Today we’re revisiting some of the amazing state parks that we covered over the last few years. Won’t you join us for a road trip down memory lane on this “Wish We Were There Wednesday”?
Big Bend Ranch State Park, TexasSlide Rock State Park, ArizonaCathedral Rock, Red Rock State Park, ArizonaDead Horse Point State Park, UtahCuster State Park, Black Hills, South DakotaNeedles. Another shot from Custer State Park because we loved it so much!Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas1934 Pool Pavilion, Abilene State Park, TexasThe Water Tower. Originally built by the CCC then rebuilt after a fire. Abilene State Park, TexasKodachrome Basin State Park, UtahRio Grande Gorge State Park, New MexicoThe Lighthouse, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TexasLiving Desert State Park, New MexicoMissouri Headwaters State Park, MontanaRoughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon, South DakotaRuins. Fort Griffin State Historic Site, Texas
Thank you for joining us on our recap of some of our most interesting and beautiful state parks. Come back again as we visit more state and national parks, see the sights in the country’s most picturesque cities, and relax with the beauty we find as we road trip across the USA. Become a follower and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest so you never miss a post. Until the next trip…
Travel safe, travel smart, and we will see you down the road (or at a state park!)
Mike and Kellye
As always, we strive to be as accurate with our information as possible. If we made a mistake, it was unintentional. (Hey, we’re only human!) We aren’t paid for our recommendations, and we only recommend our own tried and true vendors and venues. Our suggestions are for places that we’ve heard good things about but haven’t visited personally, and our opinions are our own.
Camping available in the park. Backcountry camping available with permit.
Hotels and restaurants available in Moab, Utah.
Hiking, biking, climbing, river activities and backpacking are all popular activities in this park.
When to go? Anytime.
Although it is practically next door to Arches National Park, Canyonlands is an entirely different experience! The park’s unique terrain was shaped mostly by the Green and Colorado rivers which converge in the park. The Colorado River then flows to Lake Powell and onward through the Grand Canyon to Lake Meade and on farther until finally emptying into the Gulf of California. Ah, the power of water… Let’s go see how it helped to create beautiful Canyonlands National Park. By the way, this trip starts in Moab. Why? Because if you’re already in Moab, then a visit to Canyonlands has to be on your itinerary.
Getting There
⇒From Moab, take Highway 191 North to Highway 313, then south on 313 to Canyonlands National Park. Drive time between Moab and Canyonlands: 30 minutes.
Bonus stop: Dead Horse Point State Park. Beautiful state park that abuts Canyonlands National Park. Hiking, biking, camping, coffee shop, and store. Yurt rentals are also available. Don’t miss Dead Horse Point overlook for spectacular views, especially the gooseneck bend in the Colorado River.
The Colorado River as seen from the viewpoint at Dead Horse Point State Park
Destination: Canyonlands National Park
The park is divided into four sections: Island in the Sky, Horseshoe Canyon, The Maze, and The Needles. Backcountry backpacking may be needed to reach some areas of the park. We got to see the Island in the Sky area and The Needles Overlook. Hopefully the pictures below will give you a little glimpse into the true beauty of the park.
Fins, spires, hoodoos, and mesas as seen from Island in the Sky
⇒To get from Island in the Sky to The Needles Overlook, go back to Moab, then take Highway 191 south to Needles Overlook Road. Nice little hike from the parking lot to the overlooks. Excellent views and photo ops. Great place for a picnic. Drive time between Island in the Sky to The Needles Overlook: 1.5 hours.
Bonus stop: Wilson Arch. Beautiful arch 30 minutes south of Moab on Highway 191. Hike the (steep) hill to the arch, or just pull over for a few photos.
Wilson ArchView from The Needles Overlook
We hope that our overview of Canyonlands National Park has given you the inspiration to start planning your own trip. Click the website link at the top of the page for information about the park. While you’re in the area, here are some other parks that are worthy of a side trip from Moab:
Natural Bridges National Monument – 2 hours;
Hovenweep National Monument – 2 hours;
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument – 2 hours;
Four Corners – 2.5 hours
Monument Valley – 3 hours.
Thank you for riding along with us! Until the next trip…
Travel safe, travel smart, and we will see you down the road.
Mike and Kellye
As always, we strive to be as accurate with our information as possible. If we made a mistake, it was unintentional. (Hey, we’re only human!) We aren’t paid for our recommendations, and we only recommend our own tried and true vendors and venues. Our suggestions are for places that we’ve heard good things about but haven’t visited personally, and our opinions are our own.
Natural Bridges National Monument – 2 hours;