Canyonlands National Park

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Canyonlands National Park
A view of Canyonlands National Park
IUCN category	II
Location	[[San Juan, Wayne, Garfield, and Grand counties, Utah, United States]]
Nearest city	[[Moab]]
Area
Established	September 12, 1964
Visitors
Governing body	[[National Park Service]]
Website	[ Canyonlands National Park]
This protected area related article is a stub.

Canyonlands National Park is a United States National Park located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab. The park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries. The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Geography

Canyonlands National Park covers an area of 337,598 acres (527.5 sq mi; 1,366.2 km²). The park is known for its dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River and the Green River. The park's geography is characterized by a series of deep canyons, towering mesas, and unique rock formations.

Island in the Sky

The Island in the Sky district is a broad and level mesa that sits atop sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet (300 m) above the surrounding terrain. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is the most accessible district of the park.

The Needles

The Needles district is named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. This district offers a variety of hiking trails and is known for its extensive network of backcountry roads.

The Maze

The Maze is the least accessible district of Canyonlands National Park and is known for its labyrinthine canyons. It is a remote and rugged area that requires careful planning and preparation to explore.

Rivers

The Colorado and Green Rivers wind through the heart of Canyonlands, carving two large canyons. These rivers offer opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking.

Flora and Fauna

Canyonlands National Park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species adapted to the harsh desert environment. Common flora includes sagebrush, juniper, and various species of cactus. Fauna includes mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.

Human History

The area now known as Canyonlands has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Evidence of ancient cultures, including the Ancestral Puebloans, can be found throughout the park in the form of petroglyphs, pictographs, and ruins.

Recreation

Canyonlands National Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, four-wheel driving, and river rafting. The park is also popular for its stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and lack of light pollution.

Related Pages

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Zion National Park
• List of national parks of the United States