Arches National Park
This national park features the greatest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. To date, over 2,000 arches have been found and roads and trails in the park lead to many of them. The park is open year-round, and a 21 mile paved road leads visitors to major points of interest like the Window Section, Balanced Rock, Park Avenue and Wolfe Ranch. A graded dirt road goes to Klondike Bluffs. Just off the main road, many short trails lead to dramatic arches, including a 3-mile round trip to famed Delicate Arch, the arch on the Utah Centennial license plate. Ranger-guided hikes are conducted through the Fiery Furnace section during the summer (fee required). Entrance fees are collected. The visitor center, located at the entrance to the park is open year-round. Located 25 miles south of I-70 just off U.S. 191 and 5 miles north of Moab.

Dead Horse Point State Park
Old-time cowboys using the point as a natural corral inadvertently left a band of horses trapped for so long they died of thirst on this almost isolated island-mesa. Dead Horse Point offers dramatic views of the La Sal Mountains, Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. A visitor center museum is located in the park. Fees are charged.

Canyonlands National Park - Needles District

The scenic route into the Needles District past Newspaper Rock Recreation Site and through beautiful Indian Creek Canyon where beautifully shaped and wonderfully colored rock formations highlight the area. Arches, Indian ruins, petroglyphs and beautiful canyon scenery are a few of the many attractions of the district. Paved access leads to many viewpoints. However 4-wheel drive is necessary for deeper exploration. Some of the more spectacular sites such as Angle Arch and Chesler Park can be reached by jeep or by foot on excellent hiking trails. A visitor station is located at the entrance to the park and a campground with piped water is located at Squaw Flat, a fee area. Some permits are required. Accessible 49 miles northwest of Monticello on Scenic Byway 211.

Near Green River
The town of Green River is situated at a prehistorically, as well as historically, important river crossing. Rock art easlily seen at Sego Canyon offers an example of man's early presence. Today's travelers stop in Green River to canoe, raft and fish on the Green river, ride bikes and visit the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. Restaurants and lodging available. Population 734, Elevation: 4,100.

The Maze District
Canyonlands National Park. The Maze is the most inaccessible of the three park districts, requiring 4-wheel drive to explore its rugged interior. Horseshoe Canyon is accessible by 2-wheel drive and offers hikers an opportuinity to view "The Great Gallery", one of the finest panels of Indian pictographs to be found. Primitive camping with no water. Located 46 miles southwest of Green River off of State Highway 24.

Island in the Sky District
Canyonlands National Park. From the high broad mesas of the "Island", the canyons of the Green and Colorado Rivers are showcased from easily accessible viewpoints along a paved road. There are no services or water available on the Island, but the visitor center and primitive campground are open all year. An entrance fee is collected seasonally. Located 36 miles nnorthwest of Moab via State Highway 313. Allow 3 hours longer for hiking.

Goblin Valley State Park
Imaginations run wild when viewing this valley's display of rock goblins, spooks,and other creatures. Complete camping facilities. Fees collected. Located 1 hour southwest of Green River off of State Highway 24.

Castle Valley
Many movies and commercials have featured the unique topography of this area. The Priest and the Nuns or Castle Rock formations can be seen from the road. Allow 3 hours - 18 miles NW - paved road.

Scenic Byway 128
Sheer walls of red sandstone contrast with the flowing waters of the Colorado River which runs adjacent to this Scenic Byway. The road connects US 191 with I-70, and features such attractions as Fisher Towers, which loom 1500 feet above the valley floor, and Dewey Bridge, a one-lane suspension bridge which was used until 1986. The bridge has been placed on the National Historic Register. Hittle bottom Homestead is located at a opular picnic and boat launch and was the turn-of-the-cntury home of a local mail carrier. Scenic Byway 128 begins 3 miles north of Moab and runs 44 miles to the junction with I-70 near Cisco. May be driven in conjunction with the La Sal Mtn. Loop Road.

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
An outdoor paleontological museum providing an opportunity to view dinosaur bones and fossils in situ along a short self-guiding trail. A short distance from the trail are the stabilized remains of the Halfway Stage Station which served as a rest area for the traveling public between Moab and the railroad at Thompson from 1883 to 1904, 13 miles North of of Moab off US 191, 2 miles of dirt road to trailhead. Allow 1 hour.

Abajo/Blue Mountain Drive
40 mile scenic drive through the Manit-La Sal National Forest from Monticello to Blanding. Usually suitable for passenger cars. Ask locally about road conditions. Harts Draw Road west and north of Monticello provides an alternate route to Canyonlands National Park. Paved. 25 mi. to jct. with Hwy 211.

Scenic Byway 279
Travel through the red rock gorge of the Colorado River. Attractions include dinosaur tracks, Indian petroglyphs and arches. 3 miles north of Moab off U.S. 191. Allow one hour for the 36-mile round trip.

Fisher Towers
Dazzling red rock towers on the Colorado River B.L.M. picnic area and hiking trail. Allow 3 hours - 24 miles NE - 1 mile graded road.

Petrolgyph Drive
See petroglyphs along the roadside. This trip goes along the south side of the Colorado River. Hurrah Pass, a fine overlook point, is about 15 miles from Moab via graded road. Road beyond is 4-wheel drive. Allow 3 hours - 1 mile W.

Manti-LaSal National Forest
Cool mountain green with lakes nestled in the pines contrasts the surrounding vast stretches of red cliffs, canyons and monoliths. Allow 4 hours - Oowah Lake 23 miles SE - 2 miles of dirt road; Warner Lake 25 miles SE - 4 miles of dirt road.

Looking Glass Rock
An easy to reach natural wonder resembling a looking glass. Allow 1.5 hours - 25 miles SE on Hwy. 191 and a short graded road.

Wilson Arch
Wilson provides an up-close look at a beautiful natural arch. Allow 1 hour - 26 miles SE on Hwy. 191.

Award Winning Scenic Highway, The Potash Road
While driving along this scenic route, you will see petroglyphs and arches along the Colorado River Gorge. Allow 2 hours - 3 miles north - 32 miles round trip.

Auto Tours
Paved roads lead to many of the attractions in Utah's Canyonlands and provide a perfect introduction to the area's magic. A memorable opportunity exists to explore the wonders of nature, whether via a scenic drive in the breathtaking Manti-La Sal National Forest or on a roadside tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Hiking
In addition to the hiking trails within the National parks, trails exist throughout the region that provide convenient access to some of the area's lesser known backcountry and prehistoric Indian sites. For the explorer, acres of relatively untouched wilderness await.

 

Mountain Biking
A recreational center for mountain bike enthusiasts, the area's range of slick rock, dirt roads, and forested trails offers a multitude of possibilities. Whether you are an amateur or a rider looking for a challenge, the varied landscape of Utah's Canyonlands provides an experience of a lifetime.

4-Wheel/ATV
Largely a legacy of mining activities, thousands of miles of 4-wheeling trails exist in the Canyonlands area. A variety of scenery and a range of challenging trails offer the opportunity for countless days of exploration.

Rock Climbing
With hundreds of established climbing routes, Utah's Canyonlands presents new challenges to experienced rock climbers. The endless sandstone walls have an abundance of demanding crack climbs. The scenery is fantastic and the climbing areas are uncongested.

Water Activities
This area offers some of the finest whitewater in the country, including the rapids of the Colorado River and the famous sand waves of the San Juan River. In addition, the Green River offers 120 miles of continuous flat water ideal for canoeing. Lake Powell provides fishing, boating and water skiing. In all, Utah's Canyonlands is a water lovers paradise offering a full range of activities from calm water jet boating to technical kayaking.

Horseback Riding
A true horseback paradise, the area offers a variety of exploration opportunities, with guided trips ranging from a few hours to several days. Stable arrangements are available making a horseback adventure easy and enjoyable for all.

Golfing
Moab's beautiful golf course has expanded to 18 holes. The new fairways spread to the base of rugged red cliffs in view of the La Sal Mountains. The alpine setting of Monticello's well-established 9 hole course affords dynamic views of the Blue Mountains. Relaxing and challenging, both courses can be considered some of the finest in the state.

Flight-Seeing
With the perspective of a hawk, a scenic flight provides a special view of the varied landscape of the region. A tour from the air enhances the appreciation of the scope of this remote country and is the perfect compliment to other recreational activities.

Skiing/Snowmobiling
With Powder Snow, high Alpine terrain, and easy access, both the La Sal and Abajo Mountains offer incredible opportunities for skiers and snowmobilers. The La Sal Mountain Range is the second highest in Utah. Call 801-259-SNOW for La Sal Mountain winter weather information.

Movie Filming
The Moab to Monument Valley area have been popular filming locations since the late 30's, offering dramatic western landscape to such popular John Wayne classics as Stagecoach, Wagon Master, Rio Grande, and The Comancheros. The area continues to attract film companies producing feature films, commercials, documentaries and music videos.

Hunting/Fishing
From alpine lakes to the deep blue waters of Lake Powell, Utah's Canyonlands provide a variety of fishing. For hunters, the area provides some of the best mule deer habitat in the western United States.

Photography
Sandstone spires, expansive vistas, spectacular sunsets and the glow of aspen in the fall represent some of the many landscapes that attract both amateur and world-renowned photographers to Utah's Canyonlands.

BLM Slick Rock Bike Trail
Marked route for dirt bikes through wonderful Red Rock Country. Allow 4 hours - 7 miles east on Sand Flats Road - gravel.

Porcupine Rim
14.4 mile one-way from trailhead on Sand Flats Road to Hwy. 128, 30.8 miles for the entire loop; 900 foot climb from the trailhead, then 3,000 foot descent. Loose, rocky jeep trail and single track; Sand Flats Recreation Area fee; plan for weather extremes due to higher elevation.

Pritchett/Back of Behind the Rocks
(aka Kane Creek Canyon Rim/Pritchett Canyon/Behind the Rocks)
21 miles one-way from the trailhead near Hwy. 191 to Kane Creek Blvd.; 1,500 foot descent with short, steep climbs; jeep trail with rocky surfaces, big ledges and some sand; fee to landowner at end of ride.

Flat Pass
(aka Steel Bender)
18 mile loop including 6 miles on pavement; multiple ascents; low 4,500 feet, high 5,900 feet; jeep trail with rocky ledges, steam cobbles, some sand and multiple stream crossings.

Poison Spider Mesa
12 miles out and back to Little Arch from trailhead on Hwy. 279; 1,100 foot climb; jeep trails with large slick rock area, sand and rock-studded sediment; marked with white jeep stencils on rock; optional descent using Portal Trail single track is difficult and exposed.

Amasa Back
(aka Cliff Hanger)
10 miles out and back from the trailhead on Kane Creek Road. 1,100 foot ascent; jeep trail with loose rock, ledges and hard-packed sections.

Gemini Bridges
14 miles one way from the trailhead on Hwy. 313 to trail end at Hwy. 191 or 16 mile out and back from Hwy. 191 to the Gemini Bridges. 1,400 foot descent one way with a long, steep climb near the end; 700 foot ascent to the bridges as an out and back from Hwy. 191; dirt road and jeep trail with rocky surface and some sand.

Klondike Bluffs
16 miles out and back to Arches National Park boundary from trailhead on Hwy. 191; 800 foot ascent; jeep trail with hard pack and slickrock; marked with dinosaur footprint stencils; avoid when wet.

Monitor and Merrimac
7.4 mile loop plus optional 6 mile out and back to the Monitor and Merrimac buttes from the trailhead near Hwy.191; 700 foot ascent; jeep trail, slickrock and some sand; large, open slickrock riding areas; avoid when wet.

Hurrah Pass
19.2 miles out and back from end of paverment on Kane Creek Road; 900 foot ascent to Hurrah Pass with imtermediate ascents; graded gravel and dirt road; ride may be shortened by starting farther along the Kane Creek Road.

Email Link