An introduction to The Maze, provided by the National Parks Service, may scare more visitors away rather than entice them. This Canyonlands district is the most remote and most difficult to access. Glenn Canyon National Recreation Area borders The Maze on the west, and the Colorado and Green River canyons to the east.
This Canyonlands view was taken from The Bump, in the heart of The Maze. Pictured here is a sunlit fin of Cedar Mesa sandstone that rises up between Shot and Water canyons, with Chimney Rock miles in the distance. This area of the Colorado Plateau, once a seabed, dates back 280 million years, and has since uplifted over 5,000 feet in elevation. In recent geological time (12 million years), the high elevation area began its weathering processes that are seen today.
For the adventurous and self-sufficient visitor, Shot Canyon can be accessed from Utah's Route 24 near Goblin Valley. A 45 mile gravel road leads to Hans Flat, the first leg of the journey. The remaining 37 miles is where the road gets interesting. A cautionary note calls for a high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle, equipped with a full spare, experienced driver, extra gas and a high-lift jack. The last leg may be the biggest test, as you're off on foot, over a primitive trail. The Canyonlands Maze, truly a land of adventure!