Utah’s Canyon Country Welcomes Self-Paced Exploration Amid Desert Landscapes

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyonlands National Park among top-rated visitor sites.

Sometimes a spell in nature, disconnected from the everyday and turning inward to enjoy the outdoors might just be the fresh perspective one needs to feel recharged and rejuvenated. When the destination for such an exercise is none other than Utah’s Canyon Country, then the opportunities simply present themselves.

Whether shooting for adventure and multiple hikes across scenic vistas or aiming for a wellness routine for some inner work and stargazing, these parts of the United States offer terrain that is a sight to behold and an experience to consider at least once in a lifetime. Look at some of the wonders you can expect here:

At Newspaper Rock, petroglyphs dating around 2,000 years ago signal the existence of a people that called these parts home. There are over 650 designs visible on the rock face including depictions of humans, buffalo, horses and past events.

Over at the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, a few short hikes are all it takes to see the famous “Needles” rock features, with sandstone structures proving a playground for rock climbers of all caliber and backcountry camping as well as auto touring offering other avenues to experience these vast expanses.

A visit to the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum is a must. This is an archaeological site, repository and museum located on the site of a prehistoric agriculture village. Occupied between 700 A.D. and 1200 A.D., the area has been home to various ancient cultures, including Ancestral Puebloan, Navajo and Ute tribes.

And if there is one tour that is recommended here, that would be The House on Fire with Ancient Wayves, an indigenous-owned and operated outfitter that offers hiking, rafting and photography tours in the Bears Ears area. As an Indigenous-Navajo touring company, their services are oriented toward providing a unique experience through culture sharing and storytelling.

As you head toward Natural Bridges National Monument, you will quickly recognize this formation made famous in popular culture. This is Utah’s first National Monument and the worldʼs first International Dark Sky Park. The monument was also home to several native tribes, like Navajo, Hopi and Ancestral Puebloan.

The Moki Dugway Scenic Backway is somewhat of a star here, with a reputation preceding its appearance on Highway 261, and rightly so. Here the blacktop turns into a dirt road that drastically switches back and forth down the side of a cliff at an 11% grade. In fact, dugway is a term used to describe a roadway carved from a hillside.

A drive to Goosenecks State Park is equally warranted. The area is known for its striking ‘entrenched river meander’ that produces brilliant canyons and curved cutouts. Impressive what 300 million years of geological activity can result in, and while photos provide a fair depiction of the site, nothing quite compares to viewing it in person.

Another scenic drive recommended here is through Valley of the Gods. This 17-mile scenic loop through freestanding sandstone monoliths, delicate spires and long rock fins is haunting. You will want to stop multiple times to capture the natural aura. At sunset, the shadows these formations cause are also hypnotizing.

The activity that might just take your breath away is the Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley by Goulding’s Tours—a unique experience only enjoyed here. Starting in front of the world-famous Mitten rock formations, this tour covers gorgeous, sunbathed viewpoints along the 17-mile loop road. Watch out for a few furry friends from the desert that might be prancing around then.

If you’ve never visited yet the landscape looks familiar, that’s because Monument Valley has featured in several films, shows, music videos, print ads and other forms of media. It was most recently seen on the Netflix show Dark Winds, which also features several Native American actors. The show was partially shot here.

And if you haven’t guessed already, chain hotels and resorts are not the stay options here. But there is plentiful lodging to be found, some of the best being Glamping Canyonlands, Goulding’s Lodge, and Bluff Dwellings Resort. Each provides a unique way to enjoy retiring for the day depending on your preferences for accommodations.

Canyon Country is the perfect spot to enjoy glamping and Glamping Canyonlands does an exemplary job of proving that point, not just with the tastefully furnished rooms but also the location off the highway and somewhat secluded which truly affords one some quality me-time and abundant inspiration for creative or other dedicated pursuits.

Goulding’s Lodge is the oldest, most expansive Monument Valley accommodation and has a museum on-site that showcases the history of the area. The on-site Stagecoach Restaurant features an extensive mix of authentic Southwestern and native Navajo cuisine, such as Navajo Taco made with homemade frybread, along with classic steaks and vegetarian options.

Nestled amongst beautiful sandstone cliffs, the upscale Bluff Dwellings Resort blends luxury with Native American and Southwestern culture for a truly unique experience. Be prepared to be impressed as you enter the property which almost blends into the rocks but still holds its presence as it invites you in to rest before your next adventure.

An annual occurrence here is the Bluff Arts Festival, a multiday event that attracts participation from residents and visitors. The film festival is an evening of curated films that highlight issues important to the American Southwest. The artist market showcases creators displaying jewelry, woodwork, and more. Artist-led workshops through the festival are a big draw, giving guests the opportunity to learn making baskets, painting, pottery, and a variety of other skills. Last year’s drawing with pens workshop saw renowned Tewa/Hopi artist Ed Kabotie instructing a roomful of guests in a few drawing exercises before having the class move outdoors for a drawing in nature session. There is also an art walk that includes several stops at galleries, studios, and other venues. Plan your visit around this time to enjoy not just the natural wonders of the area but also the cultural aspects that make Utah’s Canyon Country a special place.