Exploring the Maze, Canyonlands National Park
Hiking and Backpacking in the Maze District in Southeastern Utah
Feb 16, 2009
Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest National Park. The Green and Colorado Rivers divide the park into 3 distinct districts: the Maze, Island in the Sky, and the Needles. Due to the innumerable canyons and steep cliffs in Canyonlands, there are no roads directly connecting the districts of the park. The Maze district is by far the most remote and least traveled section of the park. The Maze is best explored over multi-day to weeklong trips. It is nearly impossible to explore the Maze in one day, as it takes several hours over dirt and rugged roads to get to the trailheads listed below.
The Maze Overlook Trail
The Maze Overlook Trail is a relatively short but difficult trail offering incredible vistas of the amazingly carved canyons characteristic of the park. The trail begins at the Maze Overlook trailhead and descends a steep slickrock trail to the bottom of South Fork Horse Canyon. Hikers must navigate steep steps, narrow cracks, and some scrambling is required. It is a good idea for backpackers to carry a 30-foot rope to help lower backpacks in steep sections. Once at the bottom of the trail there are many other canyons to explore. Please exercise caution when exploring off from the well-marked Maze Overlook Trail – have a map and good route finding skills to avoid getting lost in the Maze.
Harvest Scene Loop
Beginning at the Chimney Rock Trailhead, this trail leads to the Harvest Scene, a very famous rock-art panel. At 12 miles, this trail is the longest designated trail in the Maze and can be completed as a long day or a more leisurely overnight hike. This trail is definitely for experienced hikers, although it is clearly marked with rock cairns there are some steep descents and plenty of side canyons that could be confusing for a novice hiker.
The Chocolate Drops
The Chocolate Drops are one of the most distinct rock formations located in the Maze. They are 200-foot rectangular towers of Organ Rock Shale resting on the ridge between South Fork Hourse Canyon and Pictograph Fork Canyon. Start at the Chocolate Drops Trailhead and follow trail markers (cairns) across slickrock 4.4 miles to the Chocolate Drops. The trail is relatively easy except for a steep section of slickrock that requires some scrambling.
Gettting to the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park
Getting to the Maze district is an adventure in itself. It is a good idea to pick up a quality map from a ranger office or visitor center in Moab before you go. All roads into the Maze are unpaved and many require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. To get to the Maze, take US191 north out of Moab and then go west on I-70 11 miles and exit onto Utah 24 South. Travel on highway 24 South for 24 miles and turn left onto an unpaved road just south of the turnoff to Goblin Valley State Park. Continue on this road for 46 miles to the Hans Flat Ranger Station for maps and information about trail and road conditions.
Permits are required for all overnight trips in Canyonlands National Park. Permits are available from park offices and it is recommended to make reservations well in advance to ensure a permit for the desired trip.
For hiking and backpacking in the other districts of Canyonlands National Park, see Hiking and Backpacking in the Needles and Hiking and Backpacking in the Island in the Sky District.
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