Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park sprawls across a rugged expanse of desert carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The park is divided into four districts, with Island in the Sky the most visited and easiest to reach. Sheer cliffs plunge more than 1,000 feet to the winding canyons below.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Watch Sunrise at Mesa Arch – A short hike leads to this classic sunrise spot, winning raves for stunning views of the La Sal Mountains. 
• Drive Grand View Point Road – From the visitor center, it’s a 12-mile drive to Grand View Point Overlook. Make scenic stops along the way, including Candlestick Tower Overlook. 
• Hike to Upheaval Dome – A short hike leads to a puzzling geologic formation. It’s a three-mile wide crater with a hill in the center. To this day, geologists debate its origin. 
• Picnic at White Rim Overlook – Bring a picnic lunch (there is no food for sale in the park) and settle in at a covered picnic pavilion located in the trailhead parking area. 
• Make a side trip to Dead Horse Point State Park  – Dramatic overlooks offer views across the winding Colorado River. Get your steps in on the East Rim Trail to explore the mesa top. 

Itinerary Idea: Float the calm waters of the Colorado River on a half-day inflatable boat tour through Meander Canyon. Enjoy a small-group experience as you glide past towering cliffs, see Native American rock art, and stop for a short walk to a petrified forest.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Ledoux/Unsplash