Canyonlands National Park Things to Do

A wonderful loop hike with some difficult sections climbing between two canyons. One ladder must be climbed.

Upheaval Dome is a mystery. The rock layers below you are fractured and tilted, forming a circular depression more than two miles wide. How did it form? Scientists propose two potential causes: a salt dome that cracked and tilted the rock over time, or a violent meteorite impact that instantly fractured the rock. Recent findings support the meteorite hypothesis, but questions remain. With more research, we may solve the mystery of this crater and other on our planet. A slow-moving salt dome? About 300 million years ago, a salty inland sea covered the area. A large basin trapped the sea, which then evaporated, leaving behind thousands of feet of salt. Wind and water deposited more of sediment, pushing down on the softer salt layer and causing it to dome upwards. Over time the salt rose, fracturing and distorting the rock layers in its path. Water eroded the salt and overlying sediment, exposing the distorted crater visible today. An instantaneous meteorite impact? About 200 million years ago, a meteor hurtled toward earth. The meteor hit the ground with so much force, it vaporized on impact. The force of the impact fractured the rock, creating a large crater. Rock layers rebounded inward and upward to fill the void. Erosion exposed the tilted, broken core of the impact site.

Two short but steep hikes lead to overlooks of a spectacular and colorful geologic feature; Upheaval Dome.

This trail leads up the side of a sandstone dome, ending with broad views of the Island in the Sky. Great for kids who like to scramble on rock.

Walk to an east-facing overlook for views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains.

A primitive trail with steep switchbacks drops 1,600 feet (488 m) into a long, sandy wash. Follow the wash to the White Rim Road. No shade.

Just like it says, this roadside overlook offers a great view of large sandstone arch shaped like a classic Dutch wooden shoe.

Wooden Shoe Arch, visible on the horizon, formed thousands of years ago, yet the rock it's made from is much older. Three hundred million years ago, an inland sea flooded this area. As the sea evaporated, it left behind a great salt basin that later filled with layers of sand and other sediments. Some of these red and white layers hardened into the sandstone of the Cedar Mesa Formation, where you are now standing. Streams flowed westward from the ancestral Rocky Mountains, bringing the sediments that make up the red layers. As these sediments washed into this area, iron rich minerals oxidized, giving the layers their distinctive red color. The white layers came from sand bars and coastal dunes left by an evaporating sea. Winds blew the sand into this area, creating a vast plain of dunes. The angled layering visible on cliff walls reveals the structure of these ancient dunes. An abundance of quartz gives these sandstone layers their white color. Over time, the buried salt started to shift and flow under pressure from the overlying red and white sandstone. The movement caused the sandstone to break and split. Weathering along the cracks continues to form spires, fines, and arches, like Wooden Shoe Arch. Below this text are four diagrams of the formation of Wooden Shoe Arch. From left to right they are labled one, two, three, and four. Each diagram is accompanied by text describing the displayed process. The red and white banding in the sandstone was created over a long period of time. Iron-rich red sediments from the east overlapped with white coastal sand dunes from the west over 250 million years ago. These layers were buried and hardened into the Cedar Mesa Formation. Underground movement of salt caused the stone to crack into parallel lines. Rain, freezing and thawing of ice widened the cracks and eroded weaker rock. Over time, water sculpted the sandstone into arches, fins, and spires. This erosion continues today. Using our imagination, we see fanciful things and common features, such as "Wooden Shoe Arch," inspired by traditional wooden shoes.

After descending 1,400 ft (4276 m) past a large alcove, the trail meanders in a wide canyon to the base of the notable Moses and Zeus towers.

This trail climbs two sandstone buttes to outstanding views and stone granaries built by Indigenous people centuries ago.

From a paved overlook at 6,240 feet (1,902 m) in elevation, enjoy sweeping vistas to the west and across the Colorado River canyon.

This popular trail leads to a pass overlooking a scenic expanse of desert grasses and shrubs surrounded by sandstone spires.

Unlike other Needles hikes, this trail traverses dry, open country along the northern edge of the geologic faults that shaped the Needles. The trail ends at a cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers 1,000 ft (304 m) below.

This trail offers one of the most spectacular views in The Needles. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park trail, then branches off to travel along the bottom of Elephant Canyon through deep sand and loose rock. The last 1.25 mile at the upper end is steep with one ladder and some scrambling.

Fort Bottom Ruin is an ancient stone structure overlooking the Green River, built by Indigenous inhabitants of the Canyonlands area centuries ago. It is only reachable from the 4WD White Rim Road (permit required).

The steepest trail in this district of Canyonlands, Gooseberry descends over a thousand feet of scree slopes and switchbacks across sheer cliffs.

This short walk from the 4WD White Rim Road (permit required) ends abruptly at an overlook of a meandering gooseneck bend in the Colorado River.

Grand View Point offers a spectacular view of the Canyonlands area. From this panoramic viewpoint at 6,080 feet elevation, you can see distant mountains, canyons, basins, and the four-wheel-drive White Rim Road far below. A short trail leads to even more views.

Best mesa-top view of the Green River far below. Can be lovely for sunset.

This short loop trail (0.6 mi/1 km) crosses sandstone dimpled with pockets called potholes, which may be filled with surprising aquatic life.

What created this unusually circular and tilted geologic formation? For the best view, hike the one-mile roundtrip (1.5 km) trail to the first overlook (climbing 100 feet/30 meters).

The human history of Canyonlands isn’t obvious to most visitors. However, people have traveled, traded, and thrived here for millennia. Tucked in a sheltered alcove below, two 900-year-old stone structures bear testament to the fortitude of these Indigenous people. What drew the ancient builders to this site? The rock overhanging provides protection from the elements, while the unobstructed view may imbue this place with power. The structures – which archeologist call granaries- may have had various uses over time, including storing ceremonial supplies, medicines, or caches of food gathered or grown nearby. Storage secures the hope of return. Items they stored here might have eased a traveler’s burdens. Those items also belonged here, imbued with the power of this place. Visit with Respect Entering, touching or climbing on archaeological sites is strictly prohibited. Stone and mortar walls that have stood for hundreds of years are crumbling today beneath the hands and feet of curious visitors. Leave no trace of your visit. Help ensure these structures keep standing, reflecting the strength of the people who lived in this desert long ago. Photo insert caption: Entries to granaries were typically covered by stone slabs. Mud and clay were added to seal the opening and camouflage the cache with the cliffs, hiding it from people passing nearby.

Big Spring rests at the end of the Needles Park Road. From the overlook, unique rock spires and multi-colored sandstone benches line the bend in the canyon. The presence of the spring allows trees and plants to flourish in the spring and summer months.

You've come to the end of the road. Do you wonder what's out there? This curiosity has driven human exploration for millennia. A wild and untamed landscape begins where the pavement ends. We often refer to places where human impacts are minima. as "wilderness." What does that mean? The Wilderness Act of 1964 defined wilderness ass "...an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself if a visitor who does not remain." The landscape ahead appears to fit that description. However, human impacts on air quality and climate are affecting the natural processes at work here. Does this change your view of Canyonlands' wildness? President Lyndon B. Johnson said of the Wilderness Act: "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through it." Here at the end of the road, we encourage you to step into the wilderness and explore what it means to you.

This loop features extended hiking on slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking canyons. Excellent views of sheer cliff walls and other rock formations. Must climb two ladders.

A great introduction to the landscape of The Needles, this route connects two canyons for a loop across varied terrain.

The relentless forces of water and gravity have slowly sculpted the vast canyons before you. How do mere drops of water chisel solid stone into dramatic cliffs, spires, mesas and buttes? The story starts at your feet. Rainwater seeps into thirsty sandstone and collects in razor-thin cracks, splintering the rock into great slabs that tumble into the canyons. Sudden thunderstorms release torrents of water that scour the land of loose pebbles and dirt, then stream over cliff edges as sandy brown waterfalls. Softer slopes of clay and mudstone crumble beneath the water's force. A stair-step shape emerges as water carves alternating layers of harder and softer rock. On this journey, much of the water evaporates or absorbs into the rock. Only some of it reaches the Green and Colorado rivers, unseen in the canyons below, carting away thousands of feet of rock, one grain at a time. Inset: Visible Rock Layers: Kayenta: Mesa top sandstone, Wingate: Sheer, red cliffs, Chinle: Colorful, crumbling slope, Moenkopi: Brown ledges, White Rim: Sandstone bench, Organ Rock: Dark red slopes and spires, Cedar Mesa: Distant red and white canyons (Needles, Maze), Layers not visible from this point include fossil-rich limestones and shales along the Colorado River. Graphic Captions Left to Right: Colorado River (deeply entrenched) Spires form where caps of harder rock protect weaker layers below. White Rim Road (1400ft / 427m below you) You are Here.

Elevation 6,080 feet Left to Right: La Sal Mountains: Located 35 miles east-northeast of here, near the Colorado border. The highest peak is Mt. Peale, elevation 12,721 feet. White Rim Sandstone: A hard layer of white sandstone that forms a sharply defined rim above the lower level canyons. Made of ancient coastal sand dunes, the White Rim lies about 1,300 feet below this point. Totem Pole: This spire of eroded sandstone stands 305 feet high, making it the tallest feature in Monument Basin. Colorado River Canyon: The river is cut so deeply into the landscape that it is not visible from here. It flows from left to right towards the Confluence. Before 1921 the portion of the Colorado River above the Green River was known as the "Grand River" hence the name "Grand View Point". Monument Basin: Vertical fractures in the sandstone have caused the rocks to erode into steep-sided walls, columns and pinnacles. White Rim Road: Park visitors with four-wheel-drive vehicles and mountain bikes experience the backcountry on this 100-mile road. Recommended driving time is two days. Stop by the visitor center for detailed information. Abajo Mountains: Located 35 miles southeast of here. The highest point is Abajo Peak, elevation 11,360 feet. The Needles: A district of Canyonlands located about 12 miles south of here. Up close, it's a land of colorful, sculptured rocks with arches, canyons and needle-like spires. Mining Roads: These road scars were made by uranium trucks and bulldozers before Canyonlands was established in 1964. The desert is surprisingly fragile; impacts like these may take decades to heal. Confluence: The Green and Colorado rivers join deep in the distant canyons. The Confluence was unknown until John Wesley Powell mapped the area in 1896. Today, viewing it still required a long journey by foot or boat.

Human activities have changed the face of Canyonlands. Livestock grazing in the late 19th century altered plant communities. The roads and seismic lines you see below were constructed in the 1950s in a search for uranium and oil. Mining and grazing activities eventually ceased with the creation of Canyonlands National Park, but the impacts of are still visible today. Desert plants endure poor soil, infrequent rain, intense heat, and strong winds. Annual precipitation is less than 10 inches. Because of these challenges, seeds only germinate once every few years. this means that desert plant communities recover very slowly from any disturbance. Grazing has ceased, mining has stopped, abandon roads have been closed, and backcountry travel is regulated. Natural revegetation is slowly repairing these impacts. Visual rehabilitation has begun to conceal the scars on the landscape, but full biological recovery will take many years in this arid environment.

It may be sunny as you read this, but if you wait until dark, you may be rewarded with the brilliance of the Milky Way. Our star studded galaxy is just one of many in the known universe. Starry nights provided inspiration for the first calendar, compass, and clock. Our ancestors used constellations and patterns in the sky to teach lessons about creation, navigation, planting, and harvesting. Light pollution threatens these nighttime treasures. It hides our view of the stars, and can confuse migrating birds, upset predator-prey relationships, and impact human health. Excessive light from nearby communities is visible, even here, in one of the darkest areas of the United States. As an International Dark Sky Park, Canyonlands works to protect views of the night sky and educates visitors how to do the same. Light pollution is an easy problem to solve. Help protect the night sky by using lighting only where it is necessary. Ensure that lights are shielded or pointing down. Turn off outdoor lights or put them on motion sensors. For tonight, simply enjoy the hidden treasure of the universe. A quotation on top of a vibrant image of the milky way reads, "The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment." - J. Kepler

From this small roadside pullout, you can see sweeping views of Canyonlands and several prominent rock features, once of which, resembles a group of candlesticks.

Water is scarce in this desert. From this trailhead, hike a short, 0.6-mile (1 km) loop leading to a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric rock markings, all made possible by a small but essential natural spring.

Does it feel like you found a little oasis in the desert? You have. All living things need water to survive, and reliable water is a rare gift in this arid land. For thousands of years, shade, cooler temperatures, and a year-round water source have attracted and sustained people, plants, and animals. American Indians probably used this area seasonally. They recorded their presence with hand prints and rock paintings on nearby alcoves. The smoke-blackened ceiling and grinding surfaces suggest they used the area for keeping warm and preparing food. Before the park was established, cattle grazing was widespread throughout Canyonlands. It is no surprise that cowboys used this same area as a temporary camp. This alcove still offers us safe haven from searing heat, blowing sand, or intense storms. Look for water-loving plants such as maidenhair fern and Gambel's oak growing in the seep and next to the spring. You may find animal tracks left in the mud or see birds drinking or bathing in the cool water. Preserve your heritage. Do not enter, alter, or deface archaeological sites. Below the text are three diagrams that are labled one, two, and three respectively. Each image is accompanied by text. Sandstone, a porous rock made form compacted sand grains overlies this spring. Rain and snowmelt move into cracks and tiny spaces between sand grains. Eventually the water meets a layer of finer, more tightly packed grains and flows horizontally. When the boundary between the two rock layers becomes exposed, the water emerges as a seep or spring. Over time, the water erodes the wall below the seep and undermines the overlaying rock to create an alcove like this one. The combination of water from the seep and shade from the alcove form a unique, refreshing microclimate. Hanging gardens and other water-loving plants thrive in this climate, protected from otherwise harsh desert conditions.

This trail provides many great panoramas of the Needles formations. The Joint Trail winds through deep, narrow fractures in the rock.

This overlook is 7 miles down a rugged, unpaved road. You must have a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle or mountain bike. No permit required; no camping allowed.

The surprising secret of this striking landscape is the presence of salt. The story begins 300 million years ago with an immense salt layer left by ancient seas. Today it lies over 1,000 feet below where you are standing. Over time, coastal sand dunes and sediments from eroding mountains buried the salt. The crushing weight of overlying rock caused the salt to flow like cold molasses. This movement fractured brittle sandstone into a grid-like pattern. Erosion along these fractures slowly created the spires, fins, buttes, and canyons of the rugged landscape you see today. Below this text are three diagrams depicting the formation of the Needles, labled one, two, and three, respectively. Each diagram is accompanied by a description. The Needles were formed by sandstone gradually sliding over an underground layer of salt toward the Colorado River. This caused the sandstone to fracture into parallel cracks. Rainwater, ice, and snow gradually eroded the exposed sandstone into spires called the Needles. This erosion continues today.

Elevation 6,000 feet Left to Right: Land of Standing Rocks: High plateaus and spires eroded from dark brown shale. Well-known rock formations include Lizard Rock, The Plug, Chimney Rock and The Wall. As the raven flies, The Land of Standing Rocks is 15 miles southwest from here. The Maze: A district of Canyonlands National Park west of the Green and Colorado Rivers, consisting of a 114-square-mile labyrinth of mesas, steep-sided buttes, and slender brown towers. Bands of red and white sandstone resemble stripes on a candy cane. White Rim Road: Park visitors with 4-wheel-drive vehicles or mountain bikes can experience Canyonlands' wilderness on this 100-mile backcountry road. Recommended driving time is two days. Stop by the visitor center for detailed information. Elaterite Butte: A landmark in the Maze District named for the dark-brown mineral which occurs in this area. Elevation 6,552 feet. Ekker Butte: Named for the Ekker family, who were pioneer ranchers in the area, this formation is just across the border in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Elevation 6,226 feet. Orange Cliffs: A prominent landmark named by explorer John Wesley Powell in 1869. Vertical rock faces of Wingate Sandstone tower 300 to 450 feet high. Green River: Begins in the Wind River Range of Wyoming and joins the Colorado River 20 miles below this point at the Confluence. The Green River divides the Island in the Sky District (this side) from the Maze District. White Rim Sandstone: A hard layer of white sandstone that forms a sharply-defined rim above the lower level canyons. Made of ancient coastal sand dunes, the White Rim lies about 1,300 feet below this point. Turks Head: Named by John Wesley Powell for its resemblance to a Turkish turban. White Rim Sandstone acts as a protective cap rock on buttes and spires throughout the park. Henry Mountains: The last mountain range to be added to the map of the lower 48 states. Located 55 miles southwest of here, the highest peak is Mt. Ellen, elevation 11,506 feet. Cleopatra's Chair: A prominent skyline feature composed of Navajo Sandstone. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

In May 1869, Major John Wesley Powell set out on a remarkable mission: to explore the uncharted canyons and waters of the Green and Colorado rivers. Powell, a geology professor and one-armed Civil War veteran, began the journey with nine novice oarsmen and four wooden boats. He ended the journey three months later with two boats, six men, and a detailed knowledge of a unique landscape that would capture national attention. As they first entered the wilds of canyon country, Powell wondered in his journal, "What shall we find?" When Powell's party reached this section of the river in July, he described a "strange, weird, grand region" of naked rock with "cathedral-shaped buttes, towering hundreds or thousands of feet, cliffs that cannot be scaled, and canyon walls that shrink the river into insignificance." Powell's voyage opened a world of adventure and scientific discovery that continues today. Modern boaters float the rivers in the relative safety of rubber rafts, but they see a wild landscape that has changed little since 1869. Photo Inset Caption: Powell encountered Ute a Paiute Indians during his river journeys. He later worked to document the living conditions of tribes throughout the region.

Horseshoe Canyon contains some of the most significant pictographs in North America. The Great Gallery, the best-known panel in Horseshoe Canyon, includes well-preserved, life-sized figures with intricate designs. Other impressive sights include spring wildflowers, sheer sandstone walls, and mature cottonwood groves along the intermittent stream in the canyon bottom. Horseshoe Canyon was added to Canyonlands National Park in 1971.

Visitors can pay park entrance fees and purchase passes at the entrance station for the Island in the Sky district.

On a clear day, you can easily see the La Sal Mountains from this point. However, haze or dust sometimes obscure even the closest features. Agriculture, grazing, land development, and off-road vehicles disturb soils, and then bursts of wind stir murky dust storms. Power plants, cities and cars also release pollutants that limit visibility. Protecting scenic views is a priority for the National Park Service. Canyonlands is an important part of a scientific network that monitors dust and air pollution and how they impact the natural world. This research will guide efforts to preserve these scenic views for future generations. Photo Caption: Visibility on a clear day may reach 152 miles (245 km), but that can change quickly: these photos were taken within 24 hours of each other. Map Caption: Prevailing winds carry dust and pollutants to this area.

The Lathrop Trail crosses a wide grassland on the mesa top, enjoys views of Colorado River, then descends into the canyon below. For a moderate trail option, hikers often turn around at the canyon rim. Continuing down to the White Rim Road means a strenuous hike back out.

Short hike to a natural stone arch perched at the mesa's edge, framing views of La Sal Mountains and the canyon below.

You may not see it but the desert floor around you is teeming with life. Notice the rough texture and dark color of the soil surface. This indicates the presence of biological soil crust, which forms when microscopic cyanobacteria bind sand and other soil particles together, creating a place for algae, moss and fungi to grow. This microbial community transforms dry sand into a life-giving environment. Biological crusts can be found around the world, but the significance of these micro-communities in the desert is profound. The bumpy surface captures seeds and precious drops of water, and the microbes provide vital nutrients to plants. Crust organisms also prevent soil loss from rain and dust storms, protecting Canyonlands' clear skies and scenic views. Because the organisms grow within 1/8th inch (3mm) of the surface, small impacts have big effects on soil conditions. Even a single footstep crushes this fragile system. Livestock grazing, off-road vehicle travel, and land development can lead to broad-scale damage, the effects of which are being studied today. Protect fragile soils by walking only on designated trails, bare rock, or streambeds. INSET PHOTO: Biological soil crust is almost invisible at early stages of growth, then develops a dark, lumpy surface if allowed to grow undisturbed over a long period of time.

Moses and Zeus are two prominent towers overlooking Taylor Canyon. This trail leads to their base. Reaching this trail requires a hike down Alcove Spring Trail (11.2 mi/18.3 km roundtrip) or a permit to drive the 4WD White Rim Road.

A great full-day hike with 1,400 feet (440 m) elevation change, the Murphy Loop Trail offers outstanding views from atop the Murphy Hogback and White Rim Road.

This mostly level hike leads past a historic corral on the mesa top. The trail ends with panoramic views of Candlestick Tower, the Green River, and the White Rim Road.

A walk back in time, this loop trail passes historic ranching features and two springs where cowboys watered cattle.

Enjoy panoramic views across the canyon of the Green River to the dazzling sandstone cliffs of the aptly named Orange Cliffs unit of Glen Canyon Recreation Area.

Wilderness is a word of many meanings. From a place to be feared to a place to be revered, wilderness evokes images of wild animals, jagged mountains, vast prairies or deserts. For some, wilderness offers physical challenges, solitude or a respite from a complex, technological society. On September 3, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act which legally defined wilderness as "...an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." Just nine days later, on September 12, 1964, President Johnson signed the legislation establishing Canyonlands National Park. A prime architect in both pieces of legislation was Stewart Udall, who served as Secretary of the Interior from 1961 to 1969. On a flight over this are in the early 1960s, then Bureau of Reclamation Chief Floyd Dominy showed Udall where he wanted to build the "next" big dam: just below the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers. But where Dominy saw a reservoir, Udall saw a national park. Today, over eighty percent of Canyonlands is managed to preserve its wilderness values. Inset Photo Caption: "Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife, are in fact plans to protect man." - Stewart Udall

Steep slopes and nearby cliff edges make this a challenging route. Two ladders must be climbed.

Pets and owners have a special bond, but a national park is not always the best place for pets. Canyonlands National Park is a designated natural area, and its purpose is to preserve and protect the park's natural environment, cultural resources, wildlife, and scenic beauty.

The word "desert: may bring to mind a baren, lifeless landscape, but if you look closely, you will see a place teeming with life. Pinyon and juniper trees thrive. Grasslands spring up between rocky outcrops. Coyotes howl, raven soar, and lizards bask in the morning sun. Depressions in the rock called potholes can abound with life. Even the dirt is alive. Infrequent rain fill potholes, and, within hours, a surprising community starts to appear. Tiny creatures emerge, racing to reproduce before the water evaporates. This may only last a few days and is not always successful. Once the pothole dries, eggs lie dormant - sometimes for decades - until the next rain when the cycle starts again. The dirty you see is also a vital living community. When left undisturbed, biological soil crust prevents erosion, stores moisture, and provides critical nutrients for plants. This fragile crust can take decades to reach maturity. As you explore Canyonlands, watch for the desert's many unique inhabitants. Please help us preserve the delicate balance that allows life to thrive here. Below this main body of text are three seperate images of fragile desert life. An image of the pothole ecosystem is accompanied by a caption that reads, dry depressions in the rock come to life following seasonal rains. These fragile ecosystems are easily damaged. Please do not dip fingers, hands, or feet in the water. An image of a tadpole shrimp is acompanied by an image that reads, this tadpole shrimp is one of many life forms you may see in a pothole. Fairy shrimp, clam shrimp, snails, insects, and numerous larvae also thrive in these temporary pools. An image of mature biological soil crust is accompanied by an image that reads, biological soil crusts are living communities of cyanobacteria, mosses, algae, lichens, and fungi. Careless steps can destroy decades of growth; please stay on the trails.

From left to right: Desert Varnish: These dark, glossy streaks of manganese and iron form when airborne minerals become concentrated on the surface of desert rocks. Chinle Formation: Water-deposited sandstone, siltstone and wind-deposited volcanic ash form the talus slopes at the base of the Wingate cliffs. Mines in this layer have yielded uranium. Fallen Slab: When undercut by erosion, sections of the cliff that cannot carry their own weight will collapse. These fallen rocks become part of the eroding rubble on the talus slope below. Douglas Fir: These tall Douglas fir trees are remnants of a past climate what was much cooler and wetter. They can survive in this location because the cliff offers shade and a small spring at its base provides water. Kayenta Formation: Ancient streams deposited sediment in many thin layers, forming red and gray tinted sandstone and shale. Eroding ledges expose dinosaur tracks in this meandering river environment. Wingate Sandstone: A vast desert of massive sand dunes formed the majestic cliffs - some as high as 500 feet - that surround the Island in the Sky. Pinyons & Junipers: Pinyon and Utah juniper grow wherever their roots find a crack that stores water. These hardy, slow-growing trees form a "pygmy" forest over much of the park. Navajo Sandstone: The crossbedding of ancient sand dunes patterns this white, red and brown sandstone. Round and domed on top, the cliffs collect water at the base, promoting plant growth. Joints: These vertical cracks in the sandstone set the pattern for erosion. Water, ice and roots invade the cracks, then slowly wear or break the rocks apart. "Slickrock": Smooth, colorful sandstone is found throughout the canyon country. Loose sand and gravel on slopes create "slick" conditions, a hazard for early travelers' metal-shod horses.

The road below you hugs the walls of Shafer Canyon as it quickly drops 1,400 feet (427 meters). Today the Shafer Trail provides access to Canyonlands' backcountry and the 100-mile White Rim Road. Travelers who descend these switchbacks continue a legacy of exploration and survival as they follow historic pathways through the desert canyon. Long ago, native people likely used this route to travel from the mesa to the Colorado river. In the early 1900s, ranchers drove livestock on it. Back then, the route was narrower and much more rugged. Animals sometimes slipped to their deaths. Imagine coaxing several hundred sheep along this path to find shelter in the canyons below or to graze in the grasslands above. The uranium boom in the 1950s changed the face of canyon country forever, beginning with the roads. The Shafer Trail was upgraded to accommodate trucks hauling mining equipment and ore. Abandoned mining roads can still be seen in narrow scars across the desert floor. After the establishment of Canyonlands National Park in 1964, the era of ranching and mining came to a close, but today's backcountry travelers owe their thanks to the pioneers of the Shafer Trail. Photo Inset Caption: Sheepherders lead a large flock of sheep down the Shafer Trail

The Shafer Trail Viewpoint at Island in the Sky provides an incredible view of this iconic road that descends 1,500 feet (457 m) down colorful sandstone walls to the canyon basin.

This trail features expansive 360-degree views into Big Spring Canyon and Little Spring Canyon, with the La Sal Mountains and Abajo Mountains in the background. Geology guide available at trailhead.

A Monumental Change This is an unprotected overlook. Use extreme caution near cliff edges. Welcome to the fourth viewpoint of the Slickrock trail. Here the landscape cuts deep revealing older layers of the geologic timeline. Grand View Point (Island in the Sky) and Junction Butte, rising a thousand feet above Big Spring Canyon, are visible to the north. These landscapes show erosional patterns typical of sedimentary rock. These various layers exhibit different degrees of resistance to weathering. Softer rocks, such as shales and mudstones, crumble into slopes. Sandstones, limestones, and other harder rocks maintain vertical blufs. The massive Wingate cliffs, the most prominent layer, were once enormous sand dunes. The Canyonlands region remained near sea level during the time these rock layers were deposited. Change came when massive forces within the earth pushed these layers upward, forming the Monument Uplie and cuasing the rock layers to fracture. Cracks and joints weakened the rocks, esposing them to erosion from water and wind. Given time, these forces molded the rocks into the spires and mushroom shapes of The Needles.

You may not see it, but the desert floor around you is teaming with life. Notice the rough texture and dark color of the soil surface. This indicates the presence of biological soil crust, which forms when microscopic cyanobacteria bind sand and other soil particles together, creating a place for algae, moss and fungi to grow. This microbial community transforms dry sand into a life-giving environment. Biological crusts can be found around the world, but the significance of these micro-communities in the desert is profound. The bumpy surface captures seeds and precious drops of water, and the microbes provide vital nutrients to plants. Crust organisms also precent soil loss from rain and dust storms, protecting Canyonlands' clear skies and scenic views. Because the organisms grow within 1/8th inch (3mm) of the surface, small impacts have big effects on soil conditions. Even a single footstep crushes this fragile system. Livestock grazing, off-road vehicle travel, and land development can lead to broad-scale damage, the effects of which are being studied today. Protect fragile soils by walking only on designated trails, bare rock, or streambeds. The bottom left side of the panel displays a small image of premature soil crust growth with a caption that reads, Biological soil crust is almost invisible at early stages of growth, then develops a dark, lumpy surface if allowed to grow undisturbed over a long period of time.

Gifts from the Sea This is an unprotected overlook. Use extreme caution near cliff edges. Welcome to the third viewpoint on the Slickrock trail. As the landscape continues to descend you may notice new colors that appear within the rockface. The gray and purple rock layers visible in Little Spring Canyon contrast sharply with the red and white rock that dominates most of The Needles district. Both, however, were derived from the same source - the ocean. Millions of years ago this area was covered by a shallow sea. Little Spring Canyon is predominately limestone, a hard sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcium carbonate, the hard parts of tiny marine animals that settled to the ocean floor as they died. Fossilized remains of crinoids, brachiopods, and other marine invertebrates give testimony to the ocean's presence. The spires of The Needles district display the red and white banding of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, which was formed as sandy beaches and dune repeatedly overlaid red sediments washed down from the mountainous Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast.

A Land Exposed This viewpoint is unprotected. Use extreme caution around cliff edges. Welocome to the first viewpoint on the Slickrock trail. This spot provides stunning unimpaired views of the surrounding landscape and provides a good orientation point for future discussions on this guided hike. From here, geological features are visible in every direction. To the north Junction Butte and Grand View Point (Island in the Sky) are visible as part of the Colorado River Basin. In the northeast, the jagged La Salle Mountains rise behind the Needles Overlook - located within Canyon Rims Recreation Area. To the southeast, the North Sixshooter Peak and the Abajo Mountains are visible. The Needles, the namesake for this district, are visibile to the south. In the west Elaterite Butte can be seen, while Ekker Butte rises in the northwest. The La Sal Mountains to the northeast and the Abajo Mountains to the southeast are igneous formations created when molten rock (magma) rose from the Earth’s interior and slowly cooled and crystalized underneath layers of sandstone, shale, and other sedimentary rocks. Eventually the overlaying layers eroded, exposing the igneous rock as our present-day mountains. Dominating the rest of the scene is the stair-step topography of canyon country: canyons, buttes, mesas, and needles. Unlike the fire-born igneous mountains, these older sedimentary rocks were deposited by wind and water. Layer upon layer of sand, silt, clay, and gravel were laid down over geologic time. Following deposition of these sediments, water gradually eroded them into the formations visible today.

Sculpting Forces This viewpoint is unprotected. Use extreme caution around cliff edges. Welcome to the second viewpoint on the Slickrock trail. Surrounding you are stunning views of Upper Little Spring Canyon. Like the rest of Canyonlands, water has played a vital role in carving this canyon. Although precipitation in the park averages only nine inches per year, late summer flash flooding is common. The impact of swiftly moving, sediment-laden floodwaters as well as water alternately freezing and thawing within rock cracks, has worked in conjunction with gravity to become the dominant sculpting force. Water has also influenced the sparse, open character of this landscape. Juniper trees, cacti, soil crusts, and other plants with specialized adaptations have managed to survive and thrive in this semi-arid environment. Crevices in rock offer moisture and protection, and plants often take advantage of such favorable locations to become established.

Visit one of the best preserved ancient structures in the park, built over 1,000 years ago.

The Syncline Trail follows the canyons around Upheaval Dome and requires navigating steep switchbacks, climbing and scrambling through boulder fields, and a 1,300-foot (396 m) elevation change. Most park rescues occur on this trail.

Visitors can pay entrance fees and purchase passes at the entrance station for the Needles district.

Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both Island in the Sky and The Needles provide ample opportunities for short walks, day hikes and backpacking trips. Due to its remoteness, The Maze is primarily a backpacking destination.

There are a few ways to become a junior ranger at Canyonlands. Free junior ranger booklets are available at park visitor centers, or you can download them from the park website. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Canyonlands to kids and parents alike. After completing certain exercises, you can earn a junior ranger badge and signed certificate.

The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. We do not see many climbers in the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes.

What better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated campsites for overnight backcountry travel.

The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.

The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands. Boating is a great way to see the park from the bottom up, and affords boaters a unique perspective.

There are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads in Canyonlands, providing access to various campsites, trailheads, and viewpoints in the park's backcountry. Most roads require high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive. Roads range in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical. Research your route thoroughly before attempting these roads.