Looking for the best Canyonlands hikes? From Chesler Park Loop to Mesa Arch, we’ve got you covered with the top in Needles, Island in the Sky, and The Maze districts. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable .
Best Canyonlands Hikes
Canyonlands National Park in Utah is a hiker’s paradise. With over 500 miles of , it offers a vast array of options for hikers of all skill levels. In this section, we’ll explore the best hikes in the Needles District, Island in the Sky, and The Maze.
Needles District Hikes
The Needles District is known for its unique rock formations and spires. Here are some of the best hikes to explore this area:
- Chesler Park Loop – This 11-mile loop takes you through stunning rock formations and past panoramic views. The trail can be completed in a long day or broken up into a multi-day backpacking trip.
- Druid Arch – This 3.4-mile round trip hike takes you to a massive natural arch. The trail is moderate, with some steep sections, but the views are well worth it.
- Joint Trail – This 6-mile round trip hike takes you through narrow slot canyons and past towering sandstone walls. It’s a unique and challenging hike that shouldn’t be missed.
Island in the Sky Hikes
The Island in the Sky district offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Here are some of the best hikes to explore this area:
- Mesa Arch – This short 0.5-mile round trip hike takes you to a stunning natural arch that frames the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
- Grand View Point Trail – This 2-mile round trip hike takes you to a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the canyons below. It’s a moderate hike with some steep sections, but the views are worth it.
- Upheaval Dome – This 1.8-mile round trip hike takes you to a mysterious crater-like formation. The trail is challenging, with some steep sections, but the unique geological features make it worth the effort.
The Maze Hikes
The Maze is the most remote district of Canyonlands National Park, and it offers some of the most challenging hikes. Here are some of the best hikes to explore this area:
- Doll House – This 11-mile round trip hike takes you through narrow slot canyons and past towering rock formations. The trail is challenging and requires some route finding skills, but the unique features make it worth the effort.
- Maze Overlook – This 3-mile round trip hike takes you to a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. The trail is moderate, with some steep sections, but the views are well worth it.
- Teapot Rock – This 5-mile round trip hike takes you to a unique rock formation that resembles a teapot. The trail is challenging, with some steep sections and route finding skills required, but the unique features make it worth the effort.
Needles District Hikes
If you’re looking for a hiking in Canyonlands National Park, the Needles District is a great place to start. With its unique rock formations and stunning views, this area offers a variety of for hikers of all levels. Here are three of the best hikes in the Needles District:
Chesler Park Loop
The Chesler Park Loop is a 6.2-mile trail that takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the Needles District. The trail starts at the Elephant Hill trailhead and takes you through narrow canyons, up steep switchbacks, and across open slickrock. Along the way, you’ll see towering spires, colorful rock formations, and expansive vistas. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as this trail can be hot and exposed.
Druid Arch
For a more challenging hike, check out the Druid Arch trail. This 10.8-mile out-and-back trail takes you through rugged terrain to a stunning natural arch. Along the way, you’ll pass through canyons, climb up steep slickrock, and scramble over rocks. The payoff is well worth it, though, as Druid Arch is one of the most impressive natural features in the park. Plan to spend at least half a day on this hike, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Joint Trail
The Joint Trail is a unique hike that takes you through narrow canyons and past towering rock formations. This 4.4-mile out-and-back trail starts at the Split Top Butte trailhead and takes you through the heart of the Needles District. Along the way, you’ll see impressive rock spires, deep canyons, and even a few pictographs. The highlight of the trail is the Joint, a narrow slot canyon that requires some scrambling to navigate. This hike is suitable for most hikers, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Overall, the Needles District offers some of the best hiking in Canyonlands National Park. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone here. So grab your hiking boots and hit the – you won’t be disappointed.
*Note: Here’s a table of the hikes in the Needles District for quick reference:
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Chesler Park Loop | 6.2 miles | Moderate |
| Druid Arch | 10.8 miles | Difficult |
| Joint Trail | 4.4 miles | Easy |
Island in the Sky Hikes
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park, the Island in the Sky district offers some of the most stunning and accessible hikes in the park. This district is located on a mesa above the surrounding landscape, providing visitors with a unique perspective from high above the canyons and buttes. Here are three of the best hikes in the Island in the Sky district:
Mesa Arch
The Mesa Arch trail is a relatively easy 0.5-mile hike that offers one of the most iconic views in the park. The trail begins at the Mesa Arch parking area and leads to a natural arch perched on the edge of a cliff. From the arch, visitors can see the breathtaking expanse of the park stretching out beyond the canyon walls. This hike is especially popular at sunrise, when the arch is bathed in a warm, golden light.
Grand View Point Trail
The Grand View Point Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the southernmost edge of the Island in the Sky mesa. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the canyons and buttes below, as well as the distant mountains on the horizon. From the end of the trail, you can see all the way to the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Upheaval Dome
The Upheaval Dome trail is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to a mysterious geologic formation. The trail begins at the Upheaval Dome parking area and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the dome, which is believed to be the result of a meteorite impact. From the viewpoint, you can see the circular crater and the colorful layers of rock that were pushed up by the impact.
Overall, the Island in the Sky district offers some of the most awe-inspiring hikes in Canyonlands National Park. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a longer, more challenging , the Island in the Sky has something to offer. So lace up your hiking boots and hit the to experience the beauty of this unique park.
Here’s a table summarizing the Island in the Sky hikes mentioned above:
| Hike | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch | 0.5 mi | Easy | Iconic arch with stunning sunrise views |
| Grand View Point | 2 mi | Moderate | Panoramic views of canyons and buttes |
| Upheaval Dome | 1.8 mi | Moderate | Mysterious geologic formation with a meteorite impact |
The Maze Hikes
The Maze district of Canyonlands National Park is an enigmatic and awe-inspiring region that is perfect for adventurous hikers. This area is known for its complex maze of canyons, towering mesas, and isolated buttes that create a unique and challenging landscape. In this section, we will explore three of the best hikes in The Maze district: Doll House, Maze Overlook, and Teapot Rock.
Doll House
The Doll House hike is a strenuous 12-mile round trip that takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful areas in The Maze. The trailhead is located at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, and the hike itself takes you through rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and narrow canyons. The reward for completing this challenging hike is the stunning Doll House formation, which is a collection of towering red sandstone spires that resemble dolls. The view from the Doll House is simply breathtaking, and it is a must-see for any hiker visiting The Maze.
Maze Overlook
The Maze Overlook hike is a moderate 4.2-mile round trip that offers stunning views of The Maze and the surrounding areas. The trailhead is located off of the Maze Overlook Road, and the hike takes you through a rocky terrain that offers a glimpse of the diverse landscapes that make up The Maze. The overlook itself is located on a high point that offers panoramic views of the canyons, mesas, and buttes that make up The Maze. It is a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of this unique area.
Teapot Rock
The Teapot Rock hike is a challenging 7-mile round trip that takes you through narrow canyons and up steep cliffs to the iconic Teapot Rock formation. The trailhead is located off of the Teapot Rock Road, and the hike itself is a true . The Teapot Rock formation is a natural wonder that resembles a teapot, and it is a popular spot for photos. The view from the top of Teapot Rock is simply stunning, and it offers a unique perspective of The Maze district.
*Note: Always check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on any hike in Canyonlands National Park. Safety should always be the top priority when hiking in remote and challenging areas like The Maze.
