Canyonlands is for Adventurers

If you read our blog, then you know that we love places that are peaceful, wild, and hard to get to. And nowhere in Southern Utah quite fits that discription like Canyonlands National Park. It’s the least visited, and least developed national park in the state. And we at the Lodge think you should go there.

Canyonlands is divided into serval distinct districts. (You can see this one the official map.) Since there is sooo much to see in each district, we at the Lodge at Red River Ranch have put together a little list to help point you in the right direction –

By Nicole Harrington via unsplash.com

Island in the Sky District

1. Mesa Arch – this is the first stop for any trip into Canyonlands. It is the most iconic view in the park, with good reason. Remember that endless sculpted desert we were talking about, this is where to find it. And the arch is pretty impressive too.
2. Lathrop Loop – if you’re the hiking type (and we hope you are) give Lathrop Loop a shot. This moderately-strenuous trail will take you “to the edge” providing you with some great views of the park.
3. White Rim Trail – this is your chance to get intimate with the desert. White Rim Trail is actually a road that meanders through 100-miles of Canyonlands, and defines the boundaries of the Island in the Sky District. You don’t have to drive the whole thing, just as much as you fit into your trip. Find out about important safety information here.

By Dan Petty via unsplash.com

Maze District

1. Dollhouse – this is one of the rare, maintained trails in the Maze. It will lead you from the Colorado River, past some ancient Puebloan granaries to some impressive sandstone spires (where you should definitely play hide-and-seek.) It will also provide you with an overlook of Surprise Valley.
2. Maze Overlook – this should be your first todo in the Maze District. It’s a sight that you won’t soon forget, you will gain a new appreciation for the term “wilderness.” And yes it really does look like a maze down there.

By Tyson Dudley via unsplash.com

Needles District

1. Elephant Hill – this trail is one of the more strenuous in the park, and since it’s located in the backcountry of the Needles District, it should approached with caution. But if you decide to make the trek, the desert will open up before you. And there is also a pink elephant. (Well… a rock shaped like an elephant, at any rate.)
2. Peekaboo Trail – a well marked, and moderate trail that has plenty of scenery to offer. It will also allow you access to both Squaw and Lost Canyons. Or, if you’d rather, take the trail to Paul Bunyan’s Potty and Tower Ruin. Oh, who are we kidding? Just do it all.

That’s a very short list to get you started. So have at it, go explore Canyonlands National Park!