Known for its red sandstone cliffs, high alpine peaks, lush valleys, and unique geologic formations, Utah is home to five national parks—and Canyonlands may arguably be the most stunning of them all.
Each of Utah’s national parks has its own allure, but Canyonlands, at nearly 338,000 acres, is the state’s largest, making it easy to get away from the crowds and into the vast landscape. Split by the Colorado and Green Rivers into four distinct districts—Islands in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves—the park is filled with vibrant mesas, arches, canyons, and other geologic formations prime for exploring.
There are a number of roadside hiking trails and attractions, like the park’s famed Mesa Arch, but to really get a sense of the expansiveness and remoteness of the desert, it’s worth packing a tent and heading into the backcountry for a night or two (just make sure you have the skills and know-how before doing so, or book a trip with a group). The Needles district is known to have well-traveled hiking trails, like the nearly nine-mile Lost Canyon Loop, which brings hikers through a narrow, vegetated canyon. Experienced backpackers should consider heading into the more remote Maze district, where you can spend days on end without seeing another person.
The nearby town of Moab is a great home base, with many restaurants, breweries, shops, and lodging to choose from. For glamping, consider spending a few nights at Under Canvas Moab, just north of the town.
