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.
From half-mile jaunts to long backcountry routes, these hikes are a quick way to get to know Utah’s largest national park.
The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park is around 30-square miles of rugged, remote red-rock canyon, twisted into a nearly impenetrable labyrinth. Writer David Sumner dives in feet-first in this 1982 story from the Backpacker archives.
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
In Canyonlands’ backcountry, a family learns that the wonder of our parks belongs to anyone who goes looking for it.
Miles from anywhere, this 5.3-mile dayhike slides over sandstone mounds, into a shallow canyon, and under orange spires in the Needles District.
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.
Cruise desert slickrock and sand on this 10.4-mile dayhike to an impressive canyon-top lookout high above the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Plunge from Island in the Sky to the Colorado River on this 3-day slickrock adventure.
Outrageous spires and hidden springs highlight this 3-day loop through the Maze District.
This eight-day, off-trail route explores southern Utah's labyrinthine canyon country--slots, hoodoos, mesas, and bizarre sandstone formations.
Anasazi ruins, slickrock scrambles, and a wealth of arches spice up a rugged 4-day tour of the Needles.
See what others have missed on this awesome canyon tour.
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.
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.
Circle through giant gorges and sleep at a riverfront campsite on this 19.3-mile loop in Canyonlands National Park.
Ride the park's famed 4WD road on this classic route in Canyonlands National Park.
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.
Hit up the park's highlights—slickrock scrambles, mesa-top views, and hoodoo-dotted canyons—on this seven-day trek in Canyonlands National Park.
Wind through an isolated gorge with ancient art.
Circle through giant gorges and sleep at a riverfront campsite.
Hit up the park's highlights--slickrock scrambles, mesa-top views, and hoodoo-dotted canyons--on this seven-day trek.
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.