Exploring Canyonlands National Park offers a profound opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Native American history and culture. To truly appreciate and honor this heritage, it’s crucial to approach these sites with respect, mindfulness, and a desire to learn. Let’s delve into some of the remarkable landmarks within the park that offer insights into the lives and legacies of the indigenous peoples who once called this rugged terrain home.
Fun Facts about Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands National Park was established on September 12, 1964, by Congress through legislation signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
- Canyonlands National Park covers a vast area of over 337,598 acres (about 527 square miles) in southeastern Utah, making it the largest national park in the state.
- Canyonlands has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back hundreds to thousands of years. The ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, inhabited the region and left behind rock art, dwellings, and other archaeological sites.
- One of the most iconic features of Canyonlands is the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. This meeting point creates a striking landscape known as The Confluence Overlook, offering panoramic views of the rivers carving through the canyons.
- The Maze District, located in the western part of the park, is one of the most remote and rugged areas in the United States. It’s a challenging environment to navigate and requires careful planning and preparation for those venturing into this wilderness.
- Canyonlands has served as a filming location for several movies and television shows, including scenes from “Thelma & Louise” and “127 Hours.” Its dramatic landscapes have attracted filmmakers seeking to capture the park’s unique beauty.
A Quick Look at National Park Canyonlands National Park
- Best time of year to visit. The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons when the weather is mild, and crowds are fewer.
- How long to stay. To get a relatively full experience in the park, you should stay 2 to 4 days. This allows time to explore its diverse districts, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails.
- How to get there. The closest airport to the park is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). The park has two main entrances: one for the Island in the Sky district and another for the Needles district.
- Places to stay. The park does not have any lodging facilities within the park boundaries, but the nearby town of Moab offers a wide range of accommodations. However, there are three campgrounds in the park, including Island in the Sky Campground, Willow Flat Campground, Squaw Flat Campground.
Things to Know Before Going to Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands National Park has bears. This park is known to have black bears that wander in from the Abajo Mountains that boarder the Needles district. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or staying in any areas that are homes to potentially dangerous wildlife. Bear spray is a specialized type of pepper spray that is proven to be effective in deterring aggressive wildlife in the event of close encounters.
- Cell phone reception is limited in most of the park. Before you head to the park, I highly recommend that you download and have offline copies of any reservation details, directions, or permits.
- Have offline access to hiking trails maps Make sure you have downloaded versions of any trail that you plan on hiking. If you don’t have a fancy GPS with tracking and messaging, you should download the AllTrails app and upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99 a year. This upgrade lets you download topographical, satellite, and other varieties of offline trails, shows you where you are, how far you have gone, and how much longer you must go, as well as your elevation gain, speed, and estimated burned calories. I use it for every non-overnight hike that I do.
- Pack essential items and proper clothing. Some very basic, but essential items that should always be carried while hiking include a navigation system, a flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a knife, matches, a lighter, or a fire started, extra food and water beyond the minimum expectation, and extra clothes such as a rain jacket, wind breaker, and warmer layers. Some of these items may feel unnecessary at first glance but it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
- Canyonlands National Park charges an entry fee. These fees usually cost $35 and grant you a week of additional access to over 425 sites that are also run by the National Park Service. If you plan on visiting three or more parks within a year, then I recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass will make entering parks a bit quicker, much easier, and provides you with access to the same number of parks that the week-long pass does, but for an entire year.
How to Considerately Experience Ancient Native American Culture in Canyonlands National Park
Ancestral Puebloan Granary
One of the most fascinating remnants of Native American history within the park is the Ancestral Puebloan Granary. These ancient storage structures, built high into the canyon walls, serve as a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the people who inhabited this land centuries ago. As you stand before these granaries, nestled amidst the red rock cliffs, take a moment to imagine the daily lives of the ancestral Puebloans who relied on these structures to store their food and provisions.
Doll House Granary
Venturing deeper into the heart of Canyonlands, you’ll encounter the Doll House Granary, another testament to the architectural skills of the ancient inhabitants. These intricate stone structures, resembling miniature houses perched carefully on the cliffs, offer a glimpse into the skilled craftsmanship of the indigenous peoples. As you marvel at the Doll House Granary, consider the significance of these structures within the cultural and spiritual landscape of the ancestral Puebloans.
Peekaboo Panel
In the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park lies the Peekaboo Panel, a captivating display of ancient petroglyphs etched into the sandstone walls. These enigmatic symbols, thought to date back thousands of years, offer tantalizing clues about the beliefs, traditions, and daily life of the indigenous peoples who once roamed this rugged wilderness. As you observe the intricate designs of the Peekaboo Rock Art, take a moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Native American cultures that have shaped this land.
Fort Bottom Ruin
Continuing our journey through Canyonlands, we come upon Fort Bottom Ruin, a striking archaeological site nestled along the banks of the Green River. This ancient pueblo, with its crumbling walls and weathered timbers, provides an important reminder of the vibrant communities that once thrived in this harsh desert environment. As you explore the ruins of Fort Bottom, pay homage to the resilience and resourcefulness of the indigenous peoples who lived here.
Great Gallery
In the remote reaches of Horseshoe Canyon lies the Great Gallery, arguably one of the most impressive collections of rock art in North America. Spanning over 200 feet along the canyon walls, these larger-than-life pictographs depict a mesmerizing array of figures, symbols, and scenes from ancient Native American mythology and daily life. Standing before the Great Gallery, surrounded by the silent beauty of the canyon, you can’t help but feel a profound sense of connection to the indigenous peoples who created these awe-inspiring works of art.
Harvest Scene
Finally, our journey through Canyonlands National Park brings us to the Harvest Scene in the Maze District, a striking portrayal of human figures in elaborate headdresses and holding ceremonial implements. These ancient images offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of the ancestral Puebloans. As you contemplate the meaning behind these hauntingly beautiful pictographs, take a moment to honor the enduring legacy of the indigenous peoples who continue to call this land home.
Wrapping things up, experiencing Native American history in Canyonlands National Park is not just about visiting archaeological sites and viewing ancient artifacts—it’s about engaging with the land and its stories in a meaningful and respectful way. By approaching these sites with reverence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, we can honor the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who have shaped this landscape for thousands of years.