Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [89]
This hike has steep drop-offs and little shade, but the hard work is worthwhile—it shows off splendidly the many colors of the Needles District, and offers excellent views into the Maze District of the park. The climax is a spectacular view overlooking the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers in a 1,000-foot-deep gorge. This excursion can be done as a day hike (allow 4–6 hr.) or quite pleasantly as an overnight hike.
Elephant Hill–Druid Arch Trail
5.4 miles one-way. Moderate. Access: Elephant Hill trailhead at end of graded gravel road, manageable for most 2-wheel-drive passenger cars but not for large vehicles such as motor homes.
A number of connecting trails lead into the backcountry from this trailhead. The hike to Druid Arch, though not difficult, challenges hikers with steep drop-offs, quite a bit of slickrock, and a 1,000-foot increase in elevation. But the views make it worth the effort. You hike through narrow rock canyons, past colorful spires and pinnacles, and up the steep climb to the bench just below the huge Druid Arch, its dark rock somewhat resembling the stone structures of Stonehenge.
Squaw Canyon–Big Spring Canyon Loop
7.5-mile loop. Strenuous. Access: Squaw Flat Campground.
This hike over steep slickrock winds through woodlands of pinyon and juniper, offering views along the way of the Needles rock formations for which the district is named, plus nearby cliffs and mesas as well as distant mountains. Watch for wildflowers from late spring through summer. You can complete this hike in about half a day, but several backcountry campsites make it available to overnighters.
MAZE DISTRICT
Getting to the trailheads in the Maze District involves rugged four-wheel-drive roads; rangers can help you with directions.
The 3-mile Maze Overlook Trail is not for beginning hikers or anyone with a fear of heights. It is quite steep in places, requiring the use of your hands for safety. At the trailhead, you get a fine view of the many narrow canyons that inspired this district's name; the trail then descends 600 feet to the canyon bottom.
The 12-mile Harvest Scene Loop (difficult, 7–10 hr. or overnight) leads over slickrock and along canyon washes—watch for the cairns to be sure you don't wander off the trail—to a magnificent example of rock art.
Other trailheads lie in what is known as the Doll House Area. Check with a ranger for current trail conditions and difficulty.
HORSESHOE CANYON
This detached section of the park was added to Canyonlands in 1971 mainly because of its Great Gallery, an 80-foot-long rock art panel with larger-than-life human figures, which dates from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 500. The Horseshoe Canyon Unit is some 120 miles (one-way) from Island in the Sky, and only one road runs in (see "Getting There & Gateways," above). From the parking area, it's a 6.5-mile round-trip hike to see the rock art. The hike begins with a 1.5-mile section down an 800-foot slope to the canyon floor, where you turn right and go 1.75 miles to the Great Gallery. There is no camping in Horseshoe Canyon, but just outside the park boundary, primitive camping is available on Bureau of Land Management property on the rim.
Exploring the Backcountry
You'll find many opportunities for backpacking in Canyonlands National Park, although hikers will often be sharing trail-road combinations with four-wheel-drive vehicles and mountain bikes. Additional information is provided below.
Other Sports & Activities
Canyonlands is a park that begs to be explored. If you've come to Utah for mountain biking, hiking, four-wheeling, or rafting, this is the place. The region holds a few surprises, too, from ancient American Indian dwellings and rock art to dinosaur bones.
Unlike most national parks, the backcountry at Canyonlands is not only the domain of backpackers. Here, rugged four-wheel-drive and mountain-bike roads, as well as rivers navigable by boat, lead to some of the park's most scenic areas. Primitive campsites,