Canyonlands National Park is quiet, secluded, and rather underrated. It offers several large arches, stunning canyon views (as the name suggests), and some very unique geology. And it’s only a half hour from Arches National Park, so you can cross off two great parks in one vacation.

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The park is so large and diverse, it is broken up into districts – Island in the Sky, Needles, Maze, and Rivers. The Island in the Sky district is where I spent most of my time and seems to be the core of the park.  

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Canyonlands, in my opinion, is superior to the Grand Canyon. Blasphemy you say? Hear me out! Although the canyons are not as deep, it offers more diverse hikes and isn’t overcrowded. And, aforementioned, it is close to another premier park.  

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Canyonlands, like Arches, is spread out and a vehicle is required to visit all of the destination within the park. But unlike Arches, some of Canyonland’s hikes are very strenuous and dangerous. The Syncline Trail, which I successfully completed, is an 8.5-mile hike down into the canyon. There is an optional 1.5-mile spur which takes you to the heart of the Upheaval Dome which I would recommend. The hike out of the canyon was more than I bargained for. Easy boulder scrambles turn into difficult ones with a few steep portions which made my palms sweat. It was by far the longest hike I on my trip totaling 11.5 miles. Prepare accordingly for this hike.

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Upheaval Dome, a geologic mystery, can be seen from few overlooks that do not require long hikes. Some think it is an ancient impact crater while others claim it was formed from a salt dome. However it was formed, you are unlikely to see anything like it elsewhere.  

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The Mesa Arch, which possibly has the most spectacular backdrop of any arch, can be reached in only a few minutes. However, the arch is perched on the edge of a plateau. A thousand-foot drop awaits you on the other side. Keep an eye on your children if going to see it.

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While we are on the subject of kids, if I were still a kid, my favorite hike would be Whale Rock. This huge dome, shaped like a beached whale, is a fun scramble to the top. If you are from Texas, it might remind you of Enchanted Rock in central Texas. Great views of nearby canyons and other hikes can be found on top.

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I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the White Rim Road. I was disappointed that I was unable to drive this road on this trip. But if you read my Arches commentary, you would know that there was a massive Jeep festival which chased me out of town. Fortunately, I did a portion of the White Rim Road on a previous trip when I rented a Jeep. The White Rim Road (should be named the White-Knuckle Road) is a steep and winding road down into the canyon. Once in the canyon, you have two options. First, you can take an old mining road called Schafer Basin Road which leads back into Moab. This is a very scenic route and takes only a few hours to complete. The second option is to continue on the White Rim Road which winds 100 miles through the park. If you have the opportunity, you must do it. The views are simply outstanding.

 

Canyonlands National Park is a diamond in the rough. The combination of unparalleled views, kid-friendly hikes, challenging hikes for adults, and nerve-racking off-road trails makes this park a must-see, even if only for a day.