A Journey Through Time & Water in Canyonlands via the Figure 8

Canyonlands Figure 8 | Jeremiah Watt

Step into red rock grandeur of Canyonlands National Park, sculpted by time and water. The "Figure 8" offers a multi-day rafting and backpacking journey to witness nature's artistry up close.

A testament to time and the erosional qualities of wind and water, Canyonlands National Park encompasses over 337,000 acres of untamed red rock grandeur, including mesas, canyons, arches and buttes. It represents one of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the world spread across four districts — Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and The Rivers (Colorado and Green).

Canyonlands is often described as four parks in one. The four districts are separated by the Colorado and Green Rivers (also considered a district), and no roads connect them directly. While each district is unique, the true beauty of Canyonlands lies in the harmony between its districts and there’s no better way to experience this than the “Figure 8.” The adventure puts the “pack” in packrafting with a (typically) four-day combination of flat water pack rafting and backpacking to link the four districts on a route that loosely resembles a figure eight. Weaving together backcountry routes, established trails and both river systems, the Figure 8 offers a saturation of the senses and a comprehensive path through the park’s inner sanctuary.

Canyonlands National Park

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

"You’ll begin in the Needles, descend through its maze of red and white canyons following a path of least resistance to the Colorado River, float through the confluence with the Green River and spend the night at Spanish Bottom."

Canyonlands National Park

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

The following morning, you’ll exit the river corridor on the opposing shore from where you started, climb to the canyon rim and overland to the Green River where you’ll camp for the evening.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

You’ll spend your second day walking through the Doll House and weaving through the Maze deep within the park, eventually dropping back to the river’s edge and a campsite along the Green.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Canyonlands National Park

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

"Your third day finds you floating back through the confluence with the Colorado, and down to Spanish Bottom. Taking out on your starting side of the river, it’s time to roll up your boat, stash it on your pack and begin the trek up Red Lake Canyon to a campsite for the evening."

"One of the park's most profound offerings and an exceptional opportunity to experience the rare beauty and solitude of a seldom visited, well-preserved wilderness – the Figure 8 doesn’t disappoint."

Day four completes the Figure 8 with a walk through the Needles back to your vehicle.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Colorado/Green River Overlook Trail

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

"There are few things tastier than a cold beverage and good meal after four days in the wild. A few of my personal favorite options to stop after a few days in the backcountry include Moab Brewery for cold beer and excellent burgers, Doughbird for exotic doughnuts, espresso and fried chicken or classic Mexican fare at Miguel’s."

Completing the Figure 8 requires significant planning, backcountry permits and a sense of adventure. While not overly difficult or complex, it is imperative that all party members are up to the physical challenge of carrying a heavy pack for up to 10 miles, navigating the backcountry and are aware of the risks from heat exposure, dehydration and drowning.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Pack Rafts: A lightweight inflatable boat is a must. You’ll be carrying it for over twenty miles and the water on both rivers is flat. Pack rafts and accessories (life jackets!) are readily available to rent or purchase in Moab.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Navigation: Gaia, CalTopo and Garmin Explorer are all great options to create and weigh route options, however, GPS may not always be reliable. Detailed topographic maps and knowledge of the terrain are essential. Research your route before you go. There are a multitude of trip reports and options online to help with route development.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Water: The water in the Green and Colorado is dirty and undrinkable unless settled and filtered before consumption. On day three you’ll need to carry enough water for the remainder of day 3 (dinner / travel) and all of day 4 (breakfast / hike out). Water Wizard for River Runners is highly recommended to settle your water before treating or filtering.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Permits: All overnight trips in the park require permits for each night you’re in the backcountry. Pack raft permits are easily obtained and allow you to camp anywhere within .5 miles of the river. Camp site reservations are required elsewhere. New Bates Wilson and Devils Kitchen are great day three campsites depending on whether you’re ending at Elephant Hill or Big Spring.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Backpacks, Dry Bags & Accessories: A comfortable, sizable pack is a must. Clothing that dries quickly and offers sun protection is highly recommended. Broken-in hiking shoes are a must. The basic camping essentials are mandatory – tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc. You can purchase and/or rent everything you might need in Moab.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Visit the Canyonlands via Figure 8

About the Photographer – Jeremiah Watt

Jeremiah "Miah" Watt strives to share the power of human experience through compelling photography. He brings a unique perspective of personal experience combining a lifestyle of adventure sport (which originally brought him to photography) and an academic eye cultivated while completing a MFA in photography. Based in Salt Lake City with his wife, son and big dog, his biggest challenge is balancing time on the rock and water with that behind a lens. He splits his time documenting worthwhile endeavors for commercial and conservation clients worldwide and is looking forward to connecting on your latest possibility.

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