Photo by: Jacob Lips
There are so many different colors at Canyonlands National Park, representing its many geological formations and other natural elements. There is nothing like this park with its canyons, mesas, and buttes, as well as its surrounding rivers.
This 337,598-acre geological marvel covers the counties of Garfield, Grand, San Juan and Wayne in Utah. More or less 500,000 people visit the park every year.
History
In the late 1920s, Americans were already enjoying a scenic destination then known as the Arches National Monument. Twenty years later, the monument’s superintendent, Bates Wilson, explored the Needles District of Canyonlands and decided to push for the creation of a park that will include, the Needles.
President Lyndon Johnson eventually signed into law, the creation of Canyonlands National Park on Sept. 12, 1964. The park didn’t just include the Needles District, it also has other picturesque destinations: Island in the Sky, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Island in the Sky
This particular district in the Canyonlands is a mesa that stands over a thousand feet above the surrounding terrain. It is called Island in the Sky because it provides, a bird’s eye view of Canyonlands’ amazing landscape and blending of colors.
Not only that, but various activities are also available in this district.
Things to do:
Hiking at the Mesa Arch, which provides spectacular views of the White Rim Road, canyons and even the La Sal Mountains, which are located along the Utah and Colorado border. Mesa Arch is also a great viewpoint for the sunrise.
Hiking at the Grand View Point, where visitors can see the White Rim, The Maze, and The Needles.
Biking on the 100-mile White Rim Road.
Backpacking. There are so many trails at the Island in the Sky that will fit any kind of trekker: there are easier trails for new backpackers and difficult one for experienced ones.
The Needles
It got its name because of the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, which resemble a group of needles. The spires dominate the area and were also the first scenic spot at the Canyonlands, that got the attention of the government.
Things to do:
See the Roadside Ruin. This is a historical place and used to be a settlement for Native Americans, sometime in the year 950 because of the wild plants, access to water and arable land. By the 1200s, droughts caused the settlers to leave the area and find better lands in New Mexico and Arizona. The visitors started calling it “ the ruin” in the 1950s when the area became a popular tourist spot.
Hike Pothole Point, which is a sandstone interspersed with potholes. Most deserts are arid lands but, this part is alive with plants, more notably the pinyon and juniper trees. There are also grasses between rocks. As for the fauna, ravens and lizards are sometimes found in the area. Sometimes the howl of coyotes can also be heard.
Explore Cave Spring, a historic cowboy camp that also has remnants of prehistoric rock paintings.
The Maze
This is the most inaccessible part of Canyonlands. So people planning to visit it are usually those, prepared for an adventure that would last at least three days—a week would even be better. Visitors have to be well-equipped if they want to traverse The Maze for an adventure of a lifetime. The Orange Cliffs are a sight to marvel. The trails, though, require experienced hikers and backpackers to navigate.
The Rivers
The Colorado River and Green River offer another color to the landscape of the Canyonlands, as well as another texture. These are the water bodies responsible for the formation of the Canyonlands, as each cut through the sandstone to form two steep canyons. The area is great for sightseeing as well as hiking. The rivers are also ideal for canoes and kayaks.
Horseshoe Canyon
This is an extra district to the Canyonlands, which has too many gems to offer.
Things to do:
Sightseeing. This area is known to house some of the most important rock art in North America. There are life-sized figures with meticulous designs that visitors can check out at the Great Gallery. There are also beautiful spring wildflowers, and sandstone walls to see along the pathway.
Horseback riding.
Camping at the West Rim trailhead.
Hiking. There are uneven terrains and steep rocky areas that will be a good physical exercise for the tourists.
Photo by: Jacob Lips