"The Watermelon Settlement: Canyonlands" Canyonlands National Park by richiecdisc

Canyonlands National Park Travel Guide: 203 reviews and 476 photos

if only all poor men were so lucky? - Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands can easily be construed as a poor man's Grand Canyon but this beautiful area is much more than a mere little brother to its more famous sibling. With a similar mesa strewn river gorged topography, Canyonlands differs as much in its more varied accessibility than in its size. But make no mistake, this accessibility is not of the easy variety, it is for the fully prepared and adventurous. Sure there are the simple drive by overlooks off paved roads as in the Grand Canyon but, one has more opportunity to reach both the Colorado and Green Rivers here. Take heed, the roads are a criss-cross of four-wheel drive tracks that only the hearty dare tackle.

pros & cons to access

the expansive Canyonlands

As with all such allowances of motorized transport into an remote area, it can have both good and bad effects. When remote areas become more accessible even if only to the adventurous, the potential of solitude is open to being more easily interrupted even if these very roads are what make some of these areas possible in the first place. For this reason, while enjoying the protection and restraints of a National Park, Canyonlands has more the feel of a National Recreation Area. Enjoy it as such and you will find a park wild and spectacular, ready to be taken by those up to the task.

Last visit to Canyonlands National Park: May 2008
Intro Updated Jul 5, 2009
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Reviews (7)

look close and see the four-wheel drive tracks - Canyonlands National Park

an adventure park Things to Do (3)

While Canyonlands is indeed a National Park it seems more like a National Recreation Area with regard to its more... more travel advice

still a lot to explore in this park one day - Canyonlands National Park

America the Beautiful Pass Transportation (1)

Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah, off Route 191. There are two main access points. Route 313 is... more travel advice

the canyon aglow - Canyonlands National Park

some dreams must wait for another day Favorites (3)

After much debate, we decided that Arches should be our priority. Each day got hotter and June was close on the... more travel advice

carving up the watermelon - Canyonlands National Park

the perfect antidote Favorites (3)

Returning with that special person, my new wife, was a chance for redemption and we had been conquering such... more travel advice

Comments (5)

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Bwana_Brown Aug 13, 2009 at 11:32 AM

It has been interesting to see these less-heard of parks through your and D's eyes!! This little gem has some beautiful sights too! Not having enough time to properly explore is how I felt on my recent drive through Ontario.
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Antji Jul 26, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Hey, it´s watermelon time again - lecker, lecker;) Thanks a lot for your Birthday wishes & I am looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks:) Hugs
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Trekki Jul 8, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Oh my, I can imagine that at one point in time it all gets too much! After Capitol Reef and Goblin, Canyonlands must have been too much, too wide I think. Gorgeous early evening atmosphere :-)
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Yaqui Jul 7, 2009 at 1:25 PM

Great page filled with a wonderful adventure. Haaa, you've probably left behind a possible watermelons for future travelers:) It drives me nuts too having to decided on which places to see and which ones for later.
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DoreenDe Jul 5, 2009 at 3:41 PM

First things first, in that case watermelon :) I would like to go back - realizing that I just never gave Canyonlands a real chance since I had Arches on my mind...