Driving the Maze
Canyonlands is divided into three districts:
I would never go in alone, a second vehicle is good insurance if your vehicle breaks down or need a tow. Carry tow straps. You also need a spotter and walkie talkies, although the ones I brought were not very reliable.
You will spend most of each day driving so one night at a campsite is pretty short. Next time I will stay 2 nights at the more interesting places.
Bring extra gas, I carried (2) 5-gal jerry cans and needed at least one. I averaged 10.2 MPG in this area when I normally get 16-17.
There are about 30 campsites spread out over the Maze and all require permits which can be obtained 4 months prior to the visit. There is a three car limit per camp site and some only have one campsite.
My list of the most interesting locations in the Maze are in descending order:
I printed my own maps from Google maps with the GPS coordinates of each intersection. I also bought a full set of Geological survey maps which I marked for roads.
I have put together a short video showing how I set up my Toyota Tundra pickup for this trip.
In addition to what is shown, I also had air lockers installed to lock the rear differential. I used it numerous times and it was essential on three occasions when I was otherwise stuck.
Here is a video of my Truck crossing a sand wash in which I got stuck until I found the right switch for the lockers. Note how easy I drove out after the lockers were engaged.
Driving across a sand wash in Teapot Canyon.
Here is a link to a NP website that shows a map of the area and times to reach each camp site from Hans Flat Ranger station. Be aware these times are pretty accurate, 2-3 MPH for long stretches is normal.
The Maze and Orange Cliffs Unit (nps.gov)
Get your permit here. I suggest being on the web site at midnight exactly 4 months before your desired date.
Canyonlands National Park Overnight Backcountry Permits, Canyonlands National Park - Recreation.gov
Here are some videos I put together from this trip to show what each place looks like.
Panorama Point
The Doll House
The Maze overlook
Ekker Butte
https://youtu.be/9Jgy-QiUiWA
Here is a public video I found on Youtube that shows the drive from the Doll House to the Maze overlook. There are many more but I thought this one the most informative.
The Maze District, Part 4 - Dollhouse to Maze Overlook - YouTube
Canyonlands is divided into three districts:
- Island in the Sky
- The Needles
- The Maze
I would never go in alone, a second vehicle is good insurance if your vehicle breaks down or need a tow. Carry tow straps. You also need a spotter and walkie talkies, although the ones I brought were not very reliable.
You will spend most of each day driving so one night at a campsite is pretty short. Next time I will stay 2 nights at the more interesting places.
Bring extra gas, I carried (2) 5-gal jerry cans and needed at least one. I averaged 10.2 MPG in this area when I normally get 16-17.
There are about 30 campsites spread out over the Maze and all require permits which can be obtained 4 months prior to the visit. There is a three car limit per camp site and some only have one campsite.
My list of the most interesting locations in the Maze are in descending order:
- The Doll house, with 3 camp sites. This is by far the most difficult drive as well.
- Ekker Butte, with 1 camp site. I am not sure I like the Doll house better.
- Panorama Point with 1 camp site.
- The Maze overlook with 2 camp sites.
I printed my own maps from Google maps with the GPS coordinates of each intersection. I also bought a full set of Geological survey maps which I marked for roads.
I have put together a short video showing how I set up my Toyota Tundra pickup for this trip.
In addition to what is shown, I also had air lockers installed to lock the rear differential. I used it numerous times and it was essential on three occasions when I was otherwise stuck.
Here is a video of my Truck crossing a sand wash in which I got stuck until I found the right switch for the lockers. Note how easy I drove out after the lockers were engaged.
Driving across a sand wash in Teapot Canyon.
Here is a link to a NP website that shows a map of the area and times to reach each camp site from Hans Flat Ranger station. Be aware these times are pretty accurate, 2-3 MPH for long stretches is normal.
The Maze and Orange Cliffs Unit (nps.gov)
Get your permit here. I suggest being on the web site at midnight exactly 4 months before your desired date.
Canyonlands National Park Overnight Backcountry Permits, Canyonlands National Park - Recreation.gov
Here are some videos I put together from this trip to show what each place looks like.
Panorama Point
The Doll House
The Maze overlook
Ekker Butte
https://youtu.be/9Jgy-QiUiWA
Here is a public video I found on Youtube that shows the drive from the Doll House to the Maze overlook. There are many more but I thought this one the most informative.
The Maze District, Part 4 - Dollhouse to Maze Overlook - YouTube
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