Canyonlands National Park

… was authorized on this date 41 years ago. From the National Park Service:

Canyonlands.jpg

Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The Colorado and Green rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While the districts share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration and learning.

3 thoughts on “Canyonlands National Park”

  1. Your photos of our national parks are outstanding. I had the privilege of being the acting superintendent at Fort Davis NHS some 13 years ago this summer. It is a great place, has a great story and staff.

    Thanks again for the images.

  2. Thanks for the compliment Ranger Bob. While many of the images on these pages are mine, a large number of the National Park photos are from National Park Service websites. I’ve tried to identify the Park Service photos by including them within the blockquote (shaded) text attributed to NPS (as above).

  3. I just have to tell you. MaryAnn and I accidentally drove a 4WD road there called Elephant Hill Road. We were in my 4Runner loaded with camping gear and a bike rack. It was perilous! Worse than that! In fact, coming back down I told MaryAnn to get out and meet me at the bottom. She said, “No way! I’m not going to be in charge of arrangements!” Let me quote from the NPS brochure:
    “Over 50 miles of challenging backcountry roads access campsites, trailheads and many natural and cultural features. All of these roads require high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Inexperienced drivers are discouraged from attempting these roads as the risk of vehicle damage is great and towing expenses typically exceed $1,000.”
    And later:
    “Elephant Hill
    One of the most technical four-wheel-drive roads in Utah, Elephant Hill presents drivers with steep grades, loose rock, stair-step drops, tight turns and backing.”
    My God, what an afternoon!

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