Canyonlands Is Just Captivating in Unsurpassed Utah

Canyonlands National Park is just captivating in unsurpassed Utah. It's not far from Moab, Utah's adventure capital.

I'm sitting here in Adelaide, in the sweltering heat of our Australian summer, and it's bringing back memories of the hot days when I was touring through and walking in southern Utah's national parks.

If you are into canyons, photographing them, viewing them from above or getting down into them, then Canyonlands National Park is for you. You will certainly get your fill of some rugged country.

Heading southwest from the Visitor Center, one of the places to stop is Mesa Arch (below). Not only is the arch spectacular but the view through the arch (and framed by it) is also spectacular.


The area is comprised of limestone, sandstone and shale and is the product of over 10 million years of erosion.

Quite something to behold as the rows of canyons continue on into the distance.

In addition to the regular tourist lookouts, there are places where you just have to pull off onto the side of the road and get out of the car to check the view. Everywhere seems to be a photographic opportunity.

The photos here are just a few of the many which I couldn't stop myself from taking.

Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park and the part which I saw most of is "Island in the Sky", located in the northern section.  

I only spent a brief time in the park but you need to allow several days or longer for walking and exploring.      



There are also quite a few roads for high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicles.

In the photo below, zoom in and you'll see a car making its way down into the canyon (bottom right hand corner). What an adventure. I wonder how long it took them.

Here's the link to the Canyonlands National Park website and map to help you prepare for your visit.

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