Canyonlands is one of the five National Parks in Utah and certainly one of the best for hiking anywhere.   It is divided into three “districts”, separated by the Colorado River and the Green River.   Although the boundaries of each District border the others, we can’t get from one area to the others safely/easily, so we have to drive long distances around to get to the trailheads.   Near the center of the four Districts is Moab, Utah, a good base for daily hikes.   All 3 Districts have something different to offer.

Island in the Sky

• 40 minutes drive (NW) from Moab
• 1000 feet higher than the plateaus surrounding it
• hiking trails on top are shorter, but many have interesting views
• longer hiking trails drop down to the White Rim Road and back up
• recommended hikes – Neck Springs, Syncline Loop
• this is a good area for a visit and shorter hikes, but none of the hikes are as good as the other Districts

Needles District

• 90 minutes south of Moab
• an extensive network of trails and many combinations of routes are possible
• the area is more remote and sees fewer hikers (even though this is one of the best hiking areas anywhere)
• superb camping locations
• best hikes – Druid’s Arch, Chesler Park, Big Springs, or any combination
• There is at least a week of outstanding hiking here.

The Maze

• high clearance/4WD access only and impassable when wet
• some trail access is by scrambling only
• option to hire a river boat down the Colorado for a drop-off/pick-up
• a remote area with few visitors
• permits needed for overnight camping

Horseshoe Canyon

• 2.5 hours from Moab, including a 30 mile dirt road
• This is a separate Unit, supported as part of the National Park because of a significant archaeological site, the Great Gallery
• only one hike, but it is a good one

Recommendations

• Along with the Grand Canyon and Zion,   Canyonlands offers some of the best hiking on the continent.
• There are a number of other hiking opportunities near Moab, including Arches National Park, slickrock benches, regional parks, bike trails, and canyons.   Canyonlands offers at least 2 weeks of great hikes for anyone visiting Utah.
• The Needles District is the best choice for your time and effort.