#6 Canyonlands

#6 Canyonlands
Location: Moab, UT
NPS Website: http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm

Major Attractions:
Grand View Point Overlook
Green River Overlook
Elephant Hill
Newspaper Rock

Number of Attractions: 13
Grand View Point, Green River, Panorama Point, Buck Canyon, Shafer Canyon, Colorado River, Confluence, and Maze Overlooks. Upheaval Dome, Mesa Arch, Elephant Hill, Needles Outpost, and
Newspaper Rock.

Accessibility:
Approximately 80% of the attractions listed above are accessible by paved road, dirt road, or a short trail. However, 50% of the total park is only accessible by backpacking or ATV. The three sections of the park, Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze are separated by several hours drive around the Colorado and Green Rivers. Those who backpack will surely be rewarded.

Maintenance of Roads/Trails:
Main roads, overlooks, and trails are fairly maintained. Hwy 211 into The Needles is under construction in some places and the road has a sharp drop-off on the shoulders. The dirt road to Elephant Hill is in reasonable shape and a must travel by any car. In summer, it is hot everywhere within the park as the vast majority is desert, bare canyons, and grassland. May fair better in Spring or Fall.
(http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/UTNPCANY:13)

Amenities:
There are 3 campgrounds that are accessible by road and dozens of designated backcountry campsites. Bring plenty of water and food rations, there are no lodges and no full-service amenities for miles outside the park entrances.

Conclusion:
Each overlook offers a new experience. The road to Elephant Hill is a very unique descent into a red/white canyon. And Upheaval Dome is an uncommon abscess of green rock bursting from the red canyon floor. And coolest of all, Newspaper Rock is the largest surviving wall of pictographs despite being damaged repeatedly by modern graffiti.

The Canyonlands is remote and lightly traveled by tourists, making it a delight to discover. If you're looking for the best backcountry experience in the Southwest, Canyonlands has it all.