Regions (CANY)

Horseshoe Canyon: Located west of Island in the Sky, detached from the main park area, Horseshoe Canyon is accessed via a 4WD road from the Maze District. It preserves some of the oldest dwellings, pictographs, and murals found in America; some date back more than 3,000 years.

Island in the Sky: Located between the Green and Colorado Rivers, north of their confluence, Island in the Sky is accessed by UT-313 and is just south of Dead Horse Point State Park (also well worth visiting). Along the access road you’ll find overlooks and short nature trails providing dramatic vistas of the surrounding terrain more than 1,000 feet below the island. It is the most visited park district, receiving nearly 60% of all visitors, and the only region frequented by rock climbers. White Rim Road is unpaved and a favorite destination for mountain bikers and motorists with a 4WD vehicle. A visitor center and campground (Willow Flat) are available.

Needles: Needles is located just east of the Colorado River. This region is named for its red and white sandstone spires that dominate the landscape. It’s the second most popular region of the park, receiving about 35% of the all visitors. Hiking trails abound, with the trail to the Green and Colorado Rivers’ confluence being especially nice. A visitor center and campground (Squaw Flat) are available.

The Maze: Located west of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Maze is the most remote and inaccessible area of the park and one of the most remote regions in the contiguous United States. Roughly 3% of park visitors venture into the Maze, which is accessed via an unpaved road suitable to 2WD vehicles. The road becomes more rugged at the park boundary where it can only be traversed by 4WD vehicles, mountain bikes, or foot. Hans Flat Ranger Station is located at the boundary.