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There
are extensive hiking trails in the park, providing opportunities
for short walks, half or full-day hikes, or week-long
backpacking trips. See district descriptions and maps
for more details. Lack of water is a limiting factor,
and hikers may have to carry their own supply. Pets are
not allowed on hiking trails. Permits are required for
all overnight trips, and advance reservations are recommended.
No permit is required for day hiking.
The
park is broken up into three different districts. Each
one has it own unique features.
 Island
in the Sky. Island in the Sky has the most
trails that are readily available for visitors. There
are several hikes in the Island in the Sky, which have
several degrees of difficulties. For more trails see the
visitors center.
Mesa
Arch Loop Trail
• Trail description: loose
rock
• Estimated time: 1/2 mile, 30 min
round trip
• Level of difficulty: easy
This hike takes you through the La Sal
Mountains showing hikers the beauty of the mountain
pinon and juniper woodland. |
Upheaval
Dome Overlook Trail
• Trail description: loose
rocks, steep inclines
• Estimated time: 1 mile, 45 min.
round trip
• Level of difficulty: medium
This trail offers a look at, what some
geologists believe, to be the most abnormal geological
feature in the world.
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Grand
View Trail
• Trail description: next
to the rim of a cliff
• Estimated time: 2 miles, 1 1/2 round
trip
• Level of difficulty: easy
One of the most popular hikes because
of the awesome view from the Grand View Overlook.
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Neck
Spring Loop Trail
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Trail description: Sandy
• Estimated time: 5 miles, 2-4 hours
round trip
• Level of difficulty: medium
This trail is offers a wonderful view
of the Canyonlands.
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 Needles.
Most
of this part of the park is reachable only by foot, amazing
since this is the most developed part of the park. For more
trails see the visitors center.
Cave
Spring
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Trail description: slickrock
• Estimated time: 6 miles, 45 minute
round trip
• Level of difficulty: easy
Amazing remnants of the 1800's cowboy
line camp and some fascinating plant life. |
Slickrock
Foot Trail
• Trail description: deep
sand and slickrock
• Estimated time: 2-4 miles, 2-3 hours
round trip
• Level of difficulty: medium
Long panoramic view of the park |
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Angel
Arch Backcountry Trail
•
Trail description: hard surface
• Estimated time: Little over a mile,
30 minutes round trip
• Level of difficulty: easy
This trail leads to the symbol of Canyonlands,
Angel Arch. |
Confluence
Overlook
• Trail description: wide
open with little tree cover
• Estimated time: 5.5 miles, 4-6 hours
round trip
• Level of difficulty: medium
Shows an awesome view of the confluence
of the Green and Colorado River |
Maze. This
part of the park is only accessible by four wheel drive
roads and hiking trails making this the most natural of
the areas in the park. For more trails see the visitors
center.
Colorado
/ Green River Overlook Trail
• Trail description: slickrock
• Estimated time: 5 miles
• Level of difficulty: easy
Amazing scenery of the Standing Rock.
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Spanish
Bottoms Trail
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Trail description: no
trees and has a steep upgrade
• Estimated time: little over a mile
• Level of difficulty: medium
Takes you to Standing Rocks just above
the Cataract Canyon. |
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Horseshoe
Canyon
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Trail description: Offers
rock art from 2000 years ago
• Estimated time: 6 1/2 miles, 1 day
• Level of difficulty: easy
Horseshoe is a separate trail from canyonlands.
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North
Trail Canyon
• Trail description: Steep
• Estimated time: 14 miles, all day
• Level of difficulty: medium
At the pinnacle of this hike you get to
see the harvest scene when you pass through the White
Rim pillars. |
Safety
Concerns. Fragile
desert plants and soils are damaged easily by off-road
hiking and riding. Please do not disturb the black crusts
on top of the soil. These 'cryptobiotic crusts' are living
plants and protect the desert from erosion. Leave your
bike along the road while hiking to viewpoints. Do not
ride off-road to avoid sand or mud.
Mountain bike riding in a national park requires extra
care to protect you and the natural and cultural features.
All routes are on existing unpaved and four wheel drive
roads. Riding on foot trails, closed roads or cross-country
is prohibited. Pets may not accompany bicycles. Up-to-date
information on weather, water availability and road conditions
can mean the difference between life and death. Stop at
a visitor center, ranger station or park office for current
information.
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