This spring break I traveled to Canyonlands National Park with my boyfriend and a couple friends and let me tell you, it was one of my favorite vacations ever. I had never been camping except once when I was about 5 and it was indoors so I was in for quite the adventure.
We encountered some of the most beautiful creations the world has to offer. My eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing most of the time it was like I couldn’t open my eyes wide enough to take in all of the colors and everything else around it.
Canyonlands, though, reveals its beauty instantly and without hesitation because of its high perch over the canyon and desert below, also making it perfect for inspiration seekers, contemplation, and inward reflection.
Want to know all of the amazing places to go and how you can have an amazing time in Canyonlands National Park? Keep reading.
1. Make sure you plan ahead…for anything possible.
When we rolled in on our first day there, we knew it was supposed to rain the next day so we put the tarp over our tent to make sure the rain wouldn’t get in. Well, since we are the luckiest people in the world (sarcasm), we woke up to over 7 inches of snow!
Although it was crazy beautiful, I don’t think anything could’ve prepared us for a snowstorm in the desert. That morning, everyone on the campsite packed up their things and left…but, of course, we decided to stay.
They closed the park but little did they know we were still on our campsite trying to stay warm and let the storm pass. After the storm finally passed, we decided we needed to get out and see what this amazing place had to offer. I was so excited that we did because the views were breathtaking.
We decided to hike Aztec Butte Trail and if it's not on your bucket list of places to go in Canyonlands, make sure you put it on there right now. It was an intense hike to the top of the mountain but once you get to the top, you never want to get down.
2. Visit Aztec Butte Trail
Aztec Butte is one of the more unique hikes in the Island in the Sky region of Canyonlands. The trail crosses level grasslands and climbs a steep slope to a dome-shaped butte rising above the mesa. This hike was 1.8 miles round trip including the second butte and it was nothing short of amazing.
3. Hike the Upheaval Dome
You have to hike the Upheaval Dome! When we came to the first overlook, it states, "If you wish to go on, it is for experienced hikers only." My boyfriend and his two buddies were all for it and my friend Zoe and I look at each other with this look of "ummmmm OK."
As we went on the views were a dream and I couldn't believe that me out of all people was hiking this long. My legs were like jello. Make sure to bring lots of water and snacks to eat and drink along the way to give you that extra boost!
4. Needles Outlook
I fell in love with Needles and you MUST visit if you have the chance. It is a 3-4 hour hike and every minute was incredible. Don't just walk in and out of the trail. Stop and enjoy the beauty of this creation. We decided to stop at one of the best overlooks to have lunch, do some yoga and enjoy the nature.
5. Chesler Park Trail
Chesler Park Trail was the last hike that we finished for the week and it was a great way to close the trip. This hike was an 11-mile hike round trip. From the parking lot, the trail ascends to the base of Elephant Hill and travels along the slick rock, through narrow slots in the sandstone, down into Elephant Canyon and finally to the base of some prominent needles near Chesler Park.
It also goes through numerous trails to places like Devils Kitchen that will take you many miles further into the beautiful views of needles.
While I fell in love with each unique part of Canyonlands, it's time for you to go explore. It will meet all of your expectations. AND MORE. As you drive through the park you are canvased by enormous canyons that are decorated with the greenery and BEAUTY. You must arrive early in the morning because of parking. But trust me, that alarm clock will only trigger that excitement to explore.
