Top Things to do in Canyonlands National Park
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What to do and see in Canyonlands National Park, Canyonlands National Park: The Best Lookouts
A great location with trails for mountain biking and sightseeing.
1. Grand View Point Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
The Grand View Point Overlook is a popular viewpoint at the edge of Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park that offers wide and spectacular canyon panoramas. The trailhead is at the end of Grand View Road, the southernmost point along the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive. The trail to Grand View Point is 2.0 mi/3.2 km out and back. The trail is rated “easy” but novice hikers should NOTE that easy does not necessarily mean flat nor paved. There will be some mild ascents and descents (including stairs) as you walk on both sand and slickrock, so you should definitely wear hiking or sturdy walking shoes. The trail is also very exposed, so bringing water, a hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended. The trail itself runs close to the canyon rim, so you will get great views throughout. Once you reach the slickrock the trail sometimes becomes a little hard to follow, so look for the cairns (stacks of rocks) that will guide your way. When the trail ends you’ve arrived at the overlook. There are numerous spots at the overlook where you can sit down, sip some water, enjoy a snack and take in the magnificent view. We had several friendly chipmunks visit us while we sat there; not coincidentally, they suddenly appeared as soon as I opened the wrapper to a granola bar. If you have the time and are physically able, you should definitely take the hike to Grand View Point -- you will consider it one of the highlights of your visit to Canyonlands National Park.
2. Musselman Arch
3. Green River Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By 220kenq
This park offers many beautiful overlooks and this is one of them. Worth a stop to take in the views.
4. White Rim Overlook Trail
5. Whale Rock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By dm555555 - New Jersey, United States
This was an awesome surprise on our trip to CNP. We were able to do it with a 7, 5, 4 year old (going carefully and safely). Little hard to keep on trail (not clearly marked in the bottom, so follow other people up). Great 360 views at the top, lots of fun, definitely a memorable experience.
6. Big Spring Canyon Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By michaeljones46 - Oklahoma City, United States
End of the road in the Needles District of Canyonlands. Worth a visit, views are stunning and has some awesome rock formations. Nice area to hike around.
7. Buck Canyon Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By paulsY5534PS
When you visit Island in the Sky, go to grandview Point first then stop at Buck Canyon on the return so you don't have to make a left turn to get to the parking lot. Most people just drive on by in their hurry to see the major sights and miss one of the best. Unlike grandview, there were no other cars in the lot when we stopped on a weekend evening. We found the photo ops enhanced in the evening as the sun set over the purple tinged cliffs. You cannot see the confluence of the mighty Green and Colorado Rivers that cuts Utah in half, but is imbedded in such deep canyons you can't see it from any other overlook in the area either. That requires a strenous hike in the Needles district to reach so very few visitors actually view it. The Colorado's canyons are impressive as it is as it gashes its way down through all resistance toward Glen, Marble, Grand, and Black canyons. You can also view Buck Canyon with no barriers at all from under Mesa Arch.
8. Candlestick Tower Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
