USA — Moab, Utah
USA's Canyonlands Maze District offers a 72.4 km, 5-7 day, very challenging backcountry route through a remote desert wilderness. This demanding traverse of fractured sandstone fins and deep slot canyons is a complex puzzle for experienced travellers, presenting rugged terrain and profound silence. Expect isolated vistas and a truly pristine landscape.
Distance: 72.4 km
Elevation Gain: 914 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 5-7 days
The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park represents the pinnacle of remote desert exploration in the United States. Spanning a vast, fractured landscape of sandstone fins, deep slot canyons, and towering spires, this 72.4 km trek is not merely a walk but a complex navigational puzzle that challenges the most experienced backcountry travellers. Located in one of the most inaccessible corners of the lower 48 states, the Maze is defined by its profound silence, its geological complexity, and a level of isolation that is increasingly rare in the modern world. Unlike the more accessible Island in the Sky or the popular Needles District, the Maze demands total self-sufficiency, advanced route-finding skills, and a deep respect for the harsh realities of the high desert environment. This is a journey into a vertical wilderness where the trail is often marked only by small stone cairns and where a single navigational error can lead to hours of backtracking through a literal labyrinth of stone.
The Maze District is the least accessible district of Canyonlands National Park, separated from the rest of the park by the formidable barriers of the Green and Colorado Rivers. It is a landscape of tiered complexity, where the upper "flats" give way to a middle layer of intricate canyons, which eventually drop into the river corridors. The name "The Maze" is no hyperbole; the drainage patterns in the Orange Cliffs and the Cedar Mesa Sandstone are so convoluted that from many vantage points, it is impossible to discern which canyon leads to the river and which ends in a sheer 100-metre drop. This geological chaos was famously described by Edward Abbey as "the most world-forsaken bottom of the world," yet for those who seek true wilderness, it is a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty.
The trek typically begins at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, perched on the edge of the Orange Cliffs. From here, hikers descend through millions of years of geological history, moving from the Wingate Sandstone of the cliffs down into the white-capped fins of the Maze itself. The terrain is characterised by "Moki steps"—ancient hand-and-foot holds carved into the rock—steep talus slopes, and narrow slots that require packs to be hauled by rope. There are no maintained trails in the traditional sense; instead, hikers follow "routes" that require constant attention to topographic maps and GPS coordinates. The physical demand is high, with constant elevation changes as the route weaves in and out of canyon systems, but the psychological demand of navigating such a disorienting landscape is what truly defines the Maze experience.
The rewards for this effort are profound. The Maze contains some of the most significant rock art in North America, including the haunting, life-sized figures of the Harvest Scene. The silence here is absolute, broken only by the occasional cry of a raven or the whistle of wind through the needles of pinyon pines. At night, the sky offers some of the darkest conditions in the continental United States, with the Milky Way appearing as a brilliant, three-dimensional cloud of light. To walk the Maze is to step back into a primordial version of the American West, where the land remains indifferent to human presence and where the scale of time is measured in the slow erosion of sandstone rather than the ticking of a clock.
The human history of the Maze District is as layered as its geology. For thousands of years, this region was home to Indigenous peoples, primarily the Ancestral Puebloans (formerly known as Anasazi) and the Fremont culture. These groups inhabited the canyons between 700 and 1300 CE, leaving behind an incredible legacy of granaries, dwellings, and rock art. The "Great Gallery" in the nearby Horseshoe Canyon (a detached unit of the park) and the "Harvest Scene" within the Maze itself are world-renowned examples of the Barrier Canyon Style of pictographs. These haunting, anthropomorphic figures, often depicted without arms or legs and decorated with intricate patterns, date back as far as 2,000 to 4,000 years, suggesting a deep spiritual connection to this labyrinthine landscape that predates modern agricultural societies.
In more recent history, the Maze became a legendary hideout for outlaws. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the "Outlaw Trail" ran through this region, providing a nearly impenetrable refuge for figures like Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch. The "Robbers Roost" area, located just west of the Maze, served as a base where outlaws could disappear for months, knowing that law enforcement would never risk the treacherous descent into the canyons. The complexity of the terrain meant that a small group of men who knew the hidden springs and secret passes could evade much larger posses with ease. This era of "social banditry" added a layer of romanticised grit to the region's reputation, cementing its status as a place where one goes to be lost.
European exploration and surveying of the Maze occurred much later than in other parts of the West. It wasn't until the late 1800s and early 1900s that cattlemen began pushing herds into the fringes of the district, and even then, the heart of the Maze remained largely unknown. The area was eventually protected as part of Canyonlands National Park in 1964, thanks in large part to the advocacy of Stewart Udall and the evocative descriptions of the landscape by writers and explorers. Today, the National Park Service manages the Maze with a "minimum tool" philosophy, preserving its rugged character by limiting infrastructure and maintaining the difficult access that has protected its cultural and natural integrity for centuries.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Timing is the most critical factor when planning a trek into the Maze. The high desert environment is a land of extremes, where temperatures can swing 30°C in a single day and where the lack of shade and water makes summer travel life-threatening. The "Great Walk" season for the Maze is strictly limited to the shoulder months when the weather is temperate enough for the heavy physical exertion required.
Spring (March to May): This is arguably the best time to visit. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C, providing ideal conditions for hiking. Wildflowers, including desert primrose, Indian paintbrush, and globe mallow, bloom in the canyon bottoms, adding vibrant splashes of colour to the red rock. However, spring is also the windiest season; "sandblasting" winds can scour the flats, making camping difficult. Water may be slightly more available in ephemeral tinajas (natural rock basins) following winter snowmelt, but this should never be relied upon as a primary source.
Autumn (September to October): Autumn offers stable weather and crisp, clear skies. Temperatures are similar to spring, but the winds are generally calmer. The cottonwood trees in the canyon bottoms turn a brilliant gold, creating a stunning contrast against the blue sky and red sandstone. This is the most popular time for experienced trekkers, meaning permit competition is at its highest. By late October, nights can drop below freezing, requiring high-quality insulating gear.
Summer (June to August): Travel in the Maze during summer is strongly discouraged. Temperatures frequently exceed 40°C in the shade—and there is very little shade to be found. The heat radiating off the sandstone can make the canyon floors feel like an oven. Furthermore, summer is the season of the North American Monsoon; sudden, violent thunderstorms can trigger catastrophic flash floods in the narrow canyons. A storm 50 kilometres away can send a wall of water, mud, and debris down a canyon that was bone-dry minutes earlier.
Winter (November to February): Winter in the Maze is a season of profound solitude but significant challenge. Snow can make the unpaved access roads impassable, even for 4WD vehicles. Temperatures often remain below freezing during the day and can drop to -15°C at night. While the sight of snow on red rock is spectacular, the technical sections of the trail (like the Moki steps) become dangerously slick when iced over.
Day 1: Hans Flat to Maze Overlook
Day 2: Maze Overlook to the Harvest Scene
Day 3: Harvest Scene to Land of Standing Rocks
Day 4: Land of Standing Rocks to The Doll House
Day 5: The Doll House and Spanish Bottom
Day 6: The Doll House to Chimney Rock
Day 7: Chimney Rock to Hans Flat
Important Notes:
Planning a trip to the Maze is a logistical undertaking that begins months in advance. The most critical component is vehicle coordination. The road to Hans Flat is 74 kilometres of unpaved dirt, and the road from Hans Flat down to the Maze Overlook or the Doll House is among the most difficult 4WD tracks in the United States. If you do not have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with a low-range gear (and the knowledge of how to use it), you must arrange for a shuttle or plan to walk significantly longer distances. Moab, Utah, is the nearest major town (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away) and serves as the base for supplies, gear rentals, and last-minute information.
Physical fitness is paramount. You will be carrying a heavy pack (due to water weight) over uneven, rocky terrain that requires frequent scrambling. You should be comfortable with heights and basic rock climbing movements. Furthermore, you must be proficient in desert navigation. The Maze is famous for "false" canyons that look like the main route but end in impassable pour-offs.
There are no huts, lodges, or developed facilities within the Maze District. Accommodation consists entirely of designated backcountry campsites. These sites are "primitive," meaning they are simply a specific area where camping is permitted to concentrate human impact.
Campsite Details:
What is NOT provided:
Permits for the Maze District are highly sought after and strictly limited to prevent overcrowding and environmental degradation. The National Park Service (NPS) manages these through an online reservation system. Because the Maze is so remote, the number of people allowed in each "zone" or at each designated campsite is very low, often just one or two groups per night.
Booking Strategy:
Permit Costs:
Important Regulations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Canyonlands Maze District (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Canyonlands Maze District, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region surrounding the Maze District offers several other world-class adventures for those with extra time and a capable vehicle:
Pre-Departure Checks:
Flash Flood Hazards: Flash floods are a lethal threat in the desert. They can occur even if it is not raining where you are. Never enter a narrow canyon if there are dark clouds in the drainage upstream. If you hear a low rumble or see water rising, immediately climb to the highest ground possible. Do not attempt to outrun a flood in the canyon floor.
Heat and Dehydration: Hyponatremia (low blood salt) and heatstroke are common in the Maze. Drink plenty of water, but also consume salt and electrolytes. If you stop sweating, become confused, or develop a headache, you are in the early stages of heat illness. Stop, find shade, and cool down immediately.
Navigation and Self-Rescue: The Maze is a "self-rescue" area. Help is many hours, if not days, away. If you get lost, stay put. Do not continue wandering into deeper canyons. Use your signalling device only in a true life-or-death emergency. Remember that GPS units can fail or lose signal in deep canyons; always know your position on a paper map.
Wildlife: While rare, rattlesnakes and scorpions inhabit the area. Always look before placing your hands or feet in rocky crevices. Black bears are occasionally sighted near the river, so proper food storage is required.
The Harvest Scene: This is the spiritual heart of the Maze. Located in a sheltered alcove in Horse Canyon, this pictograph panel features intricate figures that appear to be holding stalks of grass or grain. The detail is staggering, with some figures showing internal organs or complex textile patterns. It is one of the finest examples of prehistoric art in existence.
The Chocolate Drops: These four massive blocks of chocolate-coloured shale sit atop a narrow ridge of white sandstone. They are visible from miles away and serve as a primary navigational landmark. A steep scramble leads to the base of the drops, offering a 360-degree view of the entire Maze District.
The Doll House: A geological wonderland of red and white banded sandstone spires. The area is a natural playground of hidden passages, small caves, and "rooms" formed by the erosion of the rock. It is located near Spanish Bottom and provides the easiest access to the Colorado River.
The Plug and Lizard Rock: These are prominent volcanic-looking plugs (though they are actually sandstone) that rise abruptly from the desert floor. They are excellent landmarks for cross-country navigation between the canyons and the Land of Standing Rocks.
Spanish Bottom: A large, flat alluvial fan on the banks of the Colorado River. It is a popular spot for river rafters to stop and for hikers to catch their breath before the steep climb back up to the Doll House. The contrast between the green river water and the red canyon walls is breathtaking.
The Maze is an extremely fragile environment. Because of the low rainfall, human impacts can last for decades or even centuries. It is your responsibility to ensure that the next visitor finds the wilderness as pristine as you did.
Your responsibility as a walker:
