During the winter months, it is much less crowded, but temperatures get below freezing and snow is likely. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season. Check here for information on what weather you should expect. The visitor center is located in the Island in the Sky district and has a variety of exhibits and information about the park. As a matter of fact, night skies at Canyonlands are so pristine that the International Dark Sky Association designated Canyonlands as aGold-Tier International Dark Sky Park in 2015. The Park Contains Some Of The Most Remote Land In The United States, 14. The road is rough and rocky, with several steep climbs and descents, and can be very strenuous. Grand Circle Tour: Shaping Lives One National Park at a Time But there is something extra special about standing on the White Rim. The Orange Cliffs are especially beautiful in the late afternoon as the sun starts to make its way toward the horizon and the cliffs are illuminated with a brilliant orange glow, thus the name. how to drive the White Rim Road in one day. You have to come up on it at just the right angle to really see the whale but its there, especially for those with more vivid imaginations. Required fields are marked *. Permits & Reservations First, lets start with the basics of Canyonlands: The Green and Colorado Rivers have divided Canyonlands intofour unique districts: Island in the Skyis the most accessible and offers panoramic views of the park along the Island in the Sky scenic drive. The layout of the park is fairly complicated so there are some things you should know about getting around. With two day in Canyonlands, follow the recommendation above on your first day. I recommend getting to the arch about an hour prior to sunset to get a good spot (especially if youre trying to take a photo) and to see the full display of magic happen. Miners and Rangers: From 1880-1975, this area was home to local ranchers for their winter pasture: Famous and infamous people in the Canyonlands area: Its surprising the number of plants that are found in thissouthwest national park. Canyonlands National Park is an increedible place famous for its breathtaking overlooks, deep canyons, famous sunrises, and colorful sandstone spires. Dont miss nearby Dead Horse Point State Park, which you can easily add on to a visit to Island in the Sky. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The road is unpaved and can be quite rough in places, with steep drop-offs and tight turns. It also makes a handy home base to explore Arches National Park. Its a steep descent to get down to the White Rim (roughly 1,400 feet), and then a hefty climb to get back up onto the Island in the Sky mesa. Weve got expert guides, beautiful photos, helpful tips, breathtaking films and so much more. Over the centuries, people have moved and migrated. If you're looking for longer, more rewarding trails to explore in Canyonlands, the Needles district is a hikers paradise and avoids a lot of the crowds in Island in the Sky. Each district of the park has its own visitor center or ranger station, which operates on its own schedule. But so much beauty and adventure lies beyond the sights on top of the Island in the Sky mesa. This trail starts on Grand View Point Road and ends near Murphys Hogback, once of the steepest, most challenging hills on the White Rim Road. 2. No BS! Its a beautiful natural arch that is located on a cliff edge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Canyonlands. The Needles Campground is located in the southern part of the park and offers 29 more secluded camp sites. It was. There are several primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to its natural beauty, Canyonlands National Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Below is a map from the national park service. The drive to the Maze from the Needles district takes about 3 hours. For those looking to explore the remote and rugged landscape, add backcountry adventures to your list of things to do in Canyonlands. The White Rim Road is a 100-mile dirt road that makes a loop around the Island in the Sky mesa. Bluejohn Canyon is located southwest of the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands National Park. Mesa Arch Is The Most Famous Arch At Canyonlands, 12. If you want to get an up-close look at the Needles, the sandstone spires that make the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park so uniquely beautiful, put Chesler Park on your list. The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, but some facilities may close during the winter season. Canyonlands National Park is considered one of these dark sky parks, where its possible to see up to 15,000 stars throughout the night. Odds are if you love the national parks then youve seen images of our top Canyonlands activity before. Take a guided tour of the Maze, or if you have experience with 4WD and backcountry travel, consider exploring on your own. Canyonlands National Park is a sprawling park that is located near Moab, Utah. On this list, it is just a short walk to each overlook, with one exception. The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. You can expect one (short) email per week. But if a little bit of noise doesnt bother you, and you want to stay in the nicest hotel in Moab, stay at the Hoodoo. One of the most unique things about Canyonlands National Park is the layout. This is another property that gets excellent reviews. In addition to the natural beauty of the night sky, Canyonlands National Park also offers ranger-led stargazing programs and other events. At 11 miles round trip the Confluence Overlook Trail only has 300 feet of elevation gain and requires about 5-6 hours to complete. Learn more in our Guide to the Syncline Loop. I labeled four areas of the park for more clarity (Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles and Horseshoe Canyon). For the ultimate experience, drive the full 100 mile loop. Another of the extraordinary Canyonlands National Park Facts is that Canyonlands contains some of the most remote land remaining in the continental United States. These roads are challenging and require a high level of driving skill and experience. MID-RANGE: Homewood Suites. Arches Superintendent Became An Advocate For Canyonlands National Park, 3. 84532, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Be sure to bring plenty of water and supplies, as well as a good map of the park and a GPS. The Green River is located west of the Island in the Sky mesa. Hike One (or More) of the Short Trails in Island in the Sky, 10. Just around the corner from Island in the Sky is The Needles. What this means for us is that the show above is pretty spectacular. If you do decide to take on Shafer Canyon Road, be sure to take it slow and watch for washouts and other hazards. Another important note is that the trail features a lot of uneven, rocky, sandy terrain. 13 Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park - Two Wandering Soles The Needles is a uniquely beautiful spot and a visit here is one of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park. Heres a good article we wrote detailingCanyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles! Canyonlands has been home to people for over 10,000 years, The man who played an integral part in the creation of Canyonlands National Park was actually the superintendent of a different park, Enter Arches National Monument Superintendent Bates Wilson, Canyonlands National Park contains awide variety of plant life. 2. They meet at the Confluence, which sits to the south of the Island in the Sky mesa. One day is just enough time to visit the best overlooks and hike a few of the shorter trails. More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides, Article Overview: Best Things to Do at Canyonlands National Park. This national park is made up of five sections and each of them offer a very different experience. The best time for stargazing at Canyonlands is when the sky is darkest during the week of the new moon or the week prior to the new moon. While in Canyonlands National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. The trail to the arch is only about 0.5 miles round trip and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. What is the best part of Canyonlands to visit? And if you want to spend some time on the river, go white water rafting in Cataract Canyon or drift along the Colorado or Green Rivers. You should probably know that we dont just make this stuff up out of thin air. Canyonlands National Park: 11 Key Things To Know Before Visiting Im Will Pattiz and along with my brother Jim, were collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks. Dark Sky Utah: A complete guide to astro-travel in America's darkest In the afternoon, visit the parks visitor center to learn more about the parks history and geology. Its also a good idea to bring along a map of the area, as cell phone reception can be spotty in the park. The spring and fall months are the best times to visit. Syncline Loop: 8.5 miles. The Maze is the place to go to explore the desert landscapes in a 4WD vehicle. Included among these indigenous groups are the following: The man who played an integral part in the creation of Canyonlands National Park was actually the superintendent of a different park. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, but you dont feel like doing a challenging hike, you have several great options. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Some of these species include: You can also find a wide variety of wildlife at Canyonlands too: Canyonlands National Park was announced as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015. Grand View Point Road begins at the parks visitor center and winds 19 miles through the heart of the Island in the Sky district, providing access to several popular overlooks and trailheads. While hiking and backpacking are the top backcountry activities, rock climbing, mountain biking, and rafting are also popular. Later he made trips down the Ohio and Illinois Rivers. Reaching the overlook makes the hike more than worthwhile as the views of the confluence below are really stunning. There are several different ways to experience the White Rim Road. On top of that, anyone thinking about taking this challenge on is required to stop off at a ranger station and pick up a permit. The nearby Horseshoe Canyon Unit, which sits just northwest of The Maze and is a common day-use area where guests can see a wide array of amazing, American Indian rock art panels. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. The first major crime attributed to Cassidy is the robbery of the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, on June 24, 1889. For roughly one hour, the rising sun illuminates the bottom of the arch, creating a spectacular view. Several reptiles can be found, including eleven species oflizards and eight species of snake. Wilhite Trail. We have TONS more information about Utah in our Utah Travel Guide and the USA in our United States Travel Guide. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including pinyon pine trees, juniper trees, and mule deer. The drive to the canyon from the nearest town, Green River, takes about 2 hours. Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Keep driving down the road about a mile until you see the signs for Shafer Trail Viewpoint. This is a great place to go canoeing or kayaking. CHECK OUT: 16+ FASCINATING Grand Canyon Facts. This hike starts near Whale Rock and ends at the Moses and Zeus towers. The Island in the Sky district is located in the northern part of the park and is known for its expansive views and easy access. Learn how to plan your trip in our Guide to the White Rim Road and how to drive the White Rim Road in one day. Theannual park pass can be purchased onlineor at the park entrance booth. John Wesley Powell remains one of the most legendary characters to pass through the pages of history. Also, the famous ending scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed above the Colorado River in Canyonlands. 3. Stopping here only requires about 10-15 minutes and is worth adding to your list of things to do in Canyonlands National Park. For more check out our article: 15 Fascinating Canyonlands National Park Facts. These campsites are located in remote areas of the park and offer a true wilderness experience. Why Trust Us About Canyonlands National Park? Robert Leroy Parker) worked in ranches across western Utah, including at Hay Springs, near Milford. The film is based on Ralstons book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Seeing it for yourself its easy to see why. When is the best time to visit Canyonlands? Get the full details in our American Southwest Itinerary. Large amounts of snow in the park are uncommon, but even small amounts of snow or ice can make the park trails and roads impassable. The Maze and Needles district are farthest to the west and south of Moab. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, the park offers a number of designated backcountry campsites for those looking to camp in more remote areas. Download the . So its cold! Sign up for the email list and join an active community of monthly readers. While paved roads provide limited access to the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts, the Maze District is remote in the extreme. Canyonlands National Park is an increedible place famous for its breathtaking overlooks, deep canyons, famous sunrises, and colorful sandstone spires. Youre in good hands. Learn more in our Guide to the Gooseberry Trail. Learn more on the National Park Service website. Located in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, Shafer Canyon Road is one of the top things to do at Canyonlands National Park (if you have the right vehicle!). Take the scenic drive along the Rim Road, which offers stunning vistas of the canyons and mesas below. Your email address will not be published. According to the National Park Service, the 1930s saw a rise in varied interests for the region. Outdoor activities should be limited to the cooler morning and evenings. Late summer monsoon season brings violent storm cells which often cause flash floods that affect Needles Canyonlands. Some, like . It is also the least visited park in Utah. Summertemperatures often exceed 100F! From the Grand View Point, youll be treated to sweeping panoramic views with epic perspectives of the Green River, the Colorado River, and the Island in the Sky mesa. Ideally, you need at least two days in Canyonlands National Park. This hike gets a lot of rave reviews but we liked the Gooseberry Trail a lot more. Canyonlands has two main campgrounds: Island in the Sky (also known as Willow Flat) and The Needles. Fun fact: Cataract Canyon is a popular rapids section of the Colorado River. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated information for the Canyonlands visitor centerhours and closureswhen you plan to visit. During the summer months, expect soaring temperatures, large crowds, and difficulty finding parking at many viewpoints.