Canyonlands National Park Elevation: Guide With 4 Tips
Canyonlands National Park is a mesmerizing landscape with high heights in Utah, carved by the Colorado River. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Canyonlands National Park elevation and essential tips to combat altitude sickness.
Canyonlands National Park Elevation
The altitude of Canyonlands National Park can range from 3,700 to 7,120 feet. This is higher in altitude on average than the other closest national park, Arches, both in the Moab Utah area.
Canyonlands National Park Altitude:
- Canyonlands National Park elevation - 3,700 to 7,120 ft (1,128 to 2,170 m)
These elevation ranges in Canyonlands Park from the Colorado River to Big Pocket.
What Is The Lowest Point In Canyonlands National Park?
The lowest elevation point in Canyonlands is the areas along the Colorado River, at 3,700 feet high.
- Lowest Elevation Colorado River - 3,700 feet (1,128 meters)
The Colorado River runs straight through most of Canyonlands Park.
What Is The Highest Point In Canyonlands National Park?
The highest elevation point in Canyonlands is Cathedral Point, sitting at 7,120 feet high.
- Highest Elevation Cathedral Point - 7,120 feet (2,170 m)
Cathedral Point is in the Needles District, which is at the southeast corner of Canyonlands.
What Is The Altitude Of Arches National Park?
The nearby Arches National Park sits at an altitude range of 4,085 ft to 5,653 feet.
- Arches National Park Altitude - 4,085 ft to 5,653 ft (1,245 m to 1,723 m)
Arches is lower in average altitude than Canyonlands.
How High Is Island In The Sky Canyonlands?
Island In The Sky is a flat top mesa that sits at 6000 feet high. At the park’s natural observation tower, Island In The Sky has panoramic views that reach even the Henry Mountains (11,500 ft) and the La Sal Mountains (12,700 ft).
- Island In The Sky altitude - 6000 ft (1829 m)
A hike or even a drive can take you to Island In The Sky.
What Is The Elevation Of The Needles In Canyonlands?
The Needles District has a reported range in elevation between 4,900 and 7,120 feet.
- Needles District elevation - 4,900 to 7,120 ft (1,494 to 2,170 m)
Needles District is home to the highest point in Canyonlands, Cathedral Point.
Is Arches Or Canyonlands Bigger?
Canyonlands is much bigger than Arches, by a difference of 408 square miles.
- Canyonlands size - 527 square miles
- Arches size - 119 square miles
While Canyonlands is bigger, Arches does get about twice as many visitors annually.
Is Canyonlands Considered High Altitude?
Yes, Canyonlands is considered high altitude.
The average elevation of Canyonlands is over 5,000 feet above sea level, reaching as high as 7,120 feet. Beyond 4,900 feet high is considered high altitude by Mountain Medicine.⁶
Can You Get Altitude Sickness in Canyonlands Park?
Yes, you’re at risk of getting altitude sickness in Canyonlands Park.
There’s nearly 23% less oxygen in the air at Canyonlands Park than at sea level, which can be problematic and lead to altitude sickness.⁷ In fact, Travel Medicine Consultants states altitude sickness can start as low as 4,000 feet.⁸
Canyonlands Altitude Sickness
Canyonlands altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, can be triggered due to the lower oxygen levels.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness in Canyonlands may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling ill
These types of symptoms usually develop with 6-24 upon arrival. Stay alert for any signs, and follow our tips below to better combat the changes in altitude.
4 Tips To Combat Canyonlands Altitude Sickness
Exploring Canyonlands National Park in Utah is an incredible experience, however, its varying elevations can pose challenges.
As a company with over a decade of high elevation experience, we’ll share with you proven tips to combat these higher altitudes.
Here’s 4 Tips To Combat Canyonlands Altitude Sickness:
1. Ascend Slowly
Rapid elevation changes can overwhelm your body’s ability to adjust to lower oxygen levels. Ascend slowly can be your best precaution.
Especially if coming from sea level, spend a couple of days at a moderate elevation (3,000 to 5,000 feet) before ascending to higher points that reach up to 7,120 feet.
2. Load Up On Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help combat the oxidative stress, which is caused by lower oxygen levels at higher elevations.⁹
One study found that glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant, depleted by 45% in high altitude conditions.¹⁰
TIP: Consider supplementing to load up on antioxidants, such as glutathione which also aids in vitamins C and E.¹¹
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Try to stick to a consistent sleep, aim for 7-9 hours per night, and get natural sunlight during the day which can aid in melatonin production at night.
4. Maximize Hydration
In Canyonlands, the air is drier, and you lose moisture more quickly. Due to its high altitudes, research shows you can also lose fluids up to twice as fast.¹³
Aim to drink more water than you usually would, at least 2-4 liters per day, especially if you are hiking or engaging in other physical activities.
TIP: To help maximize hydration, add sea salt (minerals) to your drink or food, and use Zaca’s hydration chewables.
By following these four tips on your Canyonlands adventures, you can significantly improve your experience!
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SOURCES:
1. Canyonlands National Park Description & Elevations
https://www.nps.gov/im/ncpn/bpd-cany.htm
2. Fun Facts Canyonlands And Lowest / Highest Elevations
https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/canyonlands-national-park/facts
3. The Needles - Canyonlands
https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needles.htm
4. Canyonlands vs Arches: One Day in Arches or Canyonlands National Park
https://voyageswithval.com/canyonlands-vs-arches/
5. Island in the Sky Elevation
https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/islandinthesky.htm
6. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
7. Altitude To Oxygen Chart
https://hypoxico.com/pages/altitude-to-oxygen-chart
8. High Altitude Illness
https://www.travelsurenyc.com/high-altitude-illness/
9. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
10. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
11. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
12. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recover
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
13. The Importance Of Drinking Water At High Altitude
https://summitoxygen.net/drinking-at-high-altitude/
