7 Must-see things at Canyonlands National Park

Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park is a stunningly beautiful place full of canyons, mesas, and buttes. Visitors can explore the park by hike, bike, or four-wheel drive. This family-friendly park is divided into four districts, and each one has its own unique landscapes and attractions. 

Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is one of the most popular hiking destinations at Canyonlands National Park. This arch located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. The family friendly hike is easy and is approximately .7 miles. The arch is located at the top of a 1,000-foot cliff and offers stunning views of the area. This spot can get very busy, and I highly recommend getting up early to see the arch at sunrise.

Whale Rock

Whale Rock, located in the Maze district, is a huge rock formation that looks like a whale breaching the surface of the water.  This gravity-defying rock formation is a favorite among hikers and climbers alike. The rounded, eroded sandstone fin was one of our kids' favorite climbs at Canyonlands National Park. This hike requires climbing up approximately 250 feet to get to the top, but you are rewarded with impressive views out over Upheaval Dome. The hike is approximately 1.0-mile round trip from the parking lot, and you can see the entire view of Canyonlands from the top. This hike does have steep drop offs at the top so keep that in mind with the kiddos if you are hiking with little ones.

Aztec Butte

This hike is a 2-mile hike that follows a sandy wash and then splits. You can choose to go right to ascend Aztec Butte or go left and climb the smaller butte which then drops down to two Puebloan granaries.

The White Rim Road

The White Rim Road is a 100-mile-long four-wheel drive road that loops around the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. The road takes about two days to complete and provides some of the most breathtaking views in the park.

White Rim Overlook

White Rim Overlook is an easy, family-friendly 1.8-mile trail that overlooks the Colorado River, Monument Basin and the La Sal Mountain Range. 

Grandview Overlook

Grandview Overlook is one of the best places to see sunset or sunrise in Canyonlands National Park. The simple 2-mile hike takes hikers along the rim of the Grandview to an incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Upheaval Dome

Upheaval Dome is a geologic formation believed to have been caused by an asteroid impact. The dome is surrounded by a 1.7-mile round trip hiking trail with outstanding views. Along the trail you can learn about two possible theories that geologists have for what caused the Upheaval Dome.

Canyonlands National Park is a family-friendly must-see destination for families visiting southeastern Utah. The park is full of amazing natural wonders, including canyons, mesas, buttes, and geologic formations. There are plenty of things to do in the park, from hiking and biking to four-wheel driving.