Canyonlands National Park’s sheer drop-offs and carved-out canyons make for a rustic adventure. Canyonlands National Park is located in Southeastern Utah with its primitive desert landscape bordering the Colorado River. Canyonlands’ vast wilderness offers many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast with over 300,000 acres of preserved rugged land. Canyonlands has slightly cooler temperatures than Moab being in the 5000 – 6000’ elevation. There are many places for incredible nature photos, but a must see photography destination is Mesa Arch around sunrise as the sun shines through the arch.
Dead Horse Point State Park sits high above the Goosenecks. Dead Horse Point State Park is another visual classic where the Colorado River winds through a maze of entrenched canyons and cliffs. Dead Horse Point State Park is a good place to get away from the heat at 5900’ above sea level. You will find plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. We mountain biked the Intrepid Trail System gaining only 100 vertical feet in 9 miles. A perfect ride for our tired selves.
Another place I recommend going to is the Islands in the Sky overlook. This is a vast overlook that doesn’t call for jockeying a position. If you want to get away to a more remote area I recommend The Needles. The Needles is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands which is known for colorful sandstone spires. Everywhere you go will have something spectacular. Enjoy the fresh air!
Some of my favorite Canyonlands photos:
Some of my favorite National Park photos:
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
– John Muir
