The park's diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of wildlife, with over 270 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Large mammals include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions, while smaller creatures like desert cottontails, kangaroo rats, and various lizard species are more commonly seen. The park is also home to several endangered species, including peregrine falcons and desert bighorn sheep. Notable bird species include golden eagles, ravens, and various hawks. Despite the arid conditions, several species of amphibians can be found near water sources.
Despite the harsh desert environment, Canyonlands supports a diverse array of plant life adapted to extreme conditions. The park features over 700 species of plants, including drought-resistant desert shrubs, cacti, and wildflowers. Common species include Utah juniper, pinyon pine, blackbrush, Mormon tea, and various species of yucca and cacti. Biological soil crusts, composed of cyanobacteria, lichens, and mosses, play a crucial role in preventing erosion and providing nutrients for other plants. Spring wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush, evening primrose, and desert globemallow, create colorful displays when conditions are right.
Canyonlands showcases a remarkable geological story spanning over 300 million years. The park's distinctive landscape was carved primarily by the Colorado and Green Rivers and their tributaries, cutting through layers of sedimentary rock deposited during the Permian through Cretaceous periods. The most prominent feature is the Cedar Mesa Sandstone, formed from ancient sand dunes about 245 million years ago. The park's iconic features include deep canyons, towering mesas, and unique geological formations like the Needles (colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone), the Maze (a complex system of canyons), and the Island in the Sky (a massive mesa with panoramic views).
The area now known as Canyonlands has been home to various Native American cultures for over 10,000 years, including the Ancient Puebloan people who left behind significant rock art and architectural structures. European explorers first documented the region in the late 1800s, and the area became increasingly known for its mining and ranching potential. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson established Canyonlands as a National Park, protecting 337,598 acres of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires. The park was expanded in 1971 to include the Maze district and again in the 1990s to its current size of 527.5 square miles.
Canyonlands is divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. The Island in the Sky district offers the most accessible views and includes the famous Mesa Arch and Grand View Point Overlook. The Needles district is known for its colorful spires and extensive hiking trails, including Chesler Park and Druid Arch. The Maze is the park's most remote district, featuring complex canyon systems and prehistoric rock art at Horseshoe Canyon. The Colorado and Green Rivers meet at the heart of the park in an area called The Confluence, offering opportunities for rafting and kayaking. Notable archaeological sites include Newspaper Rock, featuring one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs in the Southwest.
Canyonlands experiences a desert climate with extreme temperature variations. Summers are hot with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F (38°C), while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially at night. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting, with moderate temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). The park receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, with occasional thunderstorms during the late summer monsoon season. Winter can bring occasional snow, particularly at higher elevations. Visitors should be prepared for dramatic temperature swings between day and night, sometimes exceeding 40°F (22°C).
USA
38.2000°, -109.9330°
September 12, 1964
1366.2
Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.