Wilderness… an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

The Wilderness Act, PL 88-577, section 2(c), 1964

Date established:  September 12, 1964

park entrance

visitor center

mesa arch, popular for sunrise photo

just a glimpse of what to see

green river overlook

upheaval dome

whale rock

buck canyon overlook

just a tree

yay, fluffy mittens

a solo hiker having the trail to herself

the story of a tree and the mesa

grand view

shafer canyon overlook – not subaru-friendly!

Date of visit:  December 12, 2018.

I spent just a day visiting the Canyonlands National Park.  I was really tired at this point to do some serious hiking.  Plus, the weather was gloomy, and the ranger at the Visitor Center mentioned of a chance of snow in the afternoon.  I just did the scenic drive on the Island in the Sky district and hiked the Grand View trail, and the Upheaval Dome trail.  By mid afternoon, the temperature started to drop, clouds started to cover the sky, and snow started falling.

Canyonlands National Park must be a haven for hikers/backpackers, especially those seeking solitude hikes.  You can make up your own trail at the canyons.  Camping, backpacking, hiking – all-in.  Need to plan for a longer stay.

You can also drive, REAL 4×4 required,  the 100 mile White Rim Road.  Or if you really are adventurous, ride it with your bike, either in multiple days, or a crazy single day event!

The trail in the Shafer Canyon overlook provides a glimpse of the start of the White Rim Road.