Canyonlands National Park

Hiking
Canyonlands is a popular backcountry hiking that's divided into sections, like the Needles district. Permits are needed for much of the hiking, boating, and other recreation.

Mountain Biking
Layers of "suburnt strata" and miles of wide canyon expanses make for unmatched mountain biking anywhere in the country. The huge open area of Canyonlands is inaccessible by car in many areas, so mountain biking is the perfect alternative.

Rock Climbing
Rock climbing in Canyonlands is largely unmonitored and unrestricted, but you should take extreme caution: this place is a very difficult climb! The steep canyon walls are not for beginners. Also, rock climbers must stop at the visitors center to see the latest rules and regulations to protect the archaeology of the park.

Photography
The desert photography is one of the best reasons to head to Canyonlands. The canyon is not as large or deep as the Grand Canyon, but the park is more remote, unvisited, and has a different makeup than the Grand Canyon. The landscape varies so much from huge mesas and winding rivers, to rocky canyon rim overlooks, it's really like comparing apples and oranges for photographers. The link above has some excellent desert photography tips for your trip.


Fishing, Boating, Four Wheeling and More Hiking
The park has an enormous amount of activities to take part in, like fishing in the Green River, boating, four wheeling and jeeping. Read this guide to find more activities within the area.

photo above right by arcticpuppy on flickr licensed under Creative Commons 2.0

River Canyon Lodge
Stylish, comfortable rooms in the heart of Moab. Close to Canyonlands and Arches, and the reasonably priced for the budget traveler.

Sunflower Hill Bed and Breakfast
Rated #3 overall on Trip Advisor! This beautiful 4 diamond B & B in Moab is one of the best places you can stay in town. Guests call it "splendid!," "quaint!," and has "excellent breakfast and location!"

Red Cliffs Lodge
You really can't get much better than Red Cliffs Lodge! Serene cabin settings with beautiful red cliffs in the background make this the #1 rated place on Trip Advisor, along with great breakfasts and a quiet atmosphere.


Sleep Inn Moab, Moab,UT

Probably one of the best deals in Moab, this has clean rooms and decent reviews on Trip Advisor from people that have stayed there. Rated #6 overall out of 33.


Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, Moab,UT

Rated #7, one of the best hotels in Moab!


Sorrel River Ranch Resort
Wow! The view on the home page of this site is impressive. Voted #2 on Trip Advisor. AAA four diamond certified, this hotel is situated away from the downtown area of Moab and is surrounded by beautiful red cliffs. It's also right on the Colorado River!
More hotels in the area:

Days Inn Moab, Moab,UT



Super 8 Motel - Moab, Moab,UT

Canyonlands is a relatively new National Park, being established in 1964. Much of the park is still as hard to reach as it was back then. Because of this, the park is the perfect serene desert environment to visit for those looking to avoid the crowds and find a true, authentic exposure to the untouched wilderness of the southwest of the United States.

nps.gov
The official website for Canyonlands. You can find the latest road closures, explore the park via photos, or read up on the background science of the park through this all-inclusive site.

Canyonlands Webcam
A live webcam of Canyonlands' Green River.

Utah.com
Get more information on the sections of Canyonlands, like Needles, Island in the Sky, the Maze District, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Rivers, as well as more things to see and do.

The petroglyphs of Canyonlands are a mysterious wonder, and one of the main attractions of the park. Created by Native Americans dating back thousands of years, these are symbols of the Navajo, Anasazi, and other local tribes.

Symbols of birds, Bighorn Sheep, rivers, elk, and the surroundings are largely untranslated and still as mysterious and elusive as they were when first discovered.

Bryce Canyon National ParkBryce Canyon is located in the southwestern portion of Utah, and is home to the famous red and white hoodoos spire formations, with remarkable hiking trails and scenic opportunities.

Capitol Reef National ParkA 70 mile wrinkle in the earth's crust resulted in the massive Capitol Reef area and National Park. Giant sandstone domes line the tops of this beautiful Utah plateau.

Canyonlands National ParkWind and water carved stone resulted in the area near Arches known as Canyonlands. The area boasts impressive, wide canyons, unique desert wildlife, and unmatched hiking.

Zion National ParkThe majestic Zion region has been eroded over time by the Virgin River, which slims down to the challenging hiking area of the Narrows.

Mesa Verde National ParkRemnants of a long lost culture can be found in the Colorado ruins of Mesa Verde National Park. Visit to gaze upon the incredible Puebloan Cliff Palace and ancient petroglyphs.

Monument ValleyDeep in the four corners region of the southwest is the often filmed Monument Valley reservation area. Now under the rule of the Navajo tribe, the area is open for touring, hiking and photography.

Arches National ParkSee the most natural sandstone arches anywhere in the world in Arches National Park of Moab, Utah. Erosion has left thousands of these unique stone structures standing in the park.

Black Canyon of the GunnisonDeep, black canyons leave a lasting impression in Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison, with an impressive 2700 foot drop over into the Gunnison River.

Great Basin National ParkGreat Basin National Park contains the beautiful underground Lehman's Cave, and the mammoth peak of Mount Wheeler. Hike the area from its 13,000 feet peak, to beneath the earth's surface.

The Grand CanyonThe Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, with an unforgettable hiking, photography, and road trip experience.