Inside Canyonlands

Karen Henker explains the role of various structures in the lives of the ancestral Puebloans.

NPS Photo by Neal Herbert

 

Join park rangers as they explore the many features of Canyonlands. These short videos provide an in-depth look at a range of topics - all of which you're likely to experience first-hand when you visit the park.

Podcast
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Episodes

 

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  Inside Canyonlands - Ancestral Puebloans

  The Ancestral Puebloans were some of the first farmers in the American Southwest. Join ranger Karen Henker for a brief look at their lifestyle, as well as the images and architecture they left behind.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 37 seconds

 

• 

  Inside Canyonlands: Bighorn Sheep

  Once faced with extinction, the desert bighorn sheep has made a remarkable comeback in southeast Utah thanks to native herds protected in Canyonlands. Join ranger Karen Henker for an in-depth look at this intriguing mammal that is perfectly adapted to the high desert environment.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 15 seconds

 

• 

  Inside Canyonlands: Biological Soil Crust

  Biological Soil Crust is a living groundcover that forms the foundation of plant life in Canyonlands and the surrounding area. Join ranger Karen Henker and learn about this critical - and fragile - component of the high desert ecosystem.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 9 seconds

 

• 

  Inside Canyonlands: Cowboys

  Cowboys hold a special place in the history of the American West. Romanticized in film, television, literature, even advertising…the image of the lone cowboy riding the range on his trusty horse is a national icon. But this quaint picture only tells part of the story – a story that took place right here at Canyonlands.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 25 seconds

 

• 

  Inside Canyonlands: Geology

  The geologic history of Canyonlands spans hundreds of millions of years. Join ranger Karen Henker for a brief tour of this complex and exciting story.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 23 seconds

 

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  Inside Canyonlands: Hunter-Gatherers

  People have visited what is now Canyonlands National Park for over 10,000 years. Join ranger Karen Henker for a look at one of the earliest groups: hunter-gatherers.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 20 seconds

 

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  Inside Canyonlands: Potholes

  Throughout Canyonlands, naturally occurring sandstone basins called "potholes" form tiny ecosystems inhabited by a surprising collection of animals. Join ranger Karen Henker for an introduction to these animals and some their remarkable adaptations.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 23 seconds

 

• 

  Inside Canyonlands: Utah Juniper

  One of the most common trees in the American southwest, the Utah Juniper is well suited to life in the desert. Join ranger Karen Henker for a quick summary of its unique adaptations.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 45 seconds

 

• 

  Douglas Fir in the Desert- A Relict Population

  Ranger Tim shares insight into climatic change with a relict population of Douglas fir in Canyonlands National Park

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 17 seconds