Canyonlands National Park: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox national park | name = Canyonlands National Park | image = Canyonlands_Mesa_Arch.jpg | caption = Mesa Arch at sunrise in Canyonlands | location = Utah, United States | coordinates = 38.2136°N, 109.9024°W | area = 527 sq mi (1,366 km²) | established = September 12, 1964 | visitors = 1 million (2023) | website = https://www.nps.gov/cany }} '''Canyonlands National Park''' is located in southeastern Utah near the to..." |
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== Fun Facts == | == Fun Facts == | ||
* Canyonlands has some of the darkest night skies in the U.S. | * Canyonlands has some of the darkest night skies in the U.S. | ||
* The park covers over | * The park covers over '''337,000 acres''', but has '''few paved roads''' | ||
* '''Mesa Arch''' frames sunrise views perfectly — a favorite among photographers | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Revision as of 17:22, 20 July 2025
| Canyonlands National Park | |
|---|---|
| Mesa Arch at sunrise in Canyonlands | |
| Location | Utah, United States |
| Coordinates | 38.2136°N, 109.9024°W |
| Area | 527 sq mi (1,366 km²) |
| Established | September 12, 1964 |
| Visitors (latest) | 1 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab and is known for its vast, untamed wilderness of **canyons**, **mesas**, **arches**, and **buttes** carved by the **Colorado** and **Green Rivers**. It was established on **September 12, 1964**, and remains one of the most remote and least developed national parks in the United States.
Districts of the Park
Canyonlands is divided into **four districts**, each offering a unique experience:
1. Island in the Sky
- The most accessible district, with panoramic overlooks
- Features **Mesa Arch**, **Grand View Point**, and **Green River Overlook**
- Easily reached from Moab
2. The Needles
- Known for colorful spires of sandstone and backcountry trails
- Offers challenging hikes and overnight backpacking routes
- Accessible via UT-211
3. The Maze
- Extremely remote and rugged — recommended only for experienced adventurers
- Requires a 4WD vehicle and self-sufficiency
- One of the most isolated regions in the lower 48 states
4. The Rivers
- The **Colorado** and **Green Rivers** wind through deep canyons
- Popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking
- Meet at the **Confluence Overlook**
Geology and Terrain
- Shaped over millions of years by wind, water, and tectonic uplift
- Features **arches**, **canyons**, **pinnacles**, and **grabens**
- Located within the greater **Colorado Plateau**
Activities
- Hiking, mountain biking, photography, and stargazing
- Backcountry camping with permits
- River rafting through **Cataract Canyon**
Flora and Fauna
- Vegetation: **pinyon pines**, **junipers**, **cacti**, **cryptobiotic crust**
- Wildlife: **lizards**, **desert cottontails**, **golden eagles**, and **foxes**
History
- Once inhabited by **Ancestral Puebloans** and later by **Ute** and **Navajo** peoples
- Petroglyphs and ruins are visible at sites like **Newspaper Rock** (outside park boundaries)
- Explored by cowboys, miners, and river runners before its protection
Fun Facts
- Canyonlands has some of the darkest night skies in the U.S.
- The park covers over 337,000 acres, but has few paved roads
- Mesa Arch frames sunrise views perfectly — a favorite among photographers