Overview

Canyon Rims Recreation Area has a primitive landscape that has been shaped by millions of years of deposition and erosion thus creating colorful bands of rock strata. Under review for Wilderness Classification, the area is known for its unique landscape, ecological diversity, and rare species of wildlife.

Location & Information

Canyon Rims Recreation Area is located between Moab and Monticello. The main entrance, along Utah 191, is a paved road to "Needles Overlook/Anticline Overlook." Campsites and overlooks can be accessed from Utah 191, or, just east of Canyonlands National Park, on Utah 211. For more information, check out the BLM web site.

Camping

Canyon Rims has a couple campgrounds maintained by the BLM that do not require a permit or a reservation.

• Windwhistle Campground
  Six miles from Utah 191, Windwhistle Campground's 17 individual sites accommodate 2 vehicles and 10 people each, and are run on a first come first serve basis. The group site accommodates up to 15 people and can be reserved by calling 435-259-2100.
• Hatch Point Campground
  Hatch Point Campground is located near the Anticline Overlook, twenty four miles from highway 191, and has ten individual sites operated on a first come first serve basis.

Wildlife Viewing Areas

With patience and a keen eye, visitors can observe Peregrine Falcons, Pronghorn Antelope, Golden Hawks, Sage Grouse, Mule Deer, and Blacktail Jackrabbit from the scenic overlooks.

• Needles Overlook
  The Needles Overlook is 22 miles from Highway 191 and has a view of the Colorado River, the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, and Indian Creek. Amenities include a picnic area, toilets, and interpretive displays.
• Anticline Overlook
  Dead Horse Point State Park, the Colorado River, and Kane Creek Canyon are just some of the features that can be viewed from the Anticline Overlook, located 31 miles from Highway 191. Amenities include a picnic area, vault toilets, and an interpretive display.
• Minor Overlook
  Located six miles from the Anticline Road, Minor Overlook offers views of the Colorado River Canyon and requires high clearance 4x4 vehicles. A map is necessary as the road is not marked.

Hiking Trails

Trough Springs Trail
The trailhead to Trough Springs is just off the Anticline Road-twenty five miles from Highway 191. The trail reaches from the plateau down into the Kane Creek Canyon.

• Out and Back
• Strenuous
• Elevation Change: 1100 foot descent
• 5 mile round trip

Windwhistle Nature Trail
Located near the campground, this is a quick self guided informative tour of the local plant life.

• Easy
• Out and back
• 1 mile round trip
• Elevations change: insignificant

Note: Stay on the trails and avoid stepping or driving on delicate Cryptobiotic Soil. The area is primitive, so take a map and plenty of supplies.

Fun Facts

The Anasazi Indians inhabited Canyon Rims in the early 1200's. Their dwellings and rock art can been seen throughout the area.