Hiking
At Canyonlands National Park you can immerse yourself in the intoxicating colors, smells, and textures of the desert. Make sure to bring water and electrolytes, as dehydration is the number-one cause of search-and-rescue calls here.
Island in the Sky has several easy and moderate hikes that are popular with day-trippers, including the Aztec Butte Trail, Grand View Point Trail, Upheaval Dome Trail, and Whale Rock Trail. If you're up for a strenuous day of hiking, try the 8-mile Syncline Loop Trail, which follows the canyons around Upheaval Dome.
Both the Cave Spring Trail and Slickrock Trail are popular with day-trippers to the Needles section of Canyonlands, suitable for most hikers young or old, though the former requires one to climb two wooden ladders. Others are considerably more difficult and require experience.
Chesler Park is a grassy meadow dotted with spires and enclosed by a circular wall of colorful "needles." One of Canyonlands' more popular trails, the Chesler Viewpoint Trail, leads through the area to the famous Joint Trail, one of the park's star attractions, though a moderately difficult hike.
Island in the Sky
Easy
Aztec Butte Trail. The highlight of the 2-mile round-trip hike is the chance to see Ancestral Pueblo granaries. The view into Taylor Canyon is also nice. Moderate. Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532.
Mesa Arch Trail. After the overlooks, this is the most popular trail in the park, a ½-mile loop that acquaints you with desert plants and terrain and offers vistas of La Sal Mountains. The highlight of this hike is a natural arch window perched over an 800-foot drop, giving a rare downward glimpse through the arch rather than the usual upward view of the sky. It's one of the best spots in the park to enjoy the sunrise. Easy. Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532.
Whale Rock Trail. If you've been hankering to walk across some of that pavement-smooth stuff they call slickrock, the hike to Whale Rock will make your feet happy. This 1-mile round-trip adventure, which culminates with a tough final 100-foot climb and features some potentially dangerous dropoffs, takes you to the very top of the whale's back. Once you get there, you are rewarded with great views of Upheaval Dome and Trail Canyon. Moderate. Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84532.
Moderate
Difficult
The Maze
Difficult
Horseshoe Canyon Trail. This remote region of the park is accessible by dirt road, and only in good weather. Park at the lip of the canyon and hike 7 miles round trip to the Great Gallery, considered by some to be the most significant rock-art panel in North America. Ghostly life-size figures in the Barrier Canyon style populate the amazing panel. The hike is moderately strenuous, with a 700-foot descent. Allow at least six hours for the trip and take a gallon of water per person. There's no camping allowed in the canyon, although you can camp on top near the parking lot. Difficult. Call Hans Flat Ranger Station before heading out, because rain can make the access road a muddy mess. Horseshoe Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84525.
Needles
Easy
Slickrock Trail. Wear a hat and carry plenty of water if you're on this trail—you won't find any shade along the 2.4-mile round-trip trek. This is the rare frontcountry site where you might spot one of the few remaining native herds of bighorn sheep in the national park system. Nice panoramic views. Easy. Needles, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535.
Moderate
Cave Spring Trail. One of the best, most interesting trails in the park takes you past a historic cowboy camp, precontact rock art, and great views. Two wooden ladders and one short, steep stretch may make this a little daunting for the extremely young or old, but it's also a short hike (0.6 mile round-trip), features some shade, and has many notable features. Moderate. Needles, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535.
Difficult
Joint Trail. Part of the Chesler Park Loop, this trail follows a series of deep, narrow fractures in the rock. A shady spot in summer, it will give you good views of the Needles formations for which the district is named. The loop travels briefly along a four-wheel-drive road and is 11 miles round-trip; allow at least five hours to complete it. Difficult. Needles, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 84535.
