Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Unlike most national parks, where all motor vehicles and mountain bikes are restricted
to paved roads, Canyonlands has miles of rough roads for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Four-wheelers must stay on designated 4WD roads, but keep in mind that the term
“road” can mean anything from a graded, well-marked, two-lane gravel byway to a pile
of loose rocks.
Mountain bikes are also allowed on these roads, but they share space with motor
vehicles and occasional hikers and horseback riders. Because some of the four-wheel-
drive roads have spots of deep sand—which can turn into quicksand when wet—moun-
tain biking may not be as much fun here as you'd expect.
The best four-wheel-drive adventure in the Island in the Sky District is the White
Rim Road . It winds some 100 miles through the district and affords spectacular
views, from broad panoramas of rock and canyon to close-ups of red and orange towers
and buttes. A high-clearance 4WD is necessary. Allow 2 to 3 days for the entire trip.
There are primitive campgrounds along the way, but reservations and backcountry per-
mits are needed. Mountain bikers also enjoy this trail, especially when accompanying a
four-wheel-drive support vehicle with supplies.
Four-wheel-drive fans going into the Needles District will find one of their ultimate
challenges on the Elephant Hill Jeep Road, which begins at a well-marked turnoff near
Squaw Flat Campground. Although most of the 10-mile trail is only moderately difficult,
the stretch over Elephant Hill itself (near the beginning of the drive) can be a nightmare.
It has steep, rough slickrock, drifting sand, loose rock, and treacherous ledges. Coming
down the hill, you'll reach one switchback that requires you to back to the edge of a steep
cliff. This road is also a favorite of mountain bikers, although bikes will have to be walked
on some stretches because of the abundance of sand and rocks. The route offers views of
numerous rock formations, plus panoramas of steep cliffs and rock “stairs.” Allow 8 hours
to 3 days. Backcountry permits are needed for overnight trips.
For a spectacular view of the Colorado River, the Colorado River Overlook Road in
the Needles District can't be beat. This 14-mile round-trip is popular with four-wheelers,
backpackers, and mountain bikers. Considered among the park's easiest 4WD roads, the
first part, accessible by high-clearance two-wheel-drives, is very easy indeed. But the
second half has a few rough and rocky sections that require four-wheel-drive. The road
features numerous panoramic vistas and a spectacular 360-degree view of the park and
the Colorado River, some 1,000 feet below.
Camping in the Park
The park has two developed campgrounds, both first come, first served. In the Island in
the Sky District, Willow Flat Campground has 12 sites, picnic tables, fire grates, and
vault toilets, but no drinking water; camping is $10. In the Needles District, Squaw Flat
Campground has 26 sites, fire grates, picnic tables, flush toilets, and drinking water; the
fee is $15 per night. Both campgrounds are best suited to RVs not more than 28 feet
long.
A BASE CAMP IN MOAB
Most visitors to Arches and Canyonlands national parks stay in Moab, which offers easy
access to both parks, plenty of other opportunities for outdoor recreation, and an abun-
dance of places to sleep and eat. For information, contact the Moab Area Travel Coun-
cil, P.O. Box 550, Moab, UT 84532 ( & 800/635-6622 or 435/259-8825; www.
discovermoab.com). When you arrive, stop by the Moab Information Center, at the
corner of Main and Center streets.
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