From steep cliff edges to minimal elevation, there are tons of hikes to do around Canyonlands while staying at Wander Camp!
Do it with your Eyes Closed:
Mesa Arch Trail:
Stats: 0.7 mi, 88ft elevation gain, loop
The Mesa Arch Trail is an easy route that only takes about 20 minutes to loop! Popular to a wide range of explorers, you will likely run into other hikers, runners, or those off-road driving! This trail is open year-round and ends in a beautiful view. The parking lot tends to fill up, but it’s worth waiting for a spot for the view that awaits you. Great for sunrise/sunset hiking!
White Rim Overlook Trail:
Stats: 1.8 mi, 160ft elevation gain, out & back
The White Rim Overlook Trail is a relatively easy route that takes about 50 minutes to complete. While there isn’t much shade on this trail, but the breathtaking view at the end of the trail is worth the sun. This trail tends to be less busy than the Mesa Arch Trail, but also has limited parking.
Green River Overlook:
Stats: 0.2 mi, 6ft elevation gain, out & back
The Green River Overlook is a great way to start or end your day hiking in Canyonlands! Only 0.2 miles, the overlook only takes 5 minutes to reach. Along the paved overlook path are signs that point out the different geographical structures found in Canyonlands. This viewpoint tends to be crowded, so make sure to visit either earlier in the morning, or later in the evening.
Needs Some Experience:
Aztec Butte Trail:
Stats: 1.7 mi, 259ft elevation gain, out & back
The Aztec Butte Trail is not for the faint of heart. With some slick parts of the trail, grippy shoes and hiking sticks are highly recommended. The agent to the top of the butte is especially difficult. If unable to hike the last 100ft, the granary is a great place to stop for a rest and a lunch break! This trail isn’t very shaded, so make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen up!
Zeus and Moses Trail:
Stats: 1.4 mi, 623ft elevation gain, out & back
The Zeus and Moses Trail is a generally easy trail that will take about an hour to hike in and out. However, there are some mildly tricky footing in some places on the trail. The potentially faulty footing is totally worth it for the incredible views. Hiking through the surrounding canyon walls is a must-see! Moderately empty trail, so you most likely won’t see many other hikers on this trail.
Murphy Hogback Trail:
Stats: 5.2 mi, 239ft elevation gain, out & back
The Murphy Hogback Trail will take an average of 2 hours to hike in and out. The trail starts flat on the red sand, then has a steep descent into the canyon through built-in rock stairs and switchbacks. Once in the canyon, the trail again flattens out and has stunning views of the canyon. In the canyon, there isn’t much shade so be sure to take lots of water with you! There aren’t very many hikers on this trail.
For Expert Hikers:
Druid Arch to Chesler Park:
Stats: 11.2 mi, 2162ft elevation gain, loop
The Druid Arch loop takes about 6 hours to complete. There are some very challenging sections between the Chestler Park 2 campsite and the Elephant Canyon 3 campsite. Consider taking the loop counterclockwise and take the steep sections going down instead of up. There are some good scrambles that you’ll encounter on this loop, but the views are totally worth it. Make sure you take lots and lots of water! Like at least a gallon! A lot of the hike is flat, but there are enough inclines, and bouldering that make this hike challenging. If you find yourself burning out, consider just doing the Chesler Park loop.
Gooseberry Trail:
Stats: 4.2 mi, 1548ft elevation gain, out & back
The Gooseberry Trail is difficult to say the least. For those afraid of heights, this trail is not for you. Super steep trails and loose rock make the descent a little sketchy. However, once you get into the canyon, it’s a flat straight shot to Gooseberry. This trail is popular, so make sure to get to the trailhead early. This isn’t a hike that you’ll want to do when it gets dark, so give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike – around 3-4 hours. There isn’t much shade once in the canyon, so make sure to wear sunscreen and take lots of water with you! This hike is best during the early spring/late fall as the heat isn’t as bad as it is in the summer.
No matter your skill level, Canyonlands has a hike for you! Adventure is out there!
Post written by: Liza S