Moab, UT Rafting: Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Moab, UT
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a profoundly immersive, completely dwarfing gem of a landscape far from a single bar of cell service. This realm of desert displays cliffs, crevices, and colossal sculptures that constantly pose the question to Mother Nature; What in the good name of geology have you done here?!
To say Canyonlands is a mammoth of a natural playground is … actually astute, it’s quite large. To avoid any overwhelming emotions that may plague the planning traveler, this guide lays out the top places to visit depending on the amount of time available, along with Utah’s climate, where to pitch your tent and some insider’s tips for the best ways to experience the park.
Canyonlands Districts
With over 337,000 acres, Canyonlands is fortunately broken into three districts that offer similar-but-different experiences. Each one requires different amounts of time to reach and enjoy, as well as what kind of toys and equipment you’re rolling in with.
Island In The Sky
The mesa is about 40 minutes from Moab, and is the most friendly district for day visitors. Winding along this paved two-lane road gives lookie-loos plenty of overlooks, arches, and short or extensive hiking loops. Driving or strutting, a good gloat is warranted for the stellar views of the entire park including the Maze and Needles districts.
Visitors on tight schedules can enjoy the island for at least an hour. But if time is not an issue, there’s a slew of traversing to be had for multiple days.
The Needles
This incredibly popular backpacking district is for those with more time on their itinerary. About an hour and a half from Moab, the Needles district comes with a paved scenic drive. Hikes among the hoodoos offer views of the Green and Colorado River, climbing ladders, and strolling along cliff edges. Keep in mind it’s not the most friendly place for biking or rock climbing.
There are a few trails that take less than 2 hours, but the majority take between 4 – 6 hours to complete. This is a great district if you’re looking to frolic in the sandstone for the entire day, or a few.
The Maze
The Maze is where wanderlust replaces time in mind-blowing backveld. This is the most isolated district in the park and recluses 6 – 7 hours from Moab. Bring a four-wheel-drive high-clearance vehicle (with tools for flats/climbing/getting stuck) or no dice. Overnight backpacking may result in euphoric views of the cosmos, scrambling surreal slot canyons, and adoring pristine ancient rock art and ruins.
Don’t bother with the Maze District unless you have at least 3 days to live there.
Camping in Island in the Sky District
- Willow Flat has tent and RV spots near the Green River overlook. There are vault toilets but no hookups, potable water, or reservations for the 12 sites here. Each camp has a fire pit and covered picnic table that start at $15 a night.
Backcountry Sites
- White Rim Road is a 100-mile loop that requires high clearance 4WD vehicles to venture the nitty-gritty. There are 10 backcountry vehicle camping areas with 20 sites all told. The camping areas do not have potable water and campfires are not allowed. Each camping area comes with vault toilets. Overnight or day trips on White Rim require a permit
- There isn’t a campsite on this loop that won’t rock your world, but Potato Bottom and Hardscrabble come with some pretty rare, five-star shade from pretty cottonwoods.
Camping in the Needles District
- Squaw Flat sports 26 individual sites and 3 group sites for posses of 11 people or more. Up to 12 sites are reservable. The camps come with fire pits and picnic tables, and the grounds provide vault and flushing toilets, and seasonal potable water. RVs are welcome but there are no hookups, the standard campsite fee is $20 a night.
Backcountry Sites
- Because of the district’s popularity for backpackers, many camps are in the designated sites. Something to duly note; Not all vehicle camping areas have toilets, so human waste needs to be packed out (using wag bags, portable toilets, etc.).
- The most maze-like and shaded vehicle camp area is Devil’s Kitchen— it’s literally so much cooler pitching your tent inside a boulder’s arc. For backpacking at-large zones, Salt Creek offers glistening washes with a slew wildlife and of rock art panels.
Camping in The Maze District
Backcountry Sites
- To get into the remote righteousness of the Maze, you must have a high clearance 4WD vehicle. There are no toilets in this district (bring your own), and campfires are not allowed.
- The Happy Canyon vehicle campsite is right next to a narrow swirling slot canyon many have probably seen in photographs.
- The Maze district is pretty much one big backpacking at-large camping zone. Between Horse Canyon and South Fork, backpackers can discover a picturesque formation known as Abbey’s Triple Flush.
Fun Things To Do In Canyonlands
Insider’s tips for fun things to do in Canyonlands National Park. Get off the beaten path to get to know this national park from an in-depth perspective. These insider tips will help you explore some of the best-hidden gems Canyonlands has to offer.
Rafting
Check out Canyonlands from a different, less scorching perspective on a raft through Cataract Canyon. The 2 – 6-day cruise includes the frothiest whitewater in the Southwest, camping on sandy beaches, and lofty hikes along the Colorado River. Go for heart-pounding rapids the size of your car in the spring, or wait until late summer and fall for thrills of more moderate proportions.
Geocaching
While the landscape is a treasure in itself— aww— hunting down caches is a fun bonus to any hike. Due to Canyonlands’ vast areas in need of admiration, a legit GPS is wise to have on hand no matter the activity. Find coordinates before you go and keep your eyes peeled beneath your shades. And don’t forget, bring something dandy and compact to trade out once you’ve found the geocache.
Wildlife Sightings
Fall is prime time for flora and fauna in Canyonlands. After summer monsoons, wildflowers from Evening Primrose to Mariposa Lily blossom throughout the park. Alpha BigHorn sheep smack racks for mating season, while black bears fatten up for the holidays on hackberries and prickly pear. Keep your distance if you come across their favorite hangouts in Salt Creek, Potholes, and along the Green and Colorado River.