On our second day in Moab, we visited Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Our first day was at Arches National Park (a must visit which you can read it here). Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah located 32 miles (51.5 km) from the town of Moab. It is known for its breathtaking view of the deep canyons. Canyonlands is divided into four separate “districts, ” including three land districts and the Colorado river. Each has its own characteristic landscapes and opportunities for adventures. These districts are not connected and it takes time to get from one to another.
Island in the Sky
The most easily accessible district that is near Arches National Park. The Island in the Sky mesa rests on the sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet (304 m) above the surrounding terrain. Each overlook offers a different perspective on Canyonlands’ magnificent landscape. It is the easiest area of Canyonlands to visit in a short period of time, offering many magnificent views along the scenic drive.
The Needles
Partially accessible by car, The Needles, is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands. It got its name from the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. It is best to explore on foot or by four-wheel-drive.
The Maze
The least accessible district of Canyonlands. Travel to the Maze requires extra time due to the district’s difficulty of road and trails being in a remote area. Visitors must have proper equipment or gear for self-rescue.
We decided to visit Island in the Sky since it was the closest to get to from Moab. The Visitor Center was closed due to government shutdown so we did not get to see it. We made our first stop at the Visitor Center to enjoy the beautiful view of the canyons that was across the street from it.
View of the canyons across from the Visitor Center
We then headed to Mesa Arch where we hiked to see the famous arch in Canyonlands (0.5 miles round trip). It is best to see the beautiful arch in the mornings due to the sunrise casting a red glow on the arch. The arch creates a perfect frame for a magnificent view of the White Rim Road, canyons, and the distant La Sal Mountains.
View of canyons and the distant La Sal Mountains at Mesa Arch
On the way to Grand View Point, we stopped by the Orange Cliffs Overlook to appreciate orange cliffs rising high above the desert landscape.
Our last stop at Canyonlands was Grand View Point that offers a magnificent view of the Canyoland areas. Visitors can see distant mountains, basins, canyons, and the White Rim Road from the viewpoint at 6,080 feet elevation. Grand View Point is the southernmost point of the Island in the Sky scenic drive. The viewpoint is about a 15-minute drive from the visitor center. From here, visitors can see the White Rim, features in The Maze and The Needles, and distant mountains. It’s 2.0 miles round trip hike, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Dead Horse Point State Park
We got to Dead Horse Point State Park about an hour before the sunset and waited patiently for the sun to go down. Dead Horse Point State Park features a breathtaking overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. The park covers 5,362 acres of high desert at an altitude of 5,900 feet. The park got its name due to unwanted culls of broomtails that died of thirst within sight of the Colorado River (2,000 feet below) before the turn of the 19th century.
From the overlook parking lot, a short paved pathway leads to breathtaking views of Canyonlands and 2,000 feet below to the Colorado River. For the best view, you must walk past the observation deck and continue along the path for approximately 100 feet. Be cautious when approaching the edge of the cliffs as there are no rails. The view was most gorgeous during the sunset as the red rocks seem to glow with intense color. Picture does not do justice.
We enjoy visiting Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park during the winter as it is less crowded and we have better chance of having gorgeous snow topped mountain background in our photos.
Have you been to The Needle or The Maze? What did you think of those districts?