Only a short car ride from Moab, Canyonlands National Park in Utah is home to 337,598 acres of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires. The natural architecture of this piece of land is unparalleled with the sculpted layers of rock and the rugged landscape created by water and gravity. The natural beauty and human history of Canyonlands has been preserved within the large park. The park is divided between four districts, all containing their own unique characteristics giving visitors plenty of options to explore.
There are plenty of different activities the park allows for, including a multitude of different hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous that will work well for the family or skilled hikers. You can take short 30-minute walks or overnight expeditions all the way down to the Colorado River. Moab also offers plenty of leisure activities for a more relaxing vacation.
Location
Canyonlands National Park is only a 45-minute drive from the heart of Moab, Utah. With its proximity to Moab, a trip to Canyonlands offers endless activities. Moab, a charming resort town, is in driving distance from both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Their ideal climate makes for easy and appealing year-round travel and activities. In Moab itself, they have outdoor events and festivals year-round that would be a great addition to a hiking trip to Canyonlands. With Moab’s downtown businesses, restaurants, microbreweries, shops, galleries, and more, there is still plenty to see and do after a long day of hiking and sightseeing.
Lodging
Moab offers a plethora of lodging options that range from camping to resorts. In the charming town, they offer several bed and breakfast options perfect for a cozy getaway. One such B&B is Castle Valley Inn. It is set in the beautiful nature of Moab and includes several different rooms to choose from that all have their own unique yet “home-away-from-home” feel. The scenic views from each room along with the delicious breakfasts and easy accessibility to the national parks make for an unforgettable stay.
If you are looking for something with more amenities, the many hotels or resorts offer a comfortable stay for your vacation. Red Cliffs Lodge provides spacious suites for visitors to relax after an eventful day as well as exquisite dining options and a pool to lounge out. They mix modern comforts and rustic decor for a perfect mix of luxury and nature.
Canyonlands also has campgrounds within the park if you are looking for a more immersive, unplugged getaway. With Moab’s many diverse lodging options, there is something to meet everyone’s needs.
Activities
Canyonlands National Park offers four districts within the park that each have their own unique scenery, character, and attractions. Within each of these districts, there are many ways to explore the serene backdrop of Canyonlands including scenic drives, hiking, biking, 4-wheeling, horseback riding, and more.
The most accessible district is Island in the Sky. It offers expansive views that make it great to experience stare gazing and simply to appreciate the beauty of the park. Island in the Sky is also known for its campgrounds. Revelers can spend their days hiking or rock climbing, boating, and kayaking, or 4-wheeling to explore this district of the Canyonlands. Island in the Sky is perfect for families and beginner hikers to enjoy the scenic views and beauty of the park.
The next district in the Canyonlands is the Needles. It was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone which attracts visitors from all around the world. This backcountry experience makes for the perfect destination for those seeking to unplug and be immersed in nature. The Needles requires hiking or 4-wheeling to see most attractions within the park. This district is most known for long day hikes and overnight camping.
Next in the Canyonlands is called the Maze. This district is the most remote one within Canyonlands so visitors should allow more time to explore all the Maze has to offer. Typically, visitors plan to spend a minimum of three days within the Maze but even up to a week would allow people time to truly enjoy the many aspects of the Maze. This district is not for the faint of heart and requires a more skilled adventurer to brave the terrain.
Lastly, the Canyonlands has The Rivers. This district gets its name from both the Colorado and Green rivers that run through the park. The Rivers is in the heart of Canyonlands, cutting through layered sandstone creating two deep canyons. While the sunny desert lies above, the canyons forming the river corridors offer a lush, green, and shady below that is teeming with life. Both rivers make an ideal destination for many water activities. There is everything from guided river trips, and half-day excursions, all the way to week-long floats. Upstream of The Confluence, where the two rivers meet, provides calm waters that are ideal for canoes, kayaks, and other shallow watercraft. Downstream the combined flow of the rivers results in remarkable speed and power creating a world-class stretch of whitewater that makes for an excellent whitewater rafter for the more experienced.
It is important to note there are no places to eat or lodge, other than camping, within Canyonlands National Park. Revelers should plan to pack lunch and snacks for their adventures within the park and can eat dinner at the many diverse restaurants within Moab that are sure to satisfy any palate after a day of hiking, 4-wheeling, kayaking, and more.
Whether you are looking for your next adventure, a more relaxing vacation, a family trip, or a solo excursion, Moab has it all. Reconnect with natural beauty and slowdown from your busy everyday life under the desert sun and the majestic Canyonlands as your backdrop.
