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- Things to Do Around Canyonlands National Park
- Things to Do Near Canyonlands
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- Ask Canyonlands National Park Locals
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1. Lathrop Canyon
- 11 mi, 1600-foot elevation loss, well-marked, steep, rocky
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- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
- Nile Expert Tip: Long hike into pretty Canyonlands backcountry
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2. Murphy Loop
- 9-miles, 1400-foot elevation gain, no water
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- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
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3. 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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4. Taylor Canyon
- 20 miles, challenging hike. Can be shortened.
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- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
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5. Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop
- 7.5 miles, varied terrain, exposed sections, campsites
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- Hiking
- Needles
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6. Elephant Canyon / Druid Arch
- One of the best views of the Needles. 11 miles
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- Hiking
- Needles
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7. Chesler Park Loop / Joint Trail
- 11 miles, sandstone spires, fairly level trail. Campsites.
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- Hiking
- Needles
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8. Confluence Overlook
- 11 miles, flat desert trail, view Maze and Island districts
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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. Lower Red Lake Canyon
- 18.8 mi. No actual lake! No water till muddy Colorado River
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- Hiking
- Needles
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The Best of NileGuide
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It's pretty easy to take in a national park and not actually get much exercise, believe it or not. But here we're rounded up a list of the most active things to do in Canyonlands. Meaning you'll get a workout with a great pay-off in the form of views and stunning natural beauty. This list of top active things includes some real toughies, so get ready to exercise your legs and lungs.
In the Island in the Sky District, four longer hikes stand out. Lathrop Canyon takes you to the White Rim Road, extremely popular with mountain bikers. Murphy Loop offers wonderful views of the surrounding canyons. Syncline Loop circles around Upheaval Dome, a fascinating geological formation. Taylor Canyon holds breathtaking beauty for your effort in reaching it.
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. The Confluence Overlook ends high above the juncture of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Salt Creek Canyon hides many ancient ruins and some natural arches. Lower Red Lake Canyon doesn't have a lake, but it does have a great overnight backpacking trail. Along with its 1,400 foot elevation loss (which you'll regain on the way back out), it will definitely get you very active.
- Best Of Canyonlands National Park
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