4wd roads
Colorado Overlook
A moderately difficult road in the needles district requiring high clearance, this route begins near the visitor center and leads to an overview of the colorado river. there are large rocks and stair-step drops in the last 1.5 miles which visitors may avoid by parking on the road leave room for others! and walking to the overlook.
The park offers some of the most challenging four-wheel drive roads to be found in the United States. Check with rangers about road conditions on the roads you plan to explore -- some "roads" are little more than nearly undriveable rocky trails that will be unpassable to all but the most skillful drivers in vehicles with high ground clearance.
White Rim Road
The 100-mile white rim road loops around and below the island mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. trips usually take two to three days by four-wheel-drive vehicle or three to four days by mountain bike. all vehicles and bikes must remain on roads. atvs are not permitted. under favorable weather conditions, the white rim road is considered moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. permits are required for all overnight trips along the white rim. during the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available.
Elephant Hill Road
Located in the needles district, this road is one of the most technical four-wheel-drive roads in utah, with steep grades, loose rock, stair-step drops, tight turns and backing. over the hill, equally challenging roads lead to various features, as well as to blm lands south of the park.
Horse Canyon / Peekaboo
Also located in the needles district, this road travels along canyon bottoms where deep sand, deep water and quicksand are common. prehistoric rock art may be seen at peekaboo, while there are several arches and tower ruin along the horse canyon road.
Lavender Canyon
A road through a canyon in the needles district where deep sand, deep water and quicksand are common. there are two major creek crossings with steep banks. many arches and archeological sites may be viewed from the road.
Flint Trail
This road is the most commonly used road in the maze district, traversing slopes of clay that are extremely slippery when wet. the flint trail is often closed during winter. drivers on this road should be capable of making any necessary vehicle repairs.
Teapot Camp to the Land of Standing Rocks
Another 4wd road in the maze district that is considered very difficult under any conditions and involves considerable risk of vehicle damage. drivers on this road should be capable of making any necessary vehicle repairs.
mountain biking
Nearly any of the park's 4WD roads can be traversed by mountain bike, with the exception of the Horse Canyon Road which can be too sandy for mountain biking; inquire with rangers. Bikers should carry plenty of water, and be aware that permits are required for all overnight stays. In addition, many of the park's backcountry roads connect to BLM lands outside of the park, making for interesting itinerary possibilities.
backpacking
This park is more rugged and remote than most, with the Maze District in particular being renowned as one of the most remote backpacking destinations in the lower-48. See the Backcountry section below for details on permits and regulations.
hiking
The park is a mecca for hikers. The Joint Trail is a particularly famous trail due to the unique terrain through which it passes, although nearly all of the park's trails lead through unique geological areas.