You can survey much of the park from the Grand View Point Overlook. On a quiet, cold winter morning, the distant peaks of the La Sal, Henry, and Abajo Mountains stand like snow-covered sentinels in the midst of twisting, convoluted canyons. To the south, the Needles jut like monoliths erected by some ancient culture.

Fork formations with descriptive names like Lizard Rock, the Doll House, Chocolate Drops, the Maze, and the Golden Stairs rise up in the southern background near the canyon of the Colorado River. Take some time to be alone in this outpost, to contemplate the vast tract of wilderness below you.

Long hiking trails and rugged dirt roads lead down to the White Rim Trail, remote arches, and interesting side canyons. Only the hardiest backpackers and experienced four-wheel-drive enthusiasts should attempt these routes. Everyone else can enjoy shorter hikes into places like Mesa Arch, Whale Rock, and Upheaval Dome.