Canyonlands National Park
Visiting Canyonlands National Park can be overwhelming, mostly because the park is so massive and there are countless things to see and do. But whether you’re just passing through, or have all the time in the world, there’s something for you at Canyonlands! Depending on the duration of your trip, I’ve put together 3 possible itineraries all focused on the Island in the Sky section of the park!
ITINERARY #1: Just a Pit Stop (1 hour): If you have limited time and only plan to swing by the park, the one thing you should do is Mesa Arch.
Mesa Arch (0.5 mile loop)
Accessible via car, it’s a short, easy walk to reach the iconic arch. It’s right on the edge of a cliff and has amazing views into Buck Canyon. This spot is amazing at sunrise!!!
ITINERARY #2: Got a Half Day (4-6 hours): Canyonlands is massive, but with a car you can cover a lot of ground. With a half day, I’d recommend these three:
Mesa Arch: (above)
Hike Upheaval Dome: Accessible via car, this a moderate 1-mile hike. It’s not a walk in the park, due to the steep elevation gain… but the climb is worth the view! It features the striking rock formations of an impact-crater. Check out pictures here.
Grand View Point Overlook: (below)
Grand View Point Overlook
Accessible via car, this viewpoint is at the far end of the park. The 360 views on both sides of the road, make the drive really enjoyable! At the viewpoint, you’re standing at 6,080 feet of elevation. Looking out, you can see the La Sal Mountains, Colorado River Canyon, Abuja Mountains, The Needles (another section of Canyonlands). This is really such an awe-inspiring, jaw dropping, must-see view!
ITINERARY #3: Bring On a Full Day (Yay!):
If you have a full day and want to explore more of the Canylonland (not just Island in the Sky) then check out some of the other maps linked at the bottom.
Island in the Sky Visitor Center: Start your full day at the visitor center (thrilling) but essential: bathrooms, drinking fountain to fill up your water, shaded picnic tables, and an amazing canyon overlook!
Mesa Arch: (above)
Hike Aztec Butte: The trailhead entrance is right across from Mesa Arch. This a moderate 2-mile hike that splits into two trails. Pick your own adventure! Be prepared because both sides of the trail require a bit of rock scrambling, but both feature spectacular views!
4. Hike White Rim Overlook: Jump back in your car, and continue on down the road.
I love National Parks for countless reasons, but one top reason has got to be the great signage! All along the road, there are clear signs for trailhead entrances, so it’s hard to get lost here!
You’ll see the White Rim trailhead entrance surrounded by picnic tables, and is a perfect place to eat your pack lunches (before or after the hike)! This is an easy, fun 2-mile hike and ends with incredible views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains.
5.. End at the Grand View Point Overlook:
(above)
Last stop, best stop! This is a short drive down the road from White Rim Trailhead. Check out John snapping a pic of the aforementioned “awe-inspiring, jaw dropping, must-see view.”
Island in the Sky Map
Here’s a snippet of the park map, and you can see all of the things I mention in this post. However, if Island of the Sky doesn’t tickle your fancy, the other sections of the Canylonland are:
The Maze
Needles
Horseshoe Canyon
Click here to view the other maps in your browser.
I hope this helps plan part of your trip to Canyonlands! Stay safe, healthy, and have fun!
-Meg
