The Grand Canyonlands

Our Local Expert Says:

Most gorgeous sunrise spot in Canyonlands

Description:

Located in the popular Island in the Sky District, Mesa Arch sits right at a clifftop, providing dramatic views. Best seen at sunrise, this famous little arch attracts hordes of photographers just before dawn nearly every day in the busy season. Off-season, you might find yourself the only one enjoying a spectacular sunrise from this most excellent of viewing spots. At only half a mile roundrtrip, it's great for kids.

Description:

One of the most technical four-wheel-drive roads in Utah, Elephant Hill presents drivers with steep grades, loose rock, stair-step drops, tight turns and backing. This is also difficult mountain biking terrain. Over the hill, equally challenging roads lead to various features, as well as to BLM lands south of the park. No water is available at the campsites, but vault toilets are provided at all camping areas except New Bates Wilson. Groups camping at New Bates Wilson must bring their own toilet.

Description:

Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry, including backpacking, four-wheel drive or mountain bike camping, and river trips. Permits are also required for day use by vehicles, bikes and horses in Horse/Salt Creek and Lavender canyons in the Needles District. Permits are not required for day hiking. Permits costs vary in price from $15 to $30 depending on activity, and are valid for groups of as many as fifteen people. Permits can be obtained at the visitor centers, and all permits can be reserved in advance. Those not reserved in advance are available to walk-ins first-come, first-served (see http://nps.gov/cany/reserve.htm for more information). Walk-in permits are only available the day before or the day of a trip. Permits are issued up to one hour before the close of business each day. River permits are issued (usually in advance) from the Reservation Office in Moab. Permits (except day use) are good for a maximum of fourteen days. Exact sites/zones and dates must be determined when the permit is issued. Backpackers may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any site or zone. Visitors using the designated vehicle camps may stay a maximum of three consecutive... read more

Description:

O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) knows what it's doing. With over 40 years of experience in the outdoor adventure business, you could say they have rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking down to a science…but that doesn't make it sound fun enough. And fun is certainly what they dish up. They welcome travelers of all ages and levels of experience to take part in their guided tours; professional and experienced guides will make sure their guests are safe, well fed and having a blast.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America

Description:

Canyon de Chelly has ancient ruins and is also still home to modern Navajo. They consider this their spiritual home as well as historic, although as a people they arrived long after the native Ancestral Puebloans who also inhabited the Southwest. Canyon de Chelly is part of Navajo Tribal Trust Land, which means the Navajo Nation works with the National Park Service to govern this precious cultural resource. Ranger-led trips are available, and local Navajo guides maybe hired as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

Eerie yet calming silence holds this timeless place in a contemplative solitude. You can almost hear the voices and laughter of those who lived here centuries before...and they were regular people just like you and me.

Description:

Hovenweep National Monument protects six prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. Multi-storied towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of their builders. Hovenweep is noted for its solitude and undeveloped, natural character.

Description:

The old fashioned Runnin' Iron Inn pairs Western hospitality with modern convenience. Five rooms, each with a special personality (and name to match) can be rented to groups or couples. Right next door to Monticello's steak house, the Inn also features the Rusty Lillie Lodge with a common kitchen, sitting room with fireplace and private entrances.

Description:

This trail offers one of the most spectacular views in the Needles. It follows the Chesler Park access trail to Elephant Canyon, then travels along the canyon bottom across a mixture of deep sand and loose rock all the way to its upper end. The last .25 mile is a steep climb involving one ladder and some scrambling. Three backpacking sites. Water available seasonally.

Our Local Expert Says:

Truly classic, majestic view of Canyonlands

Description:

An easy walk out to the very end of the Island in the Sky mesa. Great views of the Green River Valley. Overlooks the White Rim Trail on the way back, which is popular with mountain bikers and off-road vehicles.

Description:

The Island in the Sky mesa rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Every overlook offers a different perspective on Canyonlands' spectacular landscape. The Island is the easiest district to visit in a short period of time, offering many pullouts with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive. Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips.