View List On MapMore Top 10 Lists
- Active Things to Do
- Cool Activities
- Family Friendly Attractions
- Fun Things to Do
- Places to Hike
- National Park Attractions
- Unusual Things to Do
- Outdoor Activities
- Outdoor Attractions
- 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
- 17 miles, can be less. Sun exposed, largest rocks in Needles
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- Hiking
- Needles
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9. Don Hatch River Running Expeditions
- Original river running company since 1926. Great service
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- Outdoor Recreation
- Outside the park
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The Best of NileGuide
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Well, of course you're in Canyonlands to pursue some serious outdoor recreation. So we chose some of our favorites. And why did we include these best Canyonlands outdoor recreation 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. 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.
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.
Some of the best folks around to show you the best outdoor recreation in Canyonlands are local guides. So we listed two of our favorite local companies. They'll show you the sights, schedule everything for you, teach you proper safety, and take you on adventures where you'll experience the best Canyonlands has to offer.
- Best Of Canyonlands National Park
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