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 Recreation
- Outdoor Activities
- 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
-
-
-
1. Mesa Arch
- Early-morning must. Half-mile, easiest in Park, trail guide
-
- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
- Nile Expert Tip: Most gorgeous sunrise spot in Canyonlands
user ratingexpert pick -
-
-
2. Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail
- 1.6 mile r/t, easy hike to fascinating geologic features
-
- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
user ratingexpert pick -
-
-
3. Cave Spring Trail
- A hike for history buffs. Less than a mile, great for kids!
-
- Hiking
- Needles
user rating -
-
-
4. Slickrock Trail
- 2.4 miles. Scenic vistas, might spot bighorn sheep
-
- Hiking
user rating -
-
-
5. Junior Ranger
- Let the kids lead the way as they learn about Canyonlands with an activity booklet and exercises to complete
-
- Educational
- In the park
user ratingexpert pick -
-
-
6. Big Spring to Squaw Canyon Loop
- 7.5 miles, varied terrain, exposed sections, campsites
-
- Hiking
- Needles
user ratingexpert pick -
-
-
7. Elephant Canyon / Druid Arch
- One of the best views of the Needles. 11 miles
-
- Hiking
- Needles
user rating -
-
-
8. Chesler Park
- 17 miles, can be less. Sun exposed, largest rocks in Needles
-
- Hiking
- Needles
user rating -
-
-
9. Salt Creek Canyon
- Rough canyon trail past arches and archaeological sites.
-
- Hiking
user rating -
-
-
10. Syncline Loop
- 8 miles, circles Upheaval Dome. Best in spring or fall.
-
- Hiking
- Island in the Sky
user rating -
-
-
The Best of NileGuide
-
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
-
