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Canyonlands National Park preserves
527 square miles (848 square km) of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, arches
and spires in the heart of the Colorado Plateau in Southeastern Utah. The
Green and Colorado rivers divide the park into three districts: the Island
in the Sky to the north, the Maze to the west, and the Needles to the south.
Each district retains its own character and offers different opportunities
for exploration. No roads directly link these areas. Although they may appear
very close on a map, traveling between them requires two to six hours by
car. Complex topography makes direct travel difficult or even impossible in
many areas. Most visitors find it impractical to visit all three areas in a
single trip.
 Canyonlands has become an increasingly popular
backcountry destination. Permits are required for all overnight travel in
the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for backpacking and
four-wheel-drive permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you
plan to visit Canyonlands National Park during peak season, it is recommended
that you make reservations well in advance. There are extensive hiking trails
in the park, providing opportunities for short walks, half or full-day hikes,
or backpacking trips lasting a week or more. Lack of water is a limiting
factor, and hikers may have to carry their own supply. Pets are not allowed
on hiking trails.
In Canyonlands, peak visitation generally
coincides with the most pleasant weather. The busiest seasons are spring and
fall, when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F. and lows average 20 to 50 F. Crowds
are largest and campsites and backcountry permits are most difficult to obtain
during holiday weekends such as Easter and spring break. Summer temperatures,
with highs hovering near 100 F., discourage crowds and tend to make strenuous
exercise difficult. Most precipitation falls in late summer and early autumn
thunderstorms. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F., and lows
averaging 0 to 20 F. Though large snowfalls are uncommon in the park, even
small amounts of snow or ice can make trails and roads impassible. Many
four-wheel-drive roads are closed in winter.
National Parks Conservation Association -
The gradual, accelerated warming of our planet will have disastrous consequences for America's
national parks. But all is not lost. Although the situation seems dire, NPCA's report,
Unnatural Disaster, says we
can still halt the most severe effects of climate change if we take action now. The national parks offer
a unique opportunity to draw attention to America’s priceless resources at risk, and to showcase
opportunities to act to protect them.
For some additional photos of Canyonlands, including
panoramas, visit Rocky Mountain Scenery.
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