This southeastern park in Utah is the largest in the state and is divided into three districts carved by the Colorado River: Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Maze is the least accessible district in Canyonlands, be prepared to be self-sufficient and to handle your own emergencies. To give you an idea of how remote this area is, The Maze sees around 2,000 visitors annually compared the the 264,000 that visit Island In The Sky.
Simply reaching the trailhead to the Maze can be challenging, but if you have four wheel drive, you’ll be in the clear. Grab a permit from the Hans Flat Ranger Station, and plan for another 3-6 hours on four-wheel-drive roads to reach any trailheads.
Not all deserts mean constant heat—this is the high desert, so be prepared for potential swings in temperature of 40 degrees in a day and bring plenty of layers.
Winter: While snowfall is rare, a rogue dusting could mean impassable trails. The typical day in winter rarely tops 50 degrees fahrenheit when the sun is out and often drops below zero at night.
Spring: This is the time to visit, with highs from 60 to 80 degrees and lows from 30 to 50 degrees.
Summer: If you are part lizard, you may love visiting in the summer. Temperatures often reach beyond 100 degrees, and late summer monsoons bring the potential of flash floods. Remember to check the forecast before you go, and know that rainfall in other areas can cause flash floods in the park.
Fall: September and October content with Spring for best weather in the park with similar temperatures in the day and evening.
If you’re backpacking the Maze, you need a permit. Grab one from the Hans Flat Ranger Station, a 2.5 hour drive from Green River, Utah. A permit reservation is recommended in advance, and allows up to 5 people. Choose your company wisely.
Dogs are allowed on leash at Willow Flat and Squaw Flat Campgrounds, on paved scenic drives, in parking lots, and on the Potash/Shafer Canyon road.
Dogs are not allowed on leash at overlooks, on hiking trails, in the backcountry or on backcountry roads (even in your vehicle) or in the rivers.
