The Maze

A rainbow over The Doll House

NPS/Devon Dunajski

 

The Maze is the least accessible district of Canyonlands. Due to the district's remoteness and the difficulty of roads and trails, travel to the Maze requires more time. Visitors must be prepared for self-sufficiency and the proper equipment or gear for self-rescue. Rarely do visitors spend less than three days in the Maze, and the area can easily absorb a week-long trip.

The Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area shares Canyonlands' western boundary and is administered under the same backcountry management plan and permit/reservation system. While some regulations differ, the information here should assist Orange Cliffs visitors in planning trips.

Permits are required for all overnight trips. Four-wheel-drive vehicle and mountain bike groups must stay in designated sites. Backpackers can reserve either designated sites or stay in an at-large backpacking zone.

Location

The Hans Flat Ranger Station is 2.5 hours from Green River, Utah. From I-70, take UT 24 south for 24 miles. A left hand turn just beyond the turnoff to Goblin Valley State Park will take you along a two-wheel-drive dirt road 46 miles (76 km) southeast to the ranger station.

From the ranger station, the canyons of The Maze are another 3 to 6 hours by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle (more if traveling by foot). Another four-wheel-drive road leads into The Maze north from UT 95 near Hite Marina (driving time is 3+ hours to the park boundary). Check backcountry road conditions for updates.

We strongly recommend using a map to reach The Maze. GPS units frequently lead people astray.

Hans Flat Ranger Station

Hans Flat Ranger Station is open to the public 8 am to 3 pm daily. Rangers are available for emergencies each day from 7:30 am to 5 pm. There is a small sales area with books and maps. There are no services, food, gas, or potable water sources in The Maze.

Ranger Programs

The Maze offers guided hikes in Horseshoe Canyon most weekends during spring and fall. Please check the event calendar for specific dates.

 

Visiting The Maze

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  Roads in The Maze

  Four-wheel-drive roads in The Maze are isolated, extremely difficult, and should not be attempted by inexperienced drivers.

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  Trails in The Maze

  Backpacking in The Maze is very challenging. Many trails require negotiating sections of steep slickrock and drop-offs.

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  Maps

  Download road and trail information for The Maze.