a paved scenic drive. From the Visitors Center at the entrance to the park, you eventually make your way to the Grand View Point that overlooks all of Canyonlands! Along the way…
Mesa Arch — half mile round trip hike to an arch on the edge of a cliff. Popular area. Great photos but it’s hard to get pics in with so many people surrounding you.
Upheaval Dome — 1 mile round trip to first overlook of an intriguing rock formation. Nice hike… never made it to 2^nd overlook which adds an extra mile and is strenuous.
Whale Rock — 1 mile round trip. Short climb leads to views of Upheaval Dome and surrounding area. Just alright to do. When at the peak of the hike, you’re supposedly on top of a whale’s body.
Aztec Butte — 2 miles round trip. It’s a steep climb leading to ancestral Puebloan granaries. Went about half way and turned around. Nothing too exciting.
Lastly, where almost everyone was… Grand View Point — 2 miles round trip. Easy walk along the canyon’s edge to the end of Island in the Sky mesa. Here there are loads of panoramic views. The 2 mile hike back and forth is fantastic and was the highlight of all of Canyonlands for me. Plenty of outstanding photo opportunities. Sort of reminded me of Grand Canyon without all the colors.
But, if you’ve come this far, thank you for reading my experience. I hope this helps everyone with exploring Canyonlands NP. Definitely visit Island in the Sky no matter who you are. If you’re a hiker, absolutely check out The Needles District. And if you’re an off road type/​camping out person, then the Maze portion may be for you.

It is a huge park — no joke. Make sure you have a full tank of gas entering the park. We didn’t get the chance to see everything — we went to Islands in the Sky via a 4×4 tour and it was absolutely breathtaking. The Green River overlook had a cool sunset. Thanks to the recommendation of a fellow traveller we met along the way… I can’t wait to go back there!

Canyonlands is a humongous National Park, and is divided into 3 sections. I only had the opportunity to visit one section (Islands in the Sky), since the other two sections (Maze and Needles) were a little farther from our home base in Moab.
Canyonlands seems like a very rugged and remote park. They post warnings about limited water, fuel, and food options. The trails are either pretty easy/​moderate if you stay up at the top Mesa, or vey strenuous if you decide to descend into the canyon. There are a lot of all-​wheel or 4-​wheel drive options, including going all the way around the White Rim.
Overall, a great and beautiful park. I would like I come back for sunset or sunrise over the canyon, and to see some other parts of the park!

Wow. I spent 4 days in Moab and I am kicking myself for only giving myself the 4^th day to see Canyonlands. I went to the Islands in the Sky area. Beautiful area and a total 180 from Arches for being so close. It snowed the morning I went (March 30) and the park was empty! It was beautiful being alone in the snowy wilderness. I started with the Mesa Arch hike, then did the hike to the end of the Grand View Point. Both stunning, low intensity hikes. I wanted to have time for the Whale Tail, but opted to do the Upheaval instead, which I also recommend. Lots of short hikes to fill a day (or longer if you prefer not to have breaks in-​between). Will absolutely return.

Sunrise at Mesa Arch is a one of a kind experience. The NP is easily accessible from Moab so if you are planning on staying in town, the drive is certainly doable. Grand View Point, which is located at the end of the NP is breathtaking as well. The canyons below range in shape and color but certainly give you a glimpse of the beauty of the Southwest.

Amazing! This place makes you feel so tiny. There are great hiked all over. We particularly enjoyed the trail that goes up and around the ridge. You don’t need a ton of time here if you aren’t doing the long overnight hike. v you can see a great highlight of the park from the ridge tail.
Go back at night though! It’s a certified Dark Sky park where yoh can see the Milky Way. Be careful though, and take every precaution add going to any park at night had its dangers :)

Simply Amazing Views.
Was on my to do list of National Parks and had the chance to view it in person this past weekend.
Canyons and Canyons… I know, they name says it all.
If you are in the area make it a point to visit here, you won’t be disappointed by the views of mother nature.
Years and Years of the past sit before you to enjoy.

Could have taken weeks to explore this park. stayed along the north side, island in the sky area. Did a few shorter hikes as it was cold, damp and very windy.
Grand View Overlook hike was incredible.
If you’re staying in Moab and have 4wd, take the Long Canyon Road to get between the two areas. You won’t regret it. You will pass Corona Arch (can’t see from the road) on your way out of Moab as well as petroglyphs on the walls above the road, which are marked.

Definitely worth the name of «Island in the Sky». My favorite National Park so far, the views are beyond words can explained, it was way tooooo pretty! The photos I took doesn’t do justice to the actual views that left us speechless when we got there. What I like most about Canyonlands, the hikes is not as difficult as compared to other national park especially during winter. All the view points are amazinggg! Definitely worth visiting! Will be back during summer/​spring so that we can spend more time appreciating each view point as it was way too colddd during winter. Love Mesa Arch, peep through the arch and look down, unbelievable view!
Tips:
~ Make sure you stop at the Green River Overlook as your last stop for the sunset. Check the sunset time at the Visitor Center as time varies (it was 5.07pm when we were there).

Wow… just wow! This is truly one incredible national park. Each vista was just amazing and we captured some truly incredible photos. Even though it was winter and snow on the pathways, we made the short trek to Mesa Arch and couldn’t get over the tremendous view of the canyonlands that is perfectly framed by the arch. This is an absolute must visit while in the Moab area!

The most underrated national park in Utah… maybe in the entire country! During my National Parks Tour in Utah, this was by far my favorite park (sorry Zion, I still love you though!).
There is something absolutely mesmerizing and awe-​inspiring about Canyonlands. It might be its sheer size; it’s so vast the park is broken up into four districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and The Rivers (Colorado and Green River). Or, it might be its staggering geological features with deep canyons, steep cliffs and remarkable vistas.
Admission is only $ 10! I visited both Island in the Sky and the Needles. Hands down, Needles District was the best. Less tourists + more remote = the perfect combination. One day when I’m feeling extra adventurous (and gutsy), I might try to venture out to the Maze – the most remote, primitive, and difficult to access district. This is where the movie «127 Hours» is based on. Yeah. Super hardcore and 100% pure backcountry.
ISLAND IN THE SKY:
This district is closest to Moab, located at the north end of Canyonlands. If you start early, you can hit many of the popular spots all in one day. My tip is to visit Island in the Sky first before the Needles, because the latter will blow your mind. I’m not implying that Island in the Sky is unworthy of visiting – it’s simply that the Needles is so remarkable, Island in the Sky pales in comparison (in my opinion). You can also take a slight detour to Dead Horse Point State Park while you’re here. Below are the short hikes I embarked on (distances are round-​trip):
*Mesa Arch — easy, 0.5 miles; most iconic arch/​landmark of this district/​Canyonlands; a classic sunrise spot with awesome views of the La Sal Mountains; this cliff-​edge arch is spectacular but good luck finding a spot to take photos – so many tourists crowding around and ON the arch.
*Whale Rock — moderate, 1 mile; a straight climb up the side of a huge sandstone dome, ending with broad views of Island in the Sky.
*Upheaval Dome — moderate, 1.8 miles; short yet steep trail with two overlooks; very unique and mysterious geologic feature.
*Grand View Point — easy, 2 miles; «out-​and-​back» stroll along the canyon edge with incredible panoramic views.
THE NEEDLES:
The Needles makes up the southeast corner of Canyonlands. This district is dominated by colorful spires of sandstone. The Needles is more challenging to reach, roughly a 1.5 hour drive from Moab. However, don’t let the distance deter you. It’s totally worth visiting and I regret not spending more time here. I’m planning to return for a camping trip because there is too much to see and experience.
Side note: On the way to the Needles is Newspaper Rock, a state monument featuring a rock panel carved with one of the largest collections of petroglyphs. Really neat! This isn’t part of Canyonlands NP, but you’ll pass it on your drive so why not stop and admire this historical feat?
The Needles offers amazing hikes. Conditions are primitive and most trails traverse a mixture of slickrock benches and sandy washes. Trails are marked with cairns (small rock piles) but stay alert as it’s easy to stray off trail.
My boyfriend and I decided to hike Druid Arch. Driving to the trailhead is an adventure itself. Two-​wheel-​drive vehicles should have no problem although I would recommend a 4WD vehicle just for the sake of your nerves as the road is very rocky.
Second side note: On our way to the trailhead, we passed Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook. Yup, it’s what you think it sounds like.
I won’t go into detail about Druid Arch, except that it’s one of my all-​time favorite hikes (and I hike a lot). It’s 11 miles and provides one of the most astonishing views in the Needles. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park Trail (UGH, must do this one next time!), then branches off to travel along the bottom of Elephant Canyon through deep sand and loose rock. The last ¼ mile at the upper end is steep (there is even a ladder for assistance!) and involves serious scrambling. Druid Arch is magnificent and the hike itself is strenuous but also peaceful and scenic.
As my partner and I drove out of the Needles, we stopped our vehicle several times to step out and simply admire the grand mountain range that stretched endlessly. Insanely breathtaking. I felt so overwhelmed by the majestic landscape I was close to tears. No lie. I almost cried because I just couldn’t handle how wildly beautiful and expansive this place was. It was basically too gorgeous to tolerate. It also didn’t hurt that the sun was starting to set and the sun’s rays transformed the red sandstones into vibrant orange mountains.
If you’re up for an unforgettable adventure, visit Canyonlands, particularly the Needles. It pains me to write this review because I don’t want to share this national treasure with anyone else. However, Canyonlands deserves recognition. Once you visit, you’ll understand why I want this canyon paradise all to myself.

5* Canyonlands National Park
There is a north entrance north of Moab
Broken down into three sections
Island in the Sky has beautiful rock formations, buttes, and arches e.g., The Three Gossips, Candlestick Torre, and Chester Park Needles
Very nice visitor center
4* View Outlook has nice canyon view
4* Mesa Arch is a 15-​minute moderate walk
Arch is nice, but the background is fabulous (photo op)
One bathroom in the parking lot

I took my 2WD down Shafer Trail. On way back, biker was shocked. Perhaps he thought I was crazy or hopefully impresses. Came back 2 days later to explore the overlooks and a few short hikes, no regrets and sweet sweet sweeping views. This place is amazing and different from ANP. I think more visitors prefer ANP because it does allow all ages to see the arches up close while offering challenging trails for others.
I hope to someday take a 4×4 into the Maze and spend hard core time at the Canyonlands!

Awesomesauce. Canyonlands seems more open and vast to me than the other National Parks of Utah. There is little to no shade and the weather is nuts… it rained and the sun blazed on us within hours so come prepared for anything (May)! If you have a jeep, this is your place. We enjoyed the Upheaval Dome, Grandview Point Overlook, Island in the Sky (Mesa Arch), etc. I highly recommend hiking up and standing on top of Mesa Arch… just don’t look behind you for too long, it’s dizzying but amazing.
Fun fact: Canyonlands is where dude from 27 Days was stuck. There’s some serious hardcore stunts to do out here, people!

Island In the Sky District: absolutely beautiful. Takes a while to drive to anything, so pack a lunch and some snacks, plenty of water, and get ready for breath taking views from the islands in the sky! There is little shade here, so be prepared for sun and heat exposure. There are occasional picnic stops at some trail heads along with restrooms. When i went, there were quite a few other visitors as well, so you may run into some crowds, but nothing like Zion or Arches.
Needles District: this section of the park was practically vacant when we arrived, though it was after 5pm. However we ran into NO ONE on the trails, and only one other group in our campsite… and this was in July. The July heat would normally be treacherous, but we arrived and hiked in the evening when it was cooler, and then hit the road the next morning before it got hit again. The evening hike was peaceful and the sunset was one of the best things I’ve seen in a while.
Note that Canyonlands is huge, and that the districts aren’t easily accessible from one another. If you plan to do both Island in the Sky and Needles, plan on a 60 – 90 min drive at least between these areas. Each has their own entrance and visitors center.

Beautiful and peaceful!
When we drove into the Canyonlands it was a picturesque scene of colorful landscaping in the forms of canyons, mesas and buttes that formed by the Colorado River. We stopped at each overlook point beginning with Island In The Sky. Every overlook offered an interesting view and a different perspective on Canyonlands’ spectacular landscape. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend here The Island is the easiest to visit. There’s plenty of pullouts along paved scenic drive. Although very different, it somewhat reminded me of a smaller scale of the Grand Canyon. The best view of the Canyonlands would be from the Grand View Point Overlook (Elevation 6,080 ft). It is an amazing view at the end of the road and a place with breathtaking views as you get a full view of hundreds of miles of the buttes and canyons on a clear day! From here you can see the La Sal Mountains, White Rim Sandstone, and the Colorado River Canyon. We visited the Canyonlands during Thanksgiving last year so it was a bit chilly. There was no snow but the winds were cold. We did not do any hiking here, just enjoyed the drive and the scenic views the park had to offer.

Skip the crowds with the traditional arch and make your way to this one! Make it a long hike and enjoy the journey. It was absolutely breath taking!
About 1.5 hours away from Moab. Canyon lands offered the Joint trail, it took us about 5 hours to do 15 miles with a decent pace. Some of the trail was a little rough and slick but doable for some that doesn’t sit on the couch too much.
We started around noon, after sleeping in and eating breakfast :) got done around 5. Had some great sun but bring SPF 70+ you will burn! But wasn’t too bad.
With this trail you’ll definitely feel it on your buns! ;) great workout! Definitely the highlight of my trip.