Canyonlands National Park

In the state of Utah, there is what they call the “Big 5,” which is the five National Parks all located in Southern Utah. There is from west to east, Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. I have explored all five and it’s hard to pick a favorite. They are all so different offering thier own kind of beauty. Canyonlands is a very large park, and the National Park Service split the park up into three different districts. Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Island in the Sky is the most popular district. This area is the most accessible for people and the most photographed section, such as the Mesa Arch. This photographed place is what you see when there is a sunrise coming through an arch looking over Canyonlands. This hike is only a half-mile loop and is gorgeous. It’s located right on the main road through the park. When you come into Canyonlands, assuming your coming into Island in the Sky, there is one main road that cuts through the park, with a couple roads splitting off of it, directing you to more trails. The main road is only 12 miles one way. There is another road, a more off the beaten path road that brings you into lower elevations, near the Colorado and the Green Rivers. You weave around the perimeter of Canyonlands, in the Island in the Sky district. The other two districts are less accessible, The Maze being the most least accessible. You need not only a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but a vehicle with high clearance. You need a specialty vehicle like a rock crawler. You also need at least three days to a week to explore the area and need a permit. If you do get stuck, getting rescued can be 2,000 dollars or more. If you really want to get to know the park, you can get this topo map here. As for the Needles, this is moderately accessible. There is a main road to the visitor center which is fine, it’s when you take dirt roads off the main drag where you need to make sure your vehicle can handle the terrain. In the more popular places, there is a vehicle inspection stand that you have to pass through in order to continue, and they will make you turn right around if you do not have the proper vehicle. It’s not easy retrieving vehicles stuck out in the middle of no where in rough terrain so if you happen to need to get rescued, be prepared for a hefty fee! Canyonlands is a cool place to check out. It’s a very unique park offering so much beauty. I highly recommend going there. If I ever have the proper vehicle, you can expect me to do a lot more exploring!!!