National Park Service Backcountry Trip Planner U.S. Department of the Interior

Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands

2021, No. 1 Your Steps Matter BY ZACHARY POWERS

A lush forest stretches across the In fact, many human activities negatively landscape of southeast , but it isn't affect het presence and health of soil your typical forest. Instead of trees, soils crusts. Compressional stresses placed draped in mosses, lichens and fungi rise on them by footprints or machinery up in rugged spires across the desert. are extremely harmful, especially when Hidden from view, cyanobacteria move the crusts are dry and brittle. Tracks through the soil and bind loose particles in continuous strips, such as those together in a fibrous web, forming a produced by vehicles or bicycles, create living, “biological” crust across areas that are vulnerable to wind and the desert. water erosion. Rainfall washes away

loose material, often creating channels Humble beginnings: young soil crusts may have very little relief, so keep your feet on trails, slickrock or washes. Like trees, biological soil crust prevents along these tracks, especially on slopes. erosion, anchoring soil in place and creating a stable environment where Impacted areas may never fully recover. seeds can germinate. Under the best circumstances, a thin crust may return in five to seven years. Like trees, biological soil crust traps Damage done to the fibrous web, and nutrients and water, making these the accompanying loss of soil nutrients, essential elements more available to is repaired slowly during up to 50 years surrounding plants. of cyanobacterial growth. Lichens and mosses may take even longer to recover. Like a forest, biological soil crust is a complex community of organisms that Your steps really do matter. plays a significant role in ecosystems where it’s found. Help us protect desert soils. Walk on trails, on rock or in sandy washes (where Like a forest, biological soil crust may water flows when it rains), and keep all appear unremarkable when it’s young. vehicles and bikes on designated roads.

Old growth: draped in lichens, mature crusts like these stabilize soils and provide safe haven for seeds, like this However, this forest is tiny. So tiny that Learn more about desert soils on our Utah juniper. it can be clear-cut (or trampled) by website at go.nps.gov/soilcrust something as small as the human foot. Stay Connected

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Washer Woman Arch: a popular, technical climb. Shafer Trail: gateway to adventure at the Island. Moutain biking on the . National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Explore the Backcountry Backpacking What better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands Backcountry Trip Planner Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated campsites, as well as Contents vast primitive areas where hikers find their own campsite (without damaging any soil crusts 1.....Your Steps Matter along the way, see page 1). Be prepared to navigate using a topographic map. 2.....Explore the Backcountry

3.....Permits THINGS TO KNOW WHERE TO GO 4.....Canyonlands Backcountry Map • Permits are required for overnight trips. Island in the Sky for short day hikes. Needles 5.....Island in the Sky • Spring & fall are best times for backpacking. for longer hikes or backpacking. Maze for 6.....The Needles • There are very few water sources. Plan to extended backpacking trips. 7.....The Maze 8.....The Rivers bring most, if not all of your own water.

Mailing Address Canyonlands National Park Mountain Biking 2282 SW Resource Blvd. With hundreds of miles of four-wheel-drive roads, Canyonlands offers ideal terrain for Moab, UT 84532 multinight mountain bike trips. Most groups travel with vehicle support to haul water and gear since there are no reliable water sources along these roads. Bikes must remain on designated Backcountry Reservations roads: even if broken down and carried, there are no single-track trails in the park. phone (435) 259-4351 THINGS TO KNOW WHERE TO GO email [email protected] • Permits are required for all overnight trips. The 100-mile “White Rim Road” is the park’s General Park Information • Permits are required for day trips on most famous ride. The Maze offers similar phone (435) 719-2313 the White Rim and most Needles Roads. terrain, but the roads are more technical email [email protected] • Groups must camp in designated sites. and remote. • Reserve White Rim permits in advance. Websites nps.gov/cany Boating facebook.com/CanyonlandsNPS The Colorado and Green rivers played a significant role in shaping the landscape of twitter.com/CanyonlandsNPS Canyonlands, and both offer an interesting way to visit the park. Above their confluence, the flickr.com/CanyonlandsNPS rivers offer miles and miles of flat water perfect for canoes, sea kayaks and other shallow-water youtube.com/CanyonlandsNPS boats. Below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with The National Park Service cares for the remarkable speed and power, creating a fourteen-mile stretch of Class III to V white water. special places saved by the American THINGS TO KNOW people so that all may experience • Permits are required for all river trips • High water is late May through June. our heritage. • Groups should arrange their jet boat shuttle • There are no designated camps on the rivers. (for upstream transport) before contacting the park (see page 8). Four-wheel Driving There are hundreds of miles of 4WD roads in Canyonlands, providing access to various campsites, trailheads and viewpoints in the park. High-clearance, low range 4WD vehicles are required for most of these roads: all-wheel-drive vehicles are not allowed because of difficulty negotiating the ledges, deep sand and steep switchbacks found throughout the park. Vehicles must remain on designated roads.

THINGS TO KNOW • ATVs, UTVs, OHVs, even if registered, and • Permits are required for all overnight trips. non-street legal dirt bikes are not permitted. • Permits are required for day trips on the WHERE TO GO White Rim Road and most Needles Roads. The White Rim Road offers a moderately • Expect towing fees over $1,500 for any difficult 4WD trip. Elephant Hill in the vehicles disabled in the backcountry. Needles and roads in the Maze are for Guided Trips • Groups must camp in designated sites. experienced 4WD drivers only.

Travel to backcountry areas requires Climbing planning, experience and equipment The Island in the Sky offers the most opportunities for climbing. Little climbing is done in that is often expensive. For park visitors the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes. without the resources or inclination to plan their own excursions, guided trips THINGS TO KNOW WHERE TO GO offer the perfect way to experience the • Permits are required for overnight trips and Most technical climbing occurs on the cliffs wonders of Canyonlands. day trips on the White Rim Road. and towers at the Island in the Sky. Guided trips are offered by local outfitters • Special regulations apply. (see page 5). for hiking, biking, four-wheel driving and • Slacklining or highlining is not permitted. river running. Some companies combine • Permits are required for overnight trips. a variety of these activities, and trips may vary in length from one to many days. In addition to planning your trip down to Packrafting the last detail, outfitters also offer expert Packrafting can be a great way to link all districts of the park together. guides who will enrich your journey with their knowledge of the area’s cultural and THINGS TO KNOW natural history. • Permits are required for overnight trips and must include the nights spent on the river. For a list of outfitters approved by the • Special regulations and required equipment National Park Service, visit our website apply (see sidebar on page 8). at www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/ guidedtrips.htm

Backcountry Trip Planner 2 Permits

Much of Canyonlands is managed for its wilderness character, WATER so the park is a popular destination for backcountry travel. Water is a limiting factor for most backcountry trips in Hundreds of miles of rugged trails and roads wind through Canyonlands. There are springs scattered throughout the the park. Activities requiring a permit include backpacking, park, mostly in canyon bottoms. There are also large areas four-wheel-drive and mountain bike camping, river trips, and such as the Grabens in the Needles, and the entire White Rim four-wheel-drive day use on the White Rim Road in the Island bench at the Island, where there are no reliable water sources. in the Sky District, and Elephant Hill, Salt Creek/Horse and Obtaining drinking water from either the Green or Colorado Lavender canyons in the Needles District. Fees are charged rivers is difficult as the water is very silty and hard to purify. and group size limits apply (see chart below). Hikers are encouraged to pack in water whenever possible. Springs shown on maps may no longer exist or dry up during LENGTH OF STAY periods of drought. Water source locations and current Permits (except day use) can be issued for up to fourteen conditions are available at district visitor centers. Plan on consecutive nights. Backpackers may stay up to seven needing at least a gallon per person per day. consecutive nights in any one site or zone (ten nights in the Maze zones). Visitors using the designated vehicle camps may QUESTIONS? stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a site before Backcountry Permit Office staff can be reached by email at having to relocate to another area. [email protected]. Staff are also available to answer questions and assist with trip planning by phone Monday through DAY USE: FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE, MOTORCYCLE, Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time), at AND MOUNTAIN BIKE (435) 259- 4351. When workload permits, phones may be A permit is required for ALL four-wheel-drive (includes answered until 4:00 p.m. motorcycles) and mountain bike day trips on the

following roads: facebook.com/CanyonlandsNPS •White Rim: •Elephant Hill; If you're looking for trip planning information, consider •Salt Creek/Horse Canyon; posting your question on our Facebook page as someone •Lavender Canyon. else might be wondering the same thing.

OBTAINING A PERMIT Fees & Group Sizes Exploring the canyons of the Maze (top) and the . Permit reservations are available on Recreation.gov (see sidebar). Due to the high demand for these permits, Overnight $36 Permit Reservation Island in the Sky: 7 people Backpacking fee (includes $6 Needles: 7 people reservations are highly recommended. Campsites not Reserving a Permit Recreation.gov fee) Maze: 5 people reserved online will be available in person at the park’s Overnight $36 Permit Reservation Island in the Sky: Backcountry Permits: All permit reservations for the 2021 visitor centers and at the National Park Service headquarters Four-Wheel- fee (includes $6 15 people/3 vehicles* season and beyond will be available at Recreation.gov. All in Moab, on a first-come, first-served basis, during normal Drive / Mtn. Recreation.gov fee) Needles: 10 people/ 3 vehicles overnight Backcountry permit reservations will be available at four Bike business hours and seasons of operation. Twenty-five of the Maze: 9 people/3 vehicles months in advance for each of the following seasons and will close two days prior to the trip start date. On the opening dates, permits fifty day use permits available each day for the White Rim Overnight $36 Permit Reservation 40 people are released at 8:00am Mountain Time. The season dates are: Road, and any permits not reserved online for the Needles River fee (includes $6 Recreation.gov fee) March 10 - June 9 (opens November 10) District, will be available in person at the park’s visitor centers + $20 per person June 10 - September 9 (opens February 10) or at the National Park Service headquarters in Moab, on a September 10 - December 9 (opens May 10) Day Use Four- $6 Reservation Fee if White Rim Road: first-come, first-served basis during normal business hours December 10 - March 9 (opens August 10). Wheel-Drive/ reserved online, no fee 3 vehicles/15 bicycles and seasons of operation. Mtn. Bike if in person Elephant Hill Road: Day Use Permits, Four-Wheel-Drive, Motorcycle, 3 vehicle/12 bicycles and Mountain Bike: A permit is required for ALL four-wheel- Instructions on how to obtain your permit will be provided Salt Creek/Horse and Lavender drive (includes motorcycles) and mountain bike day trips on the Canyons: 3 vehicles/7 bicycles following roads: once you reservation has been processed through Recreation. Day Use $6 Reservation Fee if 40 people gov. Trip leaders must have a printed copy of their permit White Rim (50 vehicles and 50 bicycles per day); Flat-water reserved online, no fee Elephant Hill (24 vehicles and 12 bicycles per day); with them during their trip. if in person Salt Creek/Horse Canyon (10 vehicles and 7 bicycles per day); Day Use $6 Reservation Fee 40 people Lavender Canyon (8 vehicles and 7 bicycles per day). Cataract +$10 per person Canyon *Vehicles include Permits are available at 8:00am Mountain Time online one day in motorcycles and trailers advance. Any permits not reserved online and one half of permits for the White Rim Road (25) will be available in person at the park’s visitor center and park headquarters backcountry permit Weather and Climate Statistics office on a first-come, first-served basis during normal business hours and seasons of operation. Temperatures J F M A M J J A S O N D Extreme High 67 75 85 91 101 109 111 108 108 94 80 68 NOTE: A day use permit is not required if ONLY travelling up or -28 -21 7 16 23 32 38 36 28 -6 -8 -15 down the Shafer Trail and along the road to Potash. A permit IS Extreme Low required beyond the restroom at the bottom of the Shafer Trail on Ave. High 39 46 55 64 73 87 92 90 82 68 51 38 the White Rim Road including out to Mussleman Arch. Ave. Low 19 23 30 34 46 58 62 60 51 40 29 22 Days above 90o 0 0 0 0 6 20 30 26 12 0 0 0 River Permits: All Cataract Canyon and Flatwater overnight o permit reservations will be available at four months in advance for Days below 32 30 22 17 6 0 0 0 0 0 5 20 29 each of the following seasons and will close two days prior to a (Temperatures measured in degrees Fahrenheit) trip start date. The season dates are: Precipitation J F M A M J J A S O N D April 14 – October 15 (opens December 14) October 16 – April 13 (opens June 15) Rain (inches) .63 .29 1.07 .76 .71 .50 1.15 .92 .69 1.0 .86 .60 Snow (inches) 5.5 1.2 2.8 3.4 0.2 - - - - 0.5 3.3 2.4 Cataract Canyon and Flatwater day use permits will be available Poss. Sun (%) 56 64 60 68 74 83 77 79 80 75 63 60 one day in advance online. # Thunderstorms 0 0 1 1 4 4 9 11 5 2 0 0

Backcountry Trip Planner 3 Horseshore Canyon Unit to 70 Island In The Sky To Highway 191 NORTH and Green River Visitor Center to 70 and Moab Moab to Areas in the Park 2.4 279 49mi 29mi Island In The Sky Visitor Center 32mi/51km 79km 313 47km Needles Visitor Center 76mi/121km Horseshoe Canyon Unit via I-70 101mi/162km

Horseshoe Canyon Unit via State 24 119mi/191km nyon L a

g C Road A n

Hans Flat 133mi/74km Lo B

Y

R 12.9 I N T H

Mineral Bottom (Horsethief Trail)

1.0 5.6 Mineral Bottom Road T I N P O DEAD HORSE

C A N Y O N E F H I POINT Potash E T R S STATE PARK H O

6.5

Visitor HORSESHOE Center CANYON Taylor No through road Moses and (BLM) 5.0 Dead Horse in Horseshoe 0.6 Labyrinth Zeus Horseshoe T A Y L Point Potash Road Canyon Unit O R Canyon Shafer Overlook C A To Unit to 24 Taylor N Y 5.5 O N Kane Creek 32mi U Visitor 1.0 PH A Road / Moab 51km E l 1.7 c Center AV 3.5 o A v 5.3 L cline e il Gooseneck Fort Syn r Tra 3.5 afe Ruin Hardscrabble C 4.9 5.6 S Sh Overlook A L p 5.8 N oo r 2.0 Y p in O g No Access To River Great N Syncline Neck Gallery At These Points

1.5 Spring 3.8 Musselman Arch 3.4 Whale Rock T Potato Bottom Lathrop High Spur Upheaval Dome ISLAND T 4.5 T 7.0 6.8 R Upper West Basins IN THE 11.3

U 5.0 SKY

P GLEN Wilhite T 4.5 d Aztec S a 6.1 Ro Butte (1.0) Airport

Washer Millard m L r Ri A Woman e T v H e Arch i t d R i a 11.0 im R h R o O R W (0.5) P

W Wh C CANYON ite A Green River 4.0 Willow N

H Overlook Y High Spur Flat O N N O M S I R O E T Candlestick D T T N O A B 10.0 Gooseberry/ E 6.0 Lathrop E NATIONAL

T 11.5 H Murphy 0.5 Turks Point

T L Head 1.3 O C R 1.5 Buck Canyon K H Overlook A

I 2.8 R RECREATION o T d M y a rr be Gooseberry r se o o o 2.7 l

G o C

1.3 2.7 C A

N Y S M T I T O L L Murphy AREA W I N Hogback A R T 1.0 8.0 12.0

E

R Grand View Point 22.0

Overlook Cleopatra's Chair MONUMENT BASIN

2.5 C E A N T Ekker Y O H I N W G High Spur ree n 5.5 2.0 Panorama No Trail Point Access To River

1.4 R i Needles v e Overlook Hans Flat to 24 r 46mi Hans Flat White Crack N 74km Y O A N C

S E 2.5 R 7.5 O Lockhart North H CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK I N D IA N C R E E K C A N Y O N Point Maze Overlook Needles Overlook to 191 T 22mi T Lower Basins HE

5.0 Maze Area LOOP 35km B

N a

7.0 CANYO s

N i O n

RTH TRAIL

N I P

e

S Harvest t

S e

s R

Scene

o A M Colorado

a e 7.0

B d

s River Overlook F a

R CANYON

l o E i

a u r F T T t The Slide e SHOT Needles North

I FORK s

p R o ug I l r P E D 11.5

T e Big Spring t Confluence Indian Creek

L 7.5 A a Chimney l e Canyon h Overlook (BLM) o L H Rock WATER CANYON

c T Overlook T o Confluence E 4.5 h

C U C Standing 1.0 T O Rock Slickrock (2.4)

5.0 S The Visitor S Needles Outpost L Wall River Camp Center A K (private)

E Register Box N C 2.6 D N Pothole O O R Point 211 Y O N (0.6) 6.4 G G New Bates F I N A

D S T A N SPANISH K C LA E Wilson Roadside Ruin (0.3) LOWER RED 2.2 BOTTOM E Needles Visitor Center to 191 2.0 12.0 N N Cave Spring (0.6) The 4.0 O 1.0 L 34mi Doll C THE MAZE 3.0 53km Golden House Y E C N

A Brown Betty T Stairs No Trail 1.6 T A

2.0 Across River Rapids L Elephant Permit required for vehicle entry

1.0 Devils 1.5 Hill 1.2 R Campground 0.6 E L

Kitchen 0.5 E T

1.1 P 2.5 0.5

S S H O L Orange Cliffs il I A 1.5 Flint Seep a E R N I E S C O U N T R Y V Tr N 1.0 N E 2.3 BS1 Y O T N D N 2.3 t A EC1 DP1 n C 3.1 i 1.4 l 2.6 1.5 F CANYON E 0.6 0.6 1.5 Paul 1.0 0.2 0.8 Bunyans Tower Road ends 2.5 1.2 CP1 BS2 SQ1 Peekaboo 9 miles from 211 LC1 Potty Ruin 3 miles T Maze Area B 1.3 1.7 T 0.4 2.4 EC2 SQ2 0.5 to park boundary C LC2 EC3 0.9 N A CP5 0.5 Happy Canyon R 0.5 O T A A CHESLER CP4 Y r A W LC3 N e C PARK 1.0 A v CP3 BIG SPRING A 3.3 C i 0.5 U R R CP2 2.1 Q T Bobby S O C S O 1.5 2.0 L Jo A 6.5 Y o G Horsehoof Joint N N d Mile Long Y Trail 8.5

O a A

r Rapids

o N C 4.0 l Poison The Neck o Red Lake/Grabens Spring C E Salt/Horse Road Druid 4.7 THE Arch NEEDLES Often N H O impassable Y to vehicles Big Drop Rapids N T A Teapot C HORSE Castle Butler/West Side Canyons 0.4 CANYON Arch 1.5 Fortress 0.5 Road ends IS T 2.0 Arch V at park boundary A Sunset Pass T D A L 15 miles from F SC4 211

5.0 to park boundary Angel Arch L E O H E R ole AT H Upper Jump Frequently impassable for W 4-wheel-drive vehicles ys Davis/Lavender All Glen Canyon NRA lands obb north of this line require B SC3 backcountry permits which are CANYON issued by Canyonlands. Special regulations apply. POWELL

5.0 CREEK B E E F B A S I N T Permit required for vehicle entry

R E D

SALT N Overlook/ E Rapids Boat launch V Paved road A L LAKE At-large 1.5 Mileage (Approx.) Backpacking Zone Ranger station SC2 Cleft Arch 3.0 Unpaved Name of SC1 2-wheel-drive road* Name Backpacking Zone Picnic area Kirk Cabin High-clearance, 4-wheel-drive road Developed Campground Water available Cathedral Butte to 211 Locked gate Backcountry Vehicle Camp Self-guiding trail 18mi Hiking Trail Backpacking Site T Trailhead Parking 3.5 29km *NOTE: Unpaved 2-wheel-drive roads may become impassable after storms. Hans Flat to 95 and Hite Marina 58mi / 93km T Cathedral Butte

Backcountry Trip Planner 4 Island in the Sky Climbing Regulations Permits are not required for technical rock climbing or canyoneering unless the trip requires a four-wheel-drive bicycle day trip on the White Rim Road or Needles backcountry roads or an overnight stay in the backcountry Climbers are encouraged to check in at district visitor centers before beginning a climb.

Technical rock climbing is prohibited in the Salt Creek Archeological District in the Needles, in Horseshoe Canyon, into any archeological site, or on any arch or natural bridge, with the exception of Arch at the Island. The view from Green River Overlook. The intentional removal of lichen VISITOR SERVICES along the Syncline Trail where there is a designated site (See below or plants from rock is prohibited. Visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (except some winter holidays), for information on At Large Zones). A permit is required The physical altering of rock faces with extended hours spring through fall. Backcountry permits available for all overnight trips (page 3). by chiseling, glue reinforcement of during business hours. Water bottles can be filled at the visitor center existing holds, and gluing of new holds (refillable bottles may be purchased). Water is not available elsewhere CAMPSITES AND AT-LARGE ZONES is prohibited. Willow Flat Frontcountry Campground is open year-round on a first- In order to protect park resources and the exceptional experience of come, first-served basis. There are 12 sites with tables, fire grills and vault remoteness and solitude, the backcountry of Canyonlands is divided The use of motorized power drills is toilets. The access road is paved. Firewood and water are not available. into sites and zones, and access to each is limited. Designated sites prohibited. Slacklining is prohibited Maximum group size is ten people. Sites are $15/night. exist along all four-wheel-drive roads for use by four-wheel-drive/ Chalk must match the color of the mountain bike groups. There are also designated backpacking rock surface. HIKING TRAILS campsites along some heavily traveled hiking trails, mostly in All climbing shall be free or clean aid Island backcountry trails generally begin on the mesa top and descend the Needles District. In remote areas where travel is limited climbing with the following exceptions: via switchbacks to the White Rim bench. A few trails continue down to foot or boat, visitors camp in at-large zones and may find their • No new hardware may be left to one of the rivers. Most are considered strenuous, with an elevation own low-impact campsites. change of 1,000-2,000 feet, and require negotiating steep slopes of in a fixed location; however, if a hardware item is unsafe, it may be loose rock as well as sections of deep sand. The most popular long In at-larger zones, backpackers may find their own campsites replaced in kind. trails are described below. following Leave No Trace principles, including the regulations stated • Protection may not be placed below. This is referred to as at-large camping. with the use of a hammer except Gooseberry to replace existing belay/rappel Length: 5.4mi/8.7km round-trip These zones are for backpacking. They are NOT alternative anchors and bolts on existing Start: Gooseberry Trailhead options for vehicle camping and are NOT last-minute options routes, or for emergency This trail descends steep switchbacks to a boulder-strewn when designated campsites are full. They require extensive pre- self-rescue. wash that leads to the White Rim Road. At large camping in the planning and the skills and knowledge to travel in remote canyon • If an existing software item (sling, Gooseberry/Lathrop Zone below the White Rim Road. No water. backcountry. You may contact the Backcountry Permit Office with etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced. specific questions. Software that is left in place must Murphy Loop match the rock surface in color. Length: 11mi/17.7km round-trip Camps in at-large zones must be: Start: Murphy Point Trailhead •Within the boundaries of the zone (you are responsible for A few miles of hiking on the mesa top leads to a steep descent down a knowing these boundaries), cliff face to a bench where the trail divides. One fork continues along •At least one mile from any roads, Murphy Hogback. At Murphy camp, hikers follow the White Rim •1/2 mile or 1,000 vertical feet of the Green and Road south for about a mile, then follow a rock strewn wash back up Colorado Rivers onto the hogback. At-large backpacking in the Upper Basins Zone. •In low-impact areas like slickrock, No water. •NO camping activities may occur at a parked vehicle, •300 feet from an archeological site or historic site Syncline Loop •300 feet from a water source (other than the rivers). Length: 8mi/13km round-trip Start: Upheaval Dome Trailhead WHITE RIM ROAD This strenuous trail follows the washes on either side of Upheaval The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island Dome, forming a loop that provides access inside the crater and to the mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Green River. Total elevation change is roughly 1,300 feet. Trail climbs Trips usually take two to three days by four-wheel-drive vehicle some steep, exposed grades. North side of the loop passes through or three to four days by mountain bike. Under favorable weather a riparian area where water and shade may be available. There is one conditions, the White Rim Road is considered moderately difficult Pets designated Syncline campsite along the trail. for high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive vehicles. The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Activities with pets are very limited at Taylor Canyon Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks Canyonlands. Pets are not allowed Length: 18mi/29km round-trip make the White Rim loop a challenging mountain bike ride, and on hiking trails or anywhere in the Start: Alcove Spring Trailhead require extreme caution for both vehicles and bikes during periods backcountry. Pets may not accompany Trail descends via steep switchbacks to a rocky wash that leads into groups traveling by four-wheel-drive of inclement weather. All vehicles and bikes must remain on roads. this broad, steep-walled canyon. Hikers can follow the four-wheel vehicle (even if inside the vehicle), ATVs are not permitted. drive road returning via Upheaval Canyon/Syncline Loop. mountain bike or boat. At large camping in the Taylor Canyon Zone. A permit is required for all overnight trips (page 3). Bicyclists and Pets may accompany you in the developed four-wheel drivers must stay in designated campsites. Twenty BACKPACKING campgrounds, and may be walked in the individual campsites are arranged in ten camping areas. The White park along paved roads. Pets may also The Island is a challenging place to backpack. The landscape below Rim Road is extremely popular and campsites fill early. Advance accompany groups on the Potash/Shafer the mesa top is a mixture of talus slopes and vast basins without any reservations are highly recommended (see page 3). No potable water Canyon road between Moab and the reliable water sources. There are few routes leading below the White is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a Island in the Sky. Pets must be leashed at Rim Road to the rivers, and river water is so silty that it's difficult to four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is all times when outside a vehicle. purify. Backpackers must camp in at-large zones unless traveling highly recommended. Toilets are provided at each campsite.

Backcountry Trip Planner 5 The Needles VISITOR SERVICES Visitor center is open daily early March through late November from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours spring through fall. Backcountry permits available during business hours. Water bottles can be filled at the visitor center and in the campground.

Needles Campground is open year-round. Some individual sites can be reserved in spring and fall. Other times of the year, individual sites are first-come, first-served. There are 26 sites with drinking water and flush toilets. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Camping fees are Wildlife charged year-round. Canyonlands is bear country. Black bears BACKPACKING wander into the park from nearby The Needles is the most popular backpacking destination in the park. mountains, and have been spotted in Most trailheads are accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicle. Water the Needles, the Maze and along the Colorado River. Ravens, racoons and is the limiting factor for trip length. Depending on the season and Chesler Park. squirrels will access food and trash if weather, water may be found in the canyons east of Chesler Park. not stored properly. Reduce the risk of Overnight trips require a permit which can be reserved in advance encounters with bears and other wildlife: (see page 3). Designated campsites (one group per site) have been Elephant Canyon / Druid Arch Length: 11 mi/18km round-trip • Keep a clean camp and store food established along most trails. Groups camp at-large in areas without sites or trails. Start: Elephant Hill Trailhead items securely. For the protection This trail offers one of the most spectacular views in the Needles. It of wildlife and humans, it's critical follows the Chesler Park access trail to Elephant Canyon, then travels that animals do not gain access to FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE-ROADS human food. Over 50 miles of challenging backcountry roads access campsites, along the canyon bottom across a mixture of deep sand and loose • Never eat or store food in your trailheads, as well as natural and cultural features. All of these roads rock all the way to its upper end. The last .25 mile is a steep climb tent. Store all food, garbage, require high-clearance, low-range four-wheel-drive vehicles. involving one ladder and some scrambling. Three backpacking sites. or other scented items in hard Inexperienced drivers are discouraged from attempting these roads sided containers when they are as the risk of vehicle damage is great and towing expenses typically Confluence Overlook unattended. exceed $1,500. The roads in Horse and Lavender canyons tend to be Length: 11 mi/18km round-trip • Park approved hard sided bear too sandy for most mountain bikes. All vehicles and bikes must remain Start: Big Spring Canyon Overlook canisters are required when on designated roads. Motorcycles and vehicles must be registered, This trail traverses mostly dry, open country along the northern edge camping. interstate legal and operated by a licensed driver. ATVs/OHVS are of the geologic faults that shaped the Needles. Trail ends at a cliff • Be alert. Watch for tracks, not permitted. Roads may close intermittently due to poor driving overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers. There is droppings, diggings, and other bear conditions or weather. Designated campsites (one group per site) have no trail to the rivers. At-large camping only. No water. signs. been established along some roads. Overnight trips require a permit • Make noise: help bears avoid you. which can be reserved in advance (page 4). Permits are also required Big Spring to Squaw Canyon for day use on Elephant Hill, Salt Creek/Horse Canyon and Lavender Length: 7.5 mi/12km round-trip Canyon roads Start: Squaw Flat Loop “A” Trailhead A great introduction to the landscape of the Needles, connecting two TRAILS canyons for a loop across varied terrain. The route between the Graffiti The Needles District offers over 60 miles of interconnecting trails canyons climbs steep grades that are dangerous when wet and may A Growing Problem as challenging as they are rewarding. Many different itineraries make people with a fear of heights uncomfortable. Two backpacking are possible, but some of the more popular ones are listed below. sites in each canyon. Even though graffiti is prohibited by law, Conditions are primitive. Most trails traverse a mixture of slickrock rangers and volunteer groups spend Lower Red Lake Canyon hundreds of hours every year removing it benches and sandy washes. Longer trails are especially rough and Length: 18.8 miles/30 km round-trip in Canyonlands. require negotiating steep passes with drop-offs, narrow spots, or ladders. Water in the backcountry is unreliable and scarce in some Start: Elephant Hill Trailhead Please join us in protecting the park by areas. Trails are marked with cairns (small rock piles). Although most The hike from Elephant Hill to the Colorado River is very strenuous, not leaving your mark. If you discover trails can be hiked in a day by strong hikers, many form loops and may with an elevation change of 1,400 feet. There is little shade along the graffiti in the park, please let us know. be combined with other trails for longer overnight trips. A permit way as the trail climbs in and out of the Grabens and then descends Otherwise, make memories, take is required for all overnight trips. Net elevation change is generally the steep talus slope of Lower Red Lake Canyon toward the river. This pictures, but leave no visible trace of several hundred feet or less, except for the Lower Red Lake Trail, trail is recommended as a multi-day hike. At-large camping only. your visit. which drops 1,400 feet to the Colorado River. No water. Protect Your Park Chesler Park Loop / Joint Trail Salt Creek Canyon • Avoid trampling desert soils. Walk on Length: 22.5mi/34km one-way trails, slickrock or in sandy Length: 11mi/18km round-trip wash bottoms. Start: Elephant Hill Trailhead Start: Peekaboo or Cathedral Butte • Pets are not allowed on hiking trails Hiking three miles along this trail brings visitors to a saddle The route follows the main drainage of the canyon past cottonwood or four-wheel-drive roads, even in overlooking Chesler Park, a scenic expanse of desert grasses and groves, through thick brush. The trail is often obscured by dense a vehicle. shrubs surrounded by colorful sandstone spires. The loop around vegetation. Many archeological sites and arches can be seen. Four • Protect water sources. Do not swim Chesler is fairly level and winds through a series of deep, narrow designated campsites in upper section. Lower section is at-large or bathe in potholes or fractures called the Joint Trail. Five backpacking sites. No water. camping only. Water available seasonally. intermittent streams. • Protect wild animals. Do not approach or feed them. • Preserve your heritage. Do not enter, alter or deface archeological sites. Leave artifacts undisturbed. • It is illegal to remove natural or cultural features including plants, rocks, artifacts, driftwood or antlers. • Vehicles and bicycles must stay on designated roads. • OHVs/ATVs are not permitted. Not for the faint of heart: climbing Elephant Hill. Taking a break in Horse Canyon. Druid Arch.

Backcountry Trip Planner 6 The Maze Pack & Saddle Regulations People have explored the canyonlands The Maze is the least accessible district of Canyonlands. Due to the area on horseback for over a hundred district’s remoteness and the difficulty of roads and trails, travel to the years. In fact, many routes created by Maze requires more time, as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency. cowboys and sheepherders have become Rarely do visitors spend less than three days in the Maze, and the area popular four-wheel-drive roads and can easily absorb a week-long trip. hiking trails. However, resource concerns, including disease transmission from The Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stock to wild animals and the spread of shares Canyonlands National Park's western boundary and is exotic plant species, have necessitated administered under the same backcountry management plan and special regulations for visitors wishing to reservation system. The information here applies to both the Orange ride in the park today. Lack of water is a limiting factor for pack and saddle trips Cliffs Unit and the Maze District of Canyonlands. in Canyonlands, as only a few areas have reliable sources. LOCATION The Hans Flat Ranger Station is two and one-half hours from Green Pack and saddle stock may be taken on River, Utah. From I-70, take Utah Highway 24 south for 24 miles. A all backcountry roads and in Horseshoe left hand turn just beyond the turnoff to will Canyon. Cross-country travel is prohibited. take you along a two-wheel-drive dirt road 46 miles (76 km) southeast Pack and saddle stock include horses, to the ranger station. In addition, a four-wheel-drive route leads north burros or mules. Pets are prohibited in the from Utah Highway 95 near Hite. All two-wheel-drive roads may backcountry. require four-wheel-drive or become impassable when it snows, rains heavily or when areas of deep, blown sand develop. The Chocolate Drops as seen from Maze Overlook. Day Use Day use permits are unlimited and free of charge, except in Horse/Salt Creek and VISITOR SERVICES Lavender Canyons in the Needles District, The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 4:30 Backpackers stay in at-large zones. There are several springs in the where day use is limited to seven animals p.m. There is a small sales area with books and maps. There are no canyons of the Maze. Inquire at the Hans Flat Ranger Station for per day. In these areas, permits are more information. amenities like food or gas, no entrance fees and no potable water available at the park visitor center. In sources in the Maze District. all other areas of the park, including BACKCOUNTRY ROADS Horseshoe Canyon, group size must not HIKING & BACKPACKING Four-wheel-drive roads in the Maze are extremely difficult, present exceed ten animals and ten people. Trails in the Maze are primitive and lead into canyons and to various considerable risk of vehicle damage, and should not be attempted by viewpoints. Due to the nature and depth of Maze canyons, access to inexperienced drivers. A high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive Overnight Use them is limited. Routes into the canyons are minimally cairned from vehicle is required for all Maze backcountry roads (all-wheel-drive Overnight trips must stay at designated mesa top to canyon bottom, but routes through washes are often vehicles do not have the low gearing required). OHVs/ATVs are not vehicle camps. Permits are required. All unmarked. Many of the canyons look alike and are difficult to identify permitted. The most commonly used road in the Maze is the Flint manure and feed must be packed out from the campsites. The group size limit is seven without a topographic map. The Maze Overlook Trail and other routes Trail, which traverses slopes of clay that are extremely slippery when people and seven horses for the Needles in the district require basic climbing maneuvers in order to negotiate wet. The Flint Trail is often closed during winter. The road between and Island in the Sky, and five people and sections of steep slickrock and pour-offs. A 25-foot length of rope is Teapot camp and the Land of Standing Rocks is the most difficult in five horses for the Maze and Orange Cliffs. the Maze. Four-wheel drivers should be prepared to make basic road often essential for raising or lowering packs in difficult spots. Many Overnight use is not allowed in or vehicle repairs and should carry the following items: at least one routes may make hikers with a fear of heights uncomfortable. Horseshoe Canyon. full-size spare tire, extra gas, extra water, a shovel, a high-lift jack and, Most trailheads start from four-wheel-drive roads. Visitors with two from October to April, chains for all four tires. For a complete list of regulations, wheel-drive vehicles may park at the North Point Road junction, visit www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/ approximately 2.5 miles southeast of the Hans Flat Ranger Station, Backcountry vehicle campers and mountain bikers stay in designated stockuse.htm. and hike 12 miles to the Maze Overlook. Depending on the vehicle, sites and must provide their own toilet systems. The vehicle sites do hikers may also be able to negotiate the 14 mile road to park at the top not have picnic tables. of the Flint Trail switchbacks. Leave no Trace ALLOW SPACE FOR WILDLIFE WATER Harassing or approaching wild animals will Canyonlands receives only nine inches of toilet system or human waste disposal bag is often cause them to run, using up energy rain each year. The lack of water makes it a required when camping at all Maze district and possibly causing injury. When observing precious resource for wildlife and hikers. vehicle campsites, at the New Bates Wilson wildlife, maintain your distance and remain Whenever possible, pack in your own supply and Peekaboo vehicle campsites and all quiet. Teach children not to chase or pick up and leave existing springs and pools for designated backpacking campsites. Where animals. Please report all bear and mountain the plants and animals whose lives depend waste is not carried out, bury solid waste lion sightings to the visitor center. Animals on them. Never contaminate desert water in a hole at least four inches deep and 300 Removing artifacts like this piece of pottery from the park destroys the archeological record–and robs future hikers that become dependent on human food may sources with soaps or lotions, even if they feet away from water sources or campsites. of the thrill of discovery. It is also a federal offense. Leave not survive on their own. Bears, squirrels, are biodegradable. Never burn or bury toilet paper in a desert things where you find them. ravens and other animals are attracted to your environment. Always pack it out. bags and campsites. Follow proper storage RESPECT OTHER'S EXPERIENCES destroy them. Never spoil archeological techniques for food and other scented items. People come to the park for incomparable RESPECT CULTURAL SITES sites or natural features with graffiti or solitude and remoteness. Excessive noise Many cultural sites have endured the harsh other markings. Promote discovery by not FOOD STORAGE may take away from anothers experience. desert climate for centuries or millennia, geotagging photos or sharing locations or Food should be hung up in an animal-proof Remember that the feeling of solitude is but they are easily damaged. View sites GPS coordinates of sites you find. stuff sack or packed away at all times to enhanced when group size is small, contacts from a distance. Ancient walls are very prevent birds, rodents and other animals are infrequent, and behavior is unobtrusive. fragile. Never enter structures or human- CONTAIN YOUR CAMPFIRE from reaching it. Camps should be kept as made enclosures as your movements may Wood fires are only permitted along the clean as possible to prevent ants and mice, REMOVE HUMAN WASTE damage the foundation or other structural river corridors in Canyonlands. Fires must which often attract snakes and scorpions, The dry soils of the desert do not promote elements. Leave things as they are. Do not be contained in a fire pan. Pack out all fire from becoming a problem at popular sites. decomposition like forest or mountain soils. collect artifacts; allow future visitors the debris. Vehicle campers may have charcoal Some camps are in bear territory and require Whenever possible, you should remove solid joy of discovery. Enjoy rock art with your fires for cooking (also in a fire pan), but special precautions. All garbage should be human waste from the backcountry. Use eyes only. Do not touch pictographs and all fire debris must be removed from packed out. vault toilets if available. A washable/reusable petroglyphs as the oils in human skin will the backcountry. Backcountry Trip Planner 7 The Rivers

Packrafts Does your backpacking trip involve a float down one the rivers? Groups using portable, inflatable boats to navigate sections of the Colorado or Green rivers must carry the following items: • A rigid, durable, metal fire pan that is large enough to fully contain all fire ash and debris. • Approved toilet system: commercial bag systems (e.g. Wag Bag, Restop II) stored in hard-sided containers or

Sunrise on the Colorado River in Meander Canyon. heavy-duty, waterproof bags labeled “Human Waste.” The Colorado and Green rivers wind through the heart of trips is usually North Wash (Dirty Devil) Boat Ramp on Lake • One approved, serviceable Canyonlands, cutting through layers of sandstone to form two Powell, which can be up to 30 miles from the last rapid. Conditions on type I, III, or V personal deep canyons. The calm waters of these two rivers join at the Lake Powell vary widely, visit www.nps.gov/cany/river/lakepowell.htm flotation device (PFD) for each Confluence, below which their combined flow spills down to learn more. trip participant. Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating • Repair kit. a world-class stretch of white water. Flatwater trips consist of CAMPING • An air pump or bag for floating down either of the rivers as far as the Confluence or There are no designated campsites along the rivers in Canyonlands. inflationof raft. Spanish Bottom. There are no rapids above the Confluence in the During periods of high water, camps can be difficult to find, especially • A bailing device. park, making it an ideal trip for canoes, sea kayaks and other calm ideal camps. Campsites are first come, first serve. However, on the • A first aid kit. water boats. Below Spanish Bottom, Cataract Canyon contains east bank of the Colorado below the confluence (mile 214.3) there is A permit is required to packraft in the fourteen miles of rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II to V: it is a sign warning of rapids ahead. At the base of the sign is a campsite park. Nights spent outside of the river a particularly hazardous and isolated section of the Colorado River registration box. Groups camping below the confluence are urged corridor (1⁄2 mile or 1,000 vertical feet and should not be attempted by inexperienced boaters. to indicate which campsites they intend to use so that other boaters from the river) must be in designated may plan their stops in advance. This applies to both flatwater groups campsites or zones. These nights can be REQUIRED EQUIPMENT meeting their jet-boat shuttle as well as groups continuing down selected during the reservation process on Recreation.gov under backcountry All river trips must have all park required equipment listed on their Cataract Canyon. This system is simply a courtesy to others and overnight permits. permit. Visit nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/boating.htm for a list. does not guarantee a campsite. Please do not sign up groups other than your own. Contact the Backcountry Permit Office for a park- PERMITS maintained campsite list. Permits are required for all overnight river trips in Canyonlands, and Have a Safe Visit for one-day Cataract and Flatwater trips (fee charged). Overnight FISHING Every year, rangers respond to dozens river permits are available on Recreation.gov four months before the Fishing is not a popular activity in Canyonlands. The muddy waters of search & rescue incidents in the park. following seasons and up to two days before a trip start date. of the Green and Colorado Rivers contain mostly carp, catfish, sand For your own safety, please keep the shiners, red shiners and fathead minnows. Visitors must have a valid April 14-October 15 (available December 14) following in mind throughout your visit: Utah State fishing license and must comply with all state fishing October 16-April 13 (available June 15) • Carry and drink water. Even a regulations. Small populations of endangered native fish exist in the Day use river permits are available on Recreation.gov year-round. short stroll will make you thirsty park, including , razorback sucker, humpback Any permits not obtained online are available at the Backcountry on a 90°F (32°C) day. One gallon and . Due to resource development, competition with Permit Office in Moab. Canyonlands does not restrict launch (4 liters) per person per day is non-native species and other factors, native populations have declined dates. The maximum group size is 40 people, though to preserve the recommended for longer hikes. and are struggling to survive in the Upper Colorado River Basin. wilderness character of the river the park requests groups be limited • Wear sturdy shoes with adequate Visitors should become familiar with the above fish and the proper to sixteen. See page four for more information on permits. The Bureau tread. Many trails cross uneven techniques for releasing them unharmed. of Land Management (BLM) manages the riverways upstream of the terrain and follow rock ledges that park boundary on both rivers. Permits through the BLM are required require good traction. for boating the Green River between Green River State Park and • Protect your skin with a hat, long- Mineral Bottom (Labyrinth Canyon). Permits are not required for the River Distances & Float Times sleeve shirt and sunscreen. Colorado between Moab and the park. • Use caution when climbing or Launch Launch Miles to Days* scrambling on rocks. Sandstone is † LAUNCH/TAKEOUT INFORMATION Location Fee? Confluence slippery when wet or snow A permit for Canyonlands National Park is only for the dates of the covered: it is also much easier to Colorado River trip below Mineral Bottom Boat Ramp on the Green River or Potash go up than down. Moab no 63 3 to 5 • Always tell someone where you're Boat Ramp on the Colorado River. The other common river launch Potash no 48 2 to 3 ramps outside of the park boundaries are at Ruby Ranch or Green going and when you expect to return. If you become lost, remain River State Park on the Green River; both charge a small fee for Green River in one place: wandering will make launches. There is no vehicle access to the rivers near the Confluence Green River State Park yes 122 6 to 9 finding you more difficult. or Cataract Canyon. Groups wishing to avoid the whitewater must Crystal Geyser no 118 6 to 9 travel upstream. Unless groups have their own motors or a lot of time Ruby Ranch yes 99 5 to 8 • Severe lightning occurs here. Mineral Bottom no 54 3 to 4 Return to your vehicle if possible. to paddle, upstream travel is via jet boat shuttle back to Potash. Stay away from open areas, high A reservation for a jet boat shuttle must be made prior to obtaining Cataract Canyon spots or trees. If your skin tingles a permit for the park (shuttles are limited, while there is currently Confluence to Hite no 45 miles 2 to 3 or hair stands on end, crouch no limit to the number of flatwater permits). The two companies down and place both feet together authorized to operate in the park are: Tex’s Riverways and † Launch fees are not charged or collected by the National Park Service. firmly on the ground. Canyonlands By Night and Day. The takeout for Cataract Canyon * Estimated times. Actual float times will vary with river conditions.

Backcountry Trip Planner 8