A Kid's First Journey in Ed Abbey's Utah
In Canyonlands’ backcountry, a family learns that the wonder of our parks belongs to anyone who goes looking for it.
Canyonlands National Park
There is no shortage of hikes in Canyonlands National Park; this sprawling, 337,000 acre park will keep even the most intrepid backcountry hound busy for weeks. Canyonlands is split into three districts, each with its own unique character. In Island in the Sky — the park’s busiest quadrant — you’ll find accessible hikes perfect for families. The Needles district is far more popular among backpackers, many of whom follow its difficult trails past landmarks of the Old West. But for the the most ambitious and experienced hikers, nothing compares to The Maze district. Take care not to get lost in this district’s dead-end canyons, or expire in its blistering heat. At the end of the day hunker down at the Salt Creek Canyon campsite, which ranks among our top campsites in all the parks.
Hike of the Week: Mesa Arch Trail, Moab, UT
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
Latest in Canyonlands National Park
Best 100 Miles: The Doll House Loop, Canyonlands NP, UT
This mile of otherworldly rock pinnacles is among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
Canyonlands National Park: Elephant Hill to Salt Flat Camp
Miles from anywhere, this 5.3-mile dayhike slides over sandstone mounds, into a shallow canyon, and under orange spires in the Needles District.
Canyonlands National Park: Horseshoe Canyon
This 7.1-miler in redrock country showcases art you'll never see in a big-city gallery--some of the world's best-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs.
Canyonlands National Park: Colorado-Green Rivers Confluence
Cruise desert slickrock and sand on this 10.4-mile dayhike to an impressive canyon-top lookout high above the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Canyonlands National Park: Gooseberry-Dogleg Loop
Plunge from Island in the Sky to the Colorado River on this 3-day slickrock adventure.
Canyonlands National Park: Golden Stairs-Sweet Alice Loop
Outrageous spires and hidden springs highlight this 3-day loop through the Maze District.
Canyonlands National Park: Hayduke Trail Section
This eight-day, off-trail route explores southern Utah's labyrinthine canyon country--slots, hoodoos, mesas, and bizarre sandstone formations.
Canyonlands National Park: Salt Creek-Lavender Canyon Loop
Anasazi ruins, slickrock scrambles, and a wealth of arches spice up a rugged 4-day tour of the Needles.
Canyonlands National Park: Lost Hiker Loop
See what others have missed on this awesome canyon tour.
Canyonlands National Park: Lathrop Canyon
Take a plunge off Island in the Sky Mesa with this 11.1-mile out and back that drops 1,500-feet for excellent views of the White Rim bench and Lower Lathrop Canyon.
Canyonlands National Park: Upheaval Dome
Is it a meteorite or a salt formation? Gather your own conclusions about the origins of this mysterious ring of rock on this challenging, 7.6-mile loop in Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park: Alcove Spring to Upheaval Canyon
Circle through giant gorges and sleep at a riverfront campsite on this 19.3-mile loop in Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park: White Rim Trail
Ride the park's famed 4WD road on this classic route in Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park: Colorado-Green Packrafting Route
You'll explore some of most remote corners of Canyonlands National Park and paddle down the Colorado and Green Rivers on this multi-day, 55.2-mile packrafting route.
Canyonlands National Park: Chesler Park to Salt Creek Canyon
Hit up the park's highlights—slickrock scrambles, mesa-top views, and hoodoo-dotted canyons—on this seven-day trek in Canyonlands National Park.
Best Day: Horseshoe Canyon
Wind through an isolated gorge with ancient art.
Best Weekend: Taylor Canyon to Upheaval Canyon
Circle through giant gorges and sleep at a riverfront campsite.
Best Week: Chesler Park to Salt Creek Canyon
Hit up the park's highlights--slickrock scrambles, mesa-top views, and hoodoo-dotted canyons--on this seven-day trek.
Canyonlands Adventure Guide (2012 National Parks Series: Part 4 of 6)
Our field scouts scrambled up airy ledges, trekked to giant arches, and dropped into deep gorges to bring you the best dozen trips in this slickrock paradise.