Canyonlands National Park does not receive as much attention as nearby Arches National Park, but it should, as it is a wonderful park. Although it’s near Arches the topography is totally different. Canyonlands National Park is massive and has 3 distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. The Island in the Sky is the most popular district (it’s the one we visited and described in this writing). It is easily accessible from Moab. The views here are amazing, the scenery is breathtaking and it’s easy to look out and marvel at the majestic scenery in front of you.
In the Island in the Sky district, the Disabled Traveler will experience several scenic overlooks and vistas looking down on the Green River Valley below. This is a desert environment with little water. Even the visitor’s center has only pit toilets. Facilities are sparse and you need to bring your own water and food.
The Island in the Sky district offers the best viewing opportunities for Disabled Travelers who use wheelchairs. There are 3 overlooks that are wheelchair accessible: Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook, and White Rim Overlook.
Canyonlands National Park has many trails to enjoy. For the Disabled Traveler with limited mobility, it should be noted that Canyonlands’ trails may have steep and rocky surfaces with uneven slopes and loose sand or gravel.
Picnic tables are available at White Rim Overlook at the southern end of the scenic drive and at Upheaval Dome at the northern end of the scenic drive. There is no food available in the park. All toilets at Island in the Sky are accessible.
Shafer Canyon Overlook Trailhead is not wheelchair accessible, but there is a flat area that is easily accessible for the disabled traveler with limited mobility. To get closer to the canyon there are stone steps you must traverse.
Shafer Trail Viewpoint is not wheelchair accessible. It is difficult for disabled travelers with limited mobility to reach the viewing area as you are required to walk over rocky terrain.
Mesa Arch Trailhead is not wheelchair accessible. There is a pit toilet in the parking area. The trail to Mesa Arch is about ½ mile. Disabled travelers with limited mobility can reach the arch, however the trail has stone stairs, and, in some areas, you must traverse rocky terrain.
Candlestick Tower Overlook – for the disabled traveler in a wheelchair, there is a good view from the parking area. Those with limited mobility can walk a short distance to reach the edge of the canyon for a better view.
Candlestick Tower Overlook
Buck Canyon Overlook is wheelchair accessible for the disabled traveler. The path to the overlook viewing area is level and paved. The overlook is 200 feet from the parking area. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler.
View of the wheelchair accessible path at Buck Canyon Overlook.
White Rim Overlook is not wheelchair accessible. For the disabled traveler with limited mobility, the path to the overlook viewing area is over flat rock. The trail has a few rocky unlevel areas. There is a public restroom in the parking area.
Orange Cliffs Overlook – the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without hiking closer to the canyon edge.
Grand View Point Overlook is wheelchair accessible. The path to the overlook viewing area is 300 feet from the parking area and is level and paved. There are handicapped parking spots and public restrooms for the disabled traveler at the overlook. The elevation of Grand View Point is 6,080 feet.
Aztec Butte Trailhead – the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without hiking on the trail.
Green River Overlook is wheelchair accessible. The paved and level path to the overlook viewing area is 450 feet from the parking area. There are handicapped parking spots and a pit toilet for the disabled traveler at the overlook parking area. The elevation of Green River Overlook is 6,000 feet.
The Disabled Traveler 