Canyonlands National Park Utah

Located on the very eastern side of Utah, Canyonlands National Park wows with striking red buttes, delicate natural arches and stunning views of the rushing Colorado River and its tributaries. The park is divided into with three incredibly distinct districts — the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze — plus the rivers themselves.

The Island in the Sky mesa is the most accessible part of the park, with a scenic byway traversing its landscape and offering easy access to hiking trails and spectacular vistas. The Needles district offers a more backcountry experience complete with sloping canyons and colorful spires best reached on foot via rugged hiking paths. The Maze is the most remote district, but if you make the trek, you’ll be rewarded with views of the beautiful chocolate drops (which are tall standing rock statues). Just save some time for kayaking on the Colorado River or visiting the spectacular prehistoric artwork in Horseshoe Canyon.