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- Active Things to Do
- Cool Activities
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- Historical Things to Do
- Romantic Things to Do
- Things to Do Around Canyonlands National Park
- Things to Do Near Canyonlands
- Ask a Local
- Ask Canyonlands National Park Locals
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1. Mesa Arch
- Early-morning must. Half-mile, easiest in Park, trail guide
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- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
- Nile Expert Tip: Most gorgeous sunrise spot in Canyonlands
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2. Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail
- 1.6 mile r/t, easy hike to fascinating geologic features
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- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
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3. Cave Spring Trail
- A hike for history buffs. Less than a mile, great for kids!
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- Hiking
- Needles
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4. Slickrock Trail
- 2.4 miles. Scenic vistas, might spot bighorn sheep
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- Hiking
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5. Junior Ranger
- Let the kids lead the way as they learn about Canyonlands with an activity booklet and exercises to complete
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- Educational
- In the park
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6. Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop
- 7.5 miles, varied terrain, exposed sections, campsites
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- Hiking
- Needles
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7. Elephant Canyon / Druid Arch
- One of the best views of the Needles. 11 miles
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- Hiking
- Needles
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8. Chesler Park Loop / Joint Trail
- 11 miles, sandstone spires, fairly level trail. Campsites.
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- Hiking
- Needles
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9. Salt Creek Canyon
- Rough canyon trail past arches and archaeological sites.
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- Hiking
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10. Syncline Loop
- 8 miles, circles Upheaval Dome. Best in spring or fall.
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- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
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The Best of NileGuide
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Well, of course you're in Canyonlands to spend time in the great outdoors. We get that! Here are some of our favorite outdoor things to do in Canyonlands National Park. And why did we include these particular outdoors activities? For the varying hiking lengths and strenuousness, and for the gorgeous outdoor views revealed.
Mesa Arch is a classic hike. Short and sweet, it's best at sunrise so you can catch the dawn rays shining through the arch itself. Upheaval Dome is easy and interesting, which is why it gets a nod from us. On the Cave Spring Trail, you get to climb ladders (optional) and check out preserved old cowboy belongings that show a bit of what life in the wild West was about. The Slickrock Trail is just a sweet little leg-stretcher that gives you a taste of classic Canyonlands scenery. We picked the Junior Ranger program because it's such a wonderful way to get kids interested in the out-of-doors in general and national parks in particular. You can never learn an appreciation for nature too young.
The Needles District has over 60 miles of intersecting trails. Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop is an excellent introduction to Canyonlands. Elephant Canyon/Druid Arch is often considered a favorite Canyonlands hike with the best views. Others vigorously defend Chesler Park for its own unique topography and backcountry serenity. Salt Creek Canyon hides many ancient ruins and some natural arches. Syncline Loop circles around Upheaval Dome, a fascinating geological formation.
- Best Of Canyonlands National Park
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