Canyonlands National Park is one of the most beautiful National Park’s in the country. Originally proposed by the superintendent of nearby Arches National Park in the early 1950s, debate over the area’s mineral resources kept this land from being protected until 1964 when President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law. Canyonlands is divided into four different sections: The Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze (which includes Horseshoe Canyon) and the Green and Colorado Rivers which come together within the park’s boundaries. It’s a geologic fantasy land of spires and canyons, buttes and mesas, caves and rapids. Like most of the area, Canyonlands’ scenery is at its best along the edges of the day when the sun is low and the sandstone takes on magical hues. I have really enjoyed visiting Canyonlands several times over the years, but my recent visit to The Needles was definitely the highlight for me, especially the hike out to Chesler Park from Elephant Hill. I hope you enjoy these photos from beautiful Canyonlands National Park.
