CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK'S desert landscape in Utah is divided into three regions -- Island in the Sky, the Maze and Needles. All are wild, though the Maze is the most remote of all. It is mostly a backcountry destination, ideal for hiking, camping, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.

The Park sports two large and spectacular canyons carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers, and hundreds of side canyons as well. Other wonders include its natural arches, mesas and buttes. For the historically-minded, there are Native American (Anasazi) ruins dating back 2,000 years.

Photo: Chris J. Calwell