Canyonlands National Park
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Canyonlands National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
19 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Cave Spring Trail
Needles | TrailOne of the best, most interesting trails in the park takes you past a historic cowboy camp, precontact rock art, and great views. Two wooden...
One of the best, most interesting trails in the park takes you past a historic cowboy camp, precontact rock art, and great views. Two wooden ladders and one short, steep stretch may make this a little daunting for the extremely young or old, but it's also a short hike (0.6 mile round-trip), features some shade, and has many notable features. Moderate.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA -
2. Grand View Point Trail
Island in the Sky | TrailThis 360-degree view is the main event for many visitors to Island in the Sky. Look down on the deep canyons of the Colorado and Green rivers...
This 360-degree view is the main event for many visitors to Island in the Sky. Look down on the deep canyons of the Colorado and Green rivers, which have been carved by water and erosion over the millennia. Many people just stop at the paved overlook and drive on, but you'll gain breathtaking perspective by strolling along this 2-mile round-trip, flat cliffside trail. On a clear day you can see up to 100 miles to the Maze and Needles districts of the park and each of Utah's major laccolithic mountain ranges: the Henrys, Abajos, and La Sals. Easy.
End of main park road, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
3. Joint Trail
Needles | TrailPart of the Chesler Park Loop, this trail follows a series of deep, narrow fractures in the rock. A shady spot in summer, it will give you good...
Part of the Chesler Park Loop, this trail follows a series of deep, narrow fractures in the rock. A shady spot in summer, it will give you good views of the Needles formations for which the district is named. The loop travels briefly along a four-wheel-drive road and is 11 miles round-trip; allow at least five hours to complete it. Difficult.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA -
4. Mesa Arch Trail
Island in the Sky | TrailIf you don't have time for the 2,000 arches in nearby Arches National Park, you should take the easy, ½-mile round-trip walk to Mesa Arch. After...
If you don't have time for the 2,000 arches in nearby Arches National Park, you should take the easy, ½-mile round-trip walk to Mesa Arch. After the overlooks this is the most popular trail in the park. The arch is above a cliff that drops 800 feet to the canyon bottom. Through the arch, views of Washerwoman Arch and surrounding buttes, spires, and canyons make this a favorite photo opportunity. Easy.
Off main park road, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
5. Upheaval Dome Trail
Island in the Sky | TrailThis mysterious crater is one of the wonders of Island in the Sky. Some geologists believe it's an eroded salt dome, but others think it was...
This mysterious crater is one of the wonders of Island in the Sky. Some geologists believe it's an eroded salt dome, but others think it was made by a meteorite. Either way, it's worth the steep hike to see it and decide for yourself. The moderate hike to the first overlook is about a ½-mile; energetic visitors can continue another ½-mile to the second overlook for an even better perspective. The trail is steeper and rougher after the first overlook. Round-trip to the second overlook is 2 miles. The trailhead has restrooms and a picnic area. Moderate.
View Tours and ActivitiesEnd of Upheaval Dome Rd., Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Valley of the Gods
Scenic DriveA red fairyland of slender spires and buttes, the Valley of the Gods is a smaller version of Monument Valley. Approximately 15 miles west of...
A red fairyland of slender spires and buttes, the Valley of the Gods is a smaller version of Monument Valley. Approximately 15 miles west of Bluff, you can take a pretty drive through this relatively unvisited area on the 17-mile-long Valley of the Gods Road, which begins on U.S. 163 and ends on Highway 261. The road is unpaved but should be drivable as long as it's dry.
-
7. Aztec Butte Trail
Island in the Sky | TrailThe highlight of the 2-mile round-trip hike is the chance to see Ancestral Pueblo granaries. The view into Taylor Canyon is also nice. Moderate. ...
The highlight of the 2-mile round-trip hike is the chance to see Ancestral Pueblo granaries. The view into Taylor Canyon is also nice. Moderate.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
8. Cowboy Camp
Needles | Historic District/SiteThis fascinating stop on the 0.6-mile round-trip Cave Spring Trail is an authentic example of cowboy life more than a century ago. You do not...
This fascinating stop on the 0.6-mile round-trip Cave Spring Trail is an authentic example of cowboy life more than a century ago. You do not need to complete the entire trail (which includes two short ladders and some rocky hiking) to see the 19th-century artifacts at Cowboy Camp.
End of Cave Springs Rd., Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA -
9. Green River Overlook
Island in the Sky | ViewpointFrom the road it's just 100 yards to this stunning view of the Green River to the south and west. It's not far from Island in the Sky (Willow...
From the road it's just 100 yards to this stunning view of the Green River to the south and west. It's not far from Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) campground.
About 1 mile off Upheaval Dome Rd., Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
10. Horseshoe Canyon Trail
Horseshoe Canyon | TrailThis remote region of the park is accessible by dirt road, and only in good weather. Park at the lip of the canyon and hike 7 miles round trip...
This remote region of the park is accessible by dirt road, and only in good weather. Park at the lip of the canyon and hike 7 miles round trip to the Great Gallery, considered by some to be the most significant rock-art panel in North America. Ghostly life-size figures in the Barrier Canyon style populate the amazing panel. The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 700-foot descent. Allow at least six hours for the trip and take a gallon of water per person. There's no camping allowed in the canyon, although you can camp on top near the parking lot. Difficult. Call Hans Flat Ranger Station before heading out, because rain can make the access road a muddy mess.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84525, USA -
11. Island in the Sky Park Road
Island in the Sky | Scenic DriveThis 12-mile-long main road inside the park is bisected by a 5-mile side road to the Upheaval Dome area. To enjoy dramatic views, including...
This 12-mile-long main road inside the park is bisected by a 5-mile side road to the Upheaval Dome area. To enjoy dramatic views, including the Green and Colorado river basins, stop at the overlooks and take the short walks. Once you get to the park, allow at least two hours—and ideally four—to explore.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA -
12. Needles District Park Road
Needles | Scenic DriveYou'll feel like you've driven into a Hollywood Western as you roll along the park road in the Needles District. Red mesas and buttes rise against...
You'll feel like you've driven into a Hollywood Western as you roll along the park road in the Needles District. Red mesas and buttes rise against the horizon, blue mountain ranges interrupt the rangelands, and the colorful red-and-white needles stand like soldiers on the far side of grassy meadows. Definitely hop out of the car at a few of the marked roadside stops, including both overlooks at Pothole Point. Allow at least two hours in this less-traveled section of the park.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA -
13. Needles District Picnic Area
Needles | ViewpointThe most convenient picnic spot in the Needles District is a sunny location on the way to Big Spring Canyon Overlook. There are picnic tables...
The most convenient picnic spot in the Needles District is a sunny location on the way to Big Spring Canyon Overlook. There are picnic tables, but no other amenities.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA -
14. Pothole Point Trail
Needles | TrailMicroscopic creatures lie dormant in pools that fill only after rare rainstorms. When the rains do come, some eggs hatch within hours and life...
Microscopic creatures lie dormant in pools that fill only after rare rainstorms. When the rains do come, some eggs hatch within hours and life becomes visible. If you're lucky, you'll hit Pothole Point after a storm. The dramatic views of the Needles and Six Shooter Peak make this easy, 0.6-mile round-trip worthwhile. Plan for about 45 minutes. There's no shade, so wear a hat and take plenty of water.
Off main road, about 10 miles from Needles district park entrance, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA -
15. Shafer Trail
Island in the Sky | TrailThis rough trek that leads to the 100-mile White Rim Road was probably first established by ancient Native Americans, but in the early 1900s...
This rough trek that leads to the 100-mile White Rim Road was probably first established by ancient Native Americans, but in the early 1900s ranchers used it to drive cattle into the canyon. Originally narrow and rugged, it was upgraded during the uranium boom, when miners hauled ore by truck from the canyon floor. Check out the road's winding route down canyon walls from Shafer Canyon Overlook before you drive it to see why it's mostly used by daring four-wheelers and energetic mountain bikers. Off the main road, less than 1 mile from the park entrance, it descends 1,400 feet to the White Rim. Check with the visitor center about road conditions before driving the Shafer Trail. It's often impassable after rain or snow.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
16. Slickrock Trail
Needles | TrailWear a hat and carry plenty of water if you're on this trail—you won't find any shade along the 2.4-mile round-trip trek. This is the rare...
Wear a hat and carry plenty of water if you're on this trail—you won't find any shade along the 2.4-mile round-trip trek. This is the rare frontcountry site where you might spot one of the few remaining native herds of bighorn sheep in the national park system. Nice panoramic views. Easy.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA -
17. Whale Rock Trail
Island in the Sky | TrailIf you've been hankering to walk across some of that pavement-smooth stuff they call slickrock, the hike to Whale Rock will make your feet happy...
If you've been hankering to walk across some of that pavement-smooth stuff they call slickrock, the hike to Whale Rock will make your feet happy. This 1-mile round-trip adventure, which culminates with a tough final 100-foot climb and features some potentially dangerous dropoffs, takes you to the very top of the whale's back. Once you get there, you are rewarded with great views of Upheaval Dome and Trail Canyon. Moderate.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
18. White Rim Overlook Trail
Island in the Sky | ViewpointThe cliffs fall away on three sides at the end of this 1-mile level hike until you get a dramatic view of the White Rim and Monument Basin....
The cliffs fall away on three sides at the end of this 1-mile level hike until you get a dramatic view of the White Rim and Monument Basin. There are restrooms at the trailhead.
Grand View Point, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532, USA -
19. Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook
Needles | ViewpointKids enjoy looking for the tiny window in the rock that looks like a wooden shoe with a turned-up toe. If you can't find it on your own, there...
Kids enjoy looking for the tiny window in the rock that looks like a wooden shoe with a turned-up toe. If you can't find it on your own, there's a marker to help you.
Off main park road, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535, USA
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review_snippet }}...
{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Around the Web
TOP
