Canyonlands National Park is a park that should not be overlooked! The Green and Colorado rivers divide the park into 4 different districts which are all unique in their own way! We only spent our time exploring part of the Island in the Sky district. I hate looking back and seeing that I spent so little time exploring such a beautiful and unique park!! Canyonlands is such a hidden gem and was not busy at all while we were there!! We prepared for tons of people and a long line at 10am, but it was a breeze. Now I will say, when we left, the line was over a mile long to get in in the mid afternoon! A good rule of thumb for National Parks are to get there really early in the morning for the best results. You have to plan AT LEAST a full day in this park, but more would be best in order to explore the entire park!
I am just in awe every time I look at my pictures from Canyonlands National Park.
Island in the Sky
- Shafer Trail- the first stop along the road through the north of the park. We stopped and took in the first views of the park. At the look out point, it is pretty rocky and while not the most difficult, it can be for anyone who struggles with rocky terrain.
- Mesa Arch- we actually did not stop here, but I wish we would have. This is another popular stop in this area of the park which includes a hiking trail to the arch. According to AllTrails, it is considered an easy hike. If I would have done better research beforehand, I absolutely would have taken this trail!
- Green River Overlook- At this overlook point you are able to see views of the Green River that runs through the park. There is no hike here, but there are bathrooms at this point if you need.
- Buck Canyon Overlook- This overlook point was absolutely stunning!! I was absolutely amazed by the landscape in front of me. I would definitely take a stop at this lookout point for picture-worthy views.
- Grand View Point Overlook- They don’t call this “Grand View” for nothing! At this point you can really just get out and look or you can choose to walk and walk just taking in the view. It is very rocky here and features some climbing as well. I assume we could’ve done some more extensive hiking here, but I don’t think we came close to the full mile trail that is there. This view point was much busier than any other areas in the park at this time! If you can find a place to park, I absolutely would take the time to hike this trail.
Here is some more helpful info to know if you’re considering staying near Canyonlands!
Where to stay: If you would like to stay near the entrance to the Needles district (we stayed here one night and didn’t even visit this side of the park) then I HIGHLY recommend booking a tent with Glamping Canyonlands!! I could not say enough about how great our experience was. Despite the freezing night time desert weather, everything else was perfect!
- You can book your tent online through the website I linked above or you can find them on AirBnb. It is super easy to locate despite little cell-service. They offer an off-grid experience which is great when you want to spend time with the outdoors.
- The campsite is truly in the middle of nowhere so looking outside your tent at night provides stunning views of the night sky. Stars, stars, and more stars. Many people go to Utah and camp out to see the beautiful night skies and Glamping Canyonlands provides the perfect and safe space to do this!
- Recently, Keshia and Erik opened up a brand new “family” tent on the property! I would love to come back and stay with a group of people and show them how special this area is!! The tents are located literally 40 minutes from the Needles entrance of Canyonlands.
- Lastly, the bring coffee to your tent in the morning!!! Who wouldn’t love this? They have thought through everything so intentionally and your experience will show this! Through the hospitality, location, cleanliness, and all you will have an unforgettable glamping experience in Utah with Glamping Canyonlands!
