TOP SIGHTS
Canyonlands National park is a big place! So this is just a small selection of things to see and do, but some of our favorite sights include:
Mesa Arch, located right at the perch and about a .5 mile hike.
Grand View Point at the southern end of the park’s main road at the end of the mesa, offers a spectacular southern view out to the Maze and Needles districts.
Green River Outlook, with a view of the river and canyons that are thousands of feet below.
Shafer Canyon Overlook, a short trail from the parking area provides a sweeping vista to the East and the distant La Sal Mountains.
Buck canyon overlook, about 9.5 miles from the visitor center, with sensational views at sunset.
Upheaval Dome, a mile-wide crater formation of mysterious origins, possibly caused by a meteorite impact or a salt dome that originated from within the earth, can be seen best taking a well-marked trail for one mile to the first overlook and another mile to the second overlook (the trail is not difficult, and there is a great picnic area).
The Needles, named for the multi-colored spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area.
Elephant Hill, with hiking and wide variety of trails through an amazing rock formation and color palette of gold, tan, red and white.
Woodenshoe Arch Overlook, is a small but beautiful rock formation, located about 2.5 miles from the visor center.
Roadside Ruin, a short walk from the road a .03 mile loop with 10 suggested stops along the trail while viewing an ancestral pueblo granary (hiking counter-clockwise is best).
Cave Spring, with a steady source of water, this .06 mile loop with 2 ladders provides a great overview of The Needles, is about 1.4 miles from the visitor center (best done clockwise).
Of the districts within Canyonlands, the Maze is the least accessible and most remote, requiring visitors to be prepared. The area is best explored over at least a few days given its size. The terrain in several areas is difficult to traverse, both by 4-wheel drive and backpacking and hiking, and is not suggested for inexperienced terrain drivers or backpackers.