Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah. The entire area extends over an area of 1,366 km² and welcomes almost 400,000 visitors annually. Canyonlands has officially been a national park since September 12, 1964. See directoryaah for museums in Utah.
The history of Canyonlands National Park
Scientists estimate that the first humans settled in the Canyonlands National Park as early as 5000 years ago. Rock paintings have been found which could date from the 9th century AD. Archeologists suggest that these paintings were drawn by the semi-nomadic Fremont People. At that time they lived in Canyonlands National Park. Later the Anazasi people inhabited the area. They lived mainly from agriculture and kept turkeys. Then Ute and Navajos settled the area. These were ousted by the first European immigrants at the end of the 18th century. From 1869 to 1971, Mayor John Wesley Powell was commissioned to undertake a few sometimes life-threatening expeditions throughout the Canyonlands National Park area. He examined, among other things the Green and Colorado Rivers. Powell recorded the canyons for the first time geologically and cartographically. He also took photos of his discoveries to document the canyons. Some canyons that were previously unnamed were then given their names. So does the Cataract Canyon. Prominent bandits like Butch Cassidy and Sundancen Kind found shelter here for a short time. They hid in the Canyonlands from 1869 to 1900 in their so-called “Wild Bunch”.
The animals and plants in Canyonlands National Park
Because of its location, desert hares and ground squirrels are predominantly found in Canyonlands National Park. You can see these as a visitor to the park, because both are diurnal animals. A total of 50 different mammal species live in Canyonlands National Park. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, gray foxes, bobcats, ring tails, porcupines, badgers, beavers and kangaroo rats are native here. Skunks and various breeds of rats and mice can also be found here.
Birds usually find it easier to find suitable locations and survive more easily in the arid landscape of Canyonlands National Park. Red-tailed buzzards, jays, magpies and tits have nested here. The elegant golden eagle has also found its home in Canyonlands National Park.
Since the Canyonlands National Park is crossed by several rivers, many songbirds and herons live here, and geese have already been spotted here. Ducks always feel at home on the river, which is why they too have made their home in Canyonlands National Park.
However, if you are afraid of snakes, you should be on the lookout in Canyonlands National Park, as over 7 different species of snakes live here.
At the foot of the canyon there are some yuccas and cacti, lined with grassy areas. Cotton poplars and the water-loving willows are found along the rivers. A dense strip of forest is also represented in Canyonlands National Park. Further up on the canyon rim, however, there are only a few individual shrubs and bushes, which is no wonder because of the desert-like vegetation.
Must See
As a visitor to Canyonlands National Park, you should definitely go to Dead Horse Point. From here you have an unbelievably far-reaching view over the Colorado River and over large parts of the canyon.
The view from The Neck over Shafer Canyon is also impressive and beautiful. Those who would like to learn more about the various forms of life in the canyon should head to the Mesa Trail. This is a short but interesting educational trail.
