Attractions

Canyonlands is not an easy place to see in a short period of time. In fact, if your schedule permits only a day or less, you might want to simply skip the Needles and Maze districts entirely and drive directly to the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. After looking at the exhibits, drive to several of the overlooks, stopping along the way for a short hike or two. Make sure you stop at the Grand View Point Overlook, at the south end of the paved road. Hiking the Grand View Trail, which is especially scenic in the late afternoon, literally gives you the "Grand View" of the park. Allow about 1 1/2 hours for this easy 2-mile walk. The Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail, which should take about half an hour and takes you to a mile-wide crater of mysterious origins, is another interesting walk.

A Bird's-Eye View of Canyonlands -- Canyonlands is beautiful, but many of its most spectacular sections are difficult to get to. Slickrock Air Guides, Inc. (tel. 866/259-1626 or 435/259-6216; www.slickrockairguides.com), offers 1-hour scenic flights over Canyonlands National Park and nearby areas for $140 per person, 2 1/2-hour flights that take in Canyonlands and Monument Valley for $260 per person, and 3-hour flights that add Lake Powell, the edge of the Grand Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Park for $385 per person.

Exploring Canyonlands by car

No driving tour has yet been designed to show off Canyonlands. The Island in the Sky District has about 20 miles of paved highway, some gravel roads accessible to two-wheel-drive vehicles, and several viewpoints. The Needles District has only 8 miles of paved roads and fewer viewpoints. Many (but not all) of Needles' viewpoints and trail heads are accessible only by high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, mountain bikes, or plain old foot power. The Maze District has no paved roads. Essentially, both of the park's main roads lead to trail heads, and unless you plan to leave your car and hike for at least a half-hour or so, it would be better to skip Canyonlands and spend your time at nearby Arches National Park, which is much more accessible by car.

Of course, if your "car" happens to be a serious 4X4, and you're equally serious about doing some hard-core four-wheeling, this is the park for you. Due to the constantly changing conditions of the dirt roads, however, it is strongly suggested that you discuss your plans with rangers before setting out.