In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Canyonlands National Park - Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park - Utah
What to do if you have little time : the viewpoints in Canyonlands and if you are an early riser, Mesa Arch at sunrise.
Advice : It is very hot and dry in summer (95 to 104°). In the morning, when the sun is rising, temperatures rise quickly. So once again, take a lot of water.
Like all national parks, a contribution is requested at the entrance to the Canyonlands National Park. It is $30 per vehicle. If you have the "America the beautiful" pass, access is included.
Concerning Dead Horse Point State Park, as its name suggests, it's a State Park that is not in Canyonlands NP. So you have to pay an additionnal 10$ fee.
We recommend to dedicate at least 2 days to the visit o the park.
Mesa Arch
This arch is photogenic at sunrise. Therefore, you must inquire for sunrise hours to be there at the best moment. The short hike, about 0,4 mile, is easy if done in the early hours, understand before sunrise. Try to be there early, because the place is frequented by photographers and the best seats are taken quickly !
Photo tip : have a tripod a wide angle lens and a remote control.
Canyonlands viewpoints
No hike
Half a day
$25 per vehicle
Due to extremely high temperatures in 2012, we could not hike in Canyonlands and we only went to the viewpoints.
Murphy Point Trail
This 3,8 miles hike (round trip) with no shade, leads to an absolutely stunning viewpoint on Canyonlands. The rest of the hike has no real interest. It's best in the morning to have the sun in the back.
White Rim Trail
Dead Horse Point
300 feet one way
1 hour
$10 per vehicle
(in 2012)
Interesting view on the Green River that winds between cliffs.
To see around
Lodging
We have tested :
Copyright Magali and David BELLEC