Hike of the Week: Mesa Arch
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
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.
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
Once is not enough for some national park experiences. Some places touch something deep inside, and you want to see them again, feel them again, share them with others.
In Canyonlands’ backcountry, a family learns that the wonder of our parks belongs to anyone who goes looking for it.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
This mile of otherworldly rock pinnacles is among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
One great thing about being out on the trail is allowing your schedule to be ruled by the rising and setting sun. Here are the best sunrises and sunsets you photographed and submitted to our photo contest this year.
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.
Outrageous spires and hidden springs highlight this 3-day loop through the Maze District.
Plunge from Island in the Sky to the Colorado River on this 3-day slickrock adventure.
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.
Travel rugged, red-rock backcountry in Canyonlands National Park the easy way—by boat.
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.