If there’s one thing truly impressive about my journey through southeastern Utah, it’s the natural beauty of the colorful erosions sculpted by the Colorado and Green Rivers in this area. I’m talking about Canyonlands National Park, one of the most famous parks in this state.
Located 50 km from the city of Moab and spanning 1,300 km², this land of canyons, mesas, and buttes is always ready to welcome adventurers in search of unforgettable experiences.
The park is divided into three very distinct districts:
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Island in the Sky, the most popular and closest to Moab.
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The Needles, whose rugged terrain is ideal for hiking or off-roading.
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The Maze, the most remote and least visited due to its challenging dirt roads.
Admission costs $30 for cars, $25 for motorcycles, and $15 for pedestrians or cyclists. I recommend planning your visit carefully, as these districts are not interconnected by paved routes.
I arrived at the park a bit late, so I only had time to explore Island in the Sky before it closed at 5 p.m. From the top, I enjoyed a panoramic view of the horizon, worthy of a postcard, filled with plateaus that reminded me of the Venezuelan tepuis in Canaima National Park.
My entire tour was by car, with a few short walks, so I visited the most iconic viewpoints, hoping to appreciate the sunset from there.
I made stops at the Shafer Canyon, Buck Canyon, Green River, and Grand View Point overlooks, where my beautiful experience at Canyonlands came to an end.