Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a massive park made up of 337,598 acres split up in 3 districts, The Island in the Sky, The Maze and the Needles. I personally will be writing on the Island in the Sky district because that is the only one I’ve had the chance to experience so far.

Canyonlands National Park Visitors Center

Be sure to stop in at the visitors center for some really neat souvenirs and a map! Also talk to some of the rangers to see if they have any suggestions on places you see. This is also where you will pay to be in the park. Unless they have someone in the ticket office box on the way in. The price for a day is 30$ per vehicle. Be sure to check out my other blog where I discussed National Park Passes.

Shafer Canyon

Across the street from the Visitor Center you will find an awesome overlook! Make sure to hold your children’s hand’s or your clumsy significant other’s hand! Its even a nice spot for a picnic! You can watch as mountain bikers and ATV drivers drive on the scary cliff roads. You can even see Dead Horse Point from here which is another place you should go visit. Click on the link to read my other blog about it.

As you are driving through the Canyonlands you will have many opportunities to pull off and explore. But please keep in mind to respect the park! Leave it as it is.

Island in the Sky overlooks

•  Shafer Canyon Overlook – Its across the road from the Visitors Center and is the picture above.
• Buck Canyon Overlook – This is a nice over look that is easy to get too!
• White Rim Overlook – There are two hiking trails you can get too from here. Goose Berry and White rim
• Grand View Point Overlook – Here you can see a breath taking view at the tip of the Island in the sky. Just as the title say’s it is a grand view!
• Green River Overlook – Here you can see where the Green River has taken its time creating the canyons and valley’s through this side of the park.

Upheaval Dome

Upheavel Dome is a Geological sight with two theories on its creation. Some say its a crater from a meteor but others say its a salt dome pushed upward. Its a pretty neat hike because you are able to walk around the top of the whole crater. There are two overlooks here as well.

Canyonlands Not so Hidden Gem

Check out the Mesa Arch! We unfortunately didn’t get to go either time I visited the Canyon Lands. But its a short 30 min hike with a great view of the arch! Its one of the most photographed arches id have to say. But if you are brave enough to fight for a spot amongst other photographers at ungodly hours try and get there for sunrises but I have also heard sunsets are even better.

The Canyonlands are out of this world! Please come and enjoy them!

Be sure to bring water, snacks and stay safe!
Until next time!