Canyonlands National Park

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

See Also

• National Parks in the United States
• Arches National Park
• Moab, Utah
• Colorado River
• Dark Sky Parks
• Backcountry camping