Wilderness

"...the carved and eroded basin is characterized by deeply entrenched rivers and intermittent streams that have created a labyrinth of canyons on three distinct levels..." - Canyonlands National Park Wilderness Recommendation

Although there is no federally designated wilderness within Canyonlands National Park, most of the park is recommended wilderness. The recommended wilderness area currently includes 260,150 acres and another 18,270 acres of potential wilderness additions.

It is important to recognize that within wilderness, humans have existed for thousands of years. We respectfully acknowledge that Canyonlands National Park, its recommended wilderness, and nonwilderness areas are on the ancestral homeland of bands of the Ute and Paiute, the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni people. As a migratory route, this land is also traditionally and ceremonially important to many other peoples.

We recognize that our management of public land, including wilderness areas, should be informed by the traditional knowledge held by these groups. Wilderness character is comprised of five tangible qualities, one of which values cultural and historical connections to a landscape.

Backcountry vs. Wilderness

Canyonlands has both backcountry and wilderness, but how are they different? Sometimes these words are used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences. As stated in the Superintendent's Compendium, "all lands, including four-wheel-drive roads and the Shafer Trail below the Shafer day-use parking area, and waters within the boundaries of Canyonlands National Park are designated as backcountry..." Exceptions include two-wheel-drive roads, adjacent areas to those roads, and administrative buildings. The 1995 Backcountry Management Plan, 1984 River Management Plan, and Superintendent's Compendium provide guidance on backcountry management strategies to protect natural resources, maintain high quality visitor experiences, and be flexible as condition changes arise.

In contrast, recommended wilderness areas within Canyonlands are "more or less defined by park roads." Wilderness boundaries are set back either 300 ft from the centerlines of major roads and 150 feet from the centerline of other roads, including those in the backcountry. The recommendation of this wilderness supports the park's purpose “to preserve striking geologic landscapes and associated ecosystems in an area encompassing the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers possessing superlative scenic, scientific, and cultural features for the inspiration, benefit, and use of the public.” The park follows NPS wilderness policy for guidance on wilderness management and preserving wilderness character.

Wilderness Character

Canyonlands National Park recommended wilderness preserves wilderness character, a concept unique to federal wilderness. This includes the qualities of natural, untrammeled, undeveloped, outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation, and other features of value (like cultural, historic, geologic, paleontological, and scientific values). These qualities of wilderness character form the foundational setting from which a broad spectrum of wilderness values is derived.

Canyonlands National Park recommended wilderness is a place where intricate canyons, sculpted hoodoos, and jagged buttes carved out of massive sandstone exhibit a colorful and bewildering variety of forms; where powerful rivers surge through colossal canyon walls; and where seeps and springs emit water that sustain an astonishing diversity of life in the desert heat. Ancient communities of pinyon, juniper, blackbrush and yucca thrive here. Historic resources include those connected to Indigenous peoples, explorers, miners, ranchers, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Wilderness Benefits

Wilderness offers social, cultural, and ecological benefits rooted in wilderness character preservation. It protects vast ecosystems and habitats, the cultural values of place, human-powered access, co-existence with the environment, and more. These benefits can be felt and experienced differently by people; wilderness has the potential to be of lasting benefit to everyone.

Experiencing Wilderness

The arduous access into much of Canyonlands magnifies its wilderness character. It can be a vast and unforgiving environment. This is a place where visitors can fully exercise their intuition and outdoor skills; a landscape where travel can be extremely dangerous, a place not for the faint of heart. Full awareness of self and surroundings, as well as a strong measure of caution is essential. These challenges evoke a connection between people and nature that is unparalleled. Learn about recreational opportunities in the backcountry which overlap with, or provide access to, the wilderness.

For those who do not wish to venture as far, wilderness can be seen from numerous overlooks off the paved scenic drives and reached on foot by day hikes. Intangible qualities of wilderness - connection, inspiration, relaxation - can be felt during sunrise at Mesa Arch, sunset at Pothole Point, or under the darkest night skies around.