Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park is a United States national park located in southeastern Utah, near Moab. It preserves a vast and rugged desert landscape where the Colorado River and its tributaries have carved a maze of canyons, mesas, and buttes. The park covers about 527 square miles (1,366 square kilometers) and was established in 1964, and it is administered by the National Park Service.

The park comprises three distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Island in the Sky sits atop a broad high mesa with panoramic overlooks; The Needles features red and orange sandstone spires and a network of trails; The Maze is the most remote district, with few maintained roads and limited rescue access.

Geology and scenery: The terrain is formed from ancient sedimentary rocks deposited from the Permian through the Cretaceous periods. Erosion by the Colorado and Green Rivers, along with weathering, has produced deep canyons, arches, fins, and towering buttes, creating a dramatic and varied landscape.

Ecology: The park lies in a desert climate and supports pinyon–juniper woodlands, riparian zones along the rivers, and diverse wildlife, including mule deer, desert cottontail, coyotes, and numerous raptors and reptiles. The landscape also protects unique plant communities adapted to arid conditions.

Recreation and access: Popular activities include scenic drives, hiking, backcountry backpacking, river trips, camping, and stargazing. Access varies by district; Island in the Sky is reachable via paved and gravel roads from Moab, The Needles offers established trails and campsites, while The Maze requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and backcountry permits.