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Red Lake Canyon   |  Jeremiah Watt
A Photo Essay

Canyonlands Figure 8: A Journey Across Time and Water

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

Photography By Jeremiah Watt

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. Join photographer Jeremiah Watt for a visual exploration of this rugged and remote route.

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The Basics

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. 

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.

Navigation: Gaia, CalTopo, 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’s a multitude of trip reports and options online to help with route development.

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.

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.

Backpacks, Dry Bags and 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.

Raft and Gear Rentals in Moab

Recreation Permit Needs

Reserve your pack raft recreation permits in advance online at recreation.gov.

Packrafting in Canyonlands Reserve Recreation Permits

Explore the Canyonlands Region

01

5 Days

The Complete Canyonlands Trip

The Canyonlands Region of Utah combines the best of the Moab area's easy proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park's most accessible district with some of the United State's most remote and culturally significant landscapes.

Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

Highlights

See Itinerary

02

3 Days

Iconic Classics Southeast

Three days on the open roads of Southeastern Utah is just enough for a taste of two of its most iconic national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — and a few things in between.

Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Mountain Biking, ATV and off-road, Guided Experiences, Watersports and Rafting

Highlights

See Itinerary

03

3 Days

Slickrock Adventure

Discover how close Salt Lake City is to Arches and Canyonlands national parks in this three-day weekend filled with adventure options.

Hiking, Cycling, Adventure, Mountain Biking

Highlights

See Itinerary

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