Canyonlands

As I was digging around online for different hiking ideas, I stumbled across Canyonlands national park. Near Moab, Ut, the park is a fantastic place to backpack. The park is a desert environment, but it has plentiful water as the Green and Colorado rivers run through the park. The park is roughly divided into four sections. Two of these sections--island in the sky and the two rivers--are easily accessible. However after crossing the rivers, the trails fade away and the Needles and the Maze sections open up into the backpacker's dream. Accumulatively the park offers a wide variety of activities ranging from four-wheeling, rafting, to hiking.

One word of advice in advance is to check on permits and their requirements beforehand. A fee is required to enter the park. For backpacking or rafting there are special use permits that are required. These are issued within twenty-four hours before the activity at the visitor center. Read up on the permit requirements and be informed of all the regulations.

The desert environment can be a harsh environment and there are a few items concerning safety that are of the upmost importance. First off be prepared for intense heat in the summertime, better yet would maybe be to avoid the park in the peak heat months. Spring and fall bring much more pleasant weather. While it may not be an extreme danger, the park is home to hazardous wildlife such as black bear, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widows. Finally be aware of dangerous weather. Flash floods and heavy rain are always a possibility, keep a constant eye on the weather. In the spring and fall months be aware of snow as it can be hazardous on the steep rock. In the primitive wilderness that is Canyonlands, be aware of the different environmental hazards that can be present.

The major backpacking destination of Canyonlands is called the Maze. The Maze is set apart from the rest of the park and is close to fifty miles away from the nearest road. The Maze is full of fins and canyons. Inside the deep valleys lay pools of water that are the center of the environment. From a hiker's standpoint the Maze is easily a three day trip and can take over a week to explore just some of the areas the Maze has to offer.

Another backpacking portion of the hike is called the Needles. The Needles is still fairly tucked away in the corner of the park, but this section has a better trail system that runs through it. Including the trail system, this area also has a campsite which makes the trail more accessible. The Needles features massive spires and fabulous overlooks. This section also features some excellent four by four trails.

Two other attractions of Canyonlands are the white water and the native rock art. In Horseshoe Canyon, the massive cliff walls create the Great Gallery, which is one of the most important areas in America for Native American hieroglyphs and rock art. When the Colorado and the Green river combine in the park, they form Cataract Canyon. This stretch of river features arguably the best whitewater rafting in the state of Utah.

All in all Canyonlands national park is an incredibly diverse park with attractions for all different types of thrill seekers.