Guide to Visiting Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park in Utah is a gorgeous expanse of rugged canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Covering over 337,000 acres, this park is best known for its dramatic landscapes, from the canyons of the Needles District to the vast, colorful vistas found at Island in the Sky.
Some of the park’s most iconic features include the stunning Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and the Needles District. Canyonlands is a large park and you will need to drive between the different areas. Most people just visit the Island in the Sky area right outside Moab and near Arches National Park, but the remote and beatiful Needles area as well as the Maze and the Rivers are absolutely worth a visit.
Canyonlands National Park has four main districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers. While there is no single entrance, the well-maintained roads and scenic routes make it easy to explore the park’s diverse landscapes.
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Highlights of Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands has some truly spectacular viewpoints and hiking trails and is much more remote than some of the other desert parks in Utah like Zion, Bryce, and Arches. Here are some of the park highlights:
Key Highlights:
Whether exploring the well-marked trails or venturing into more remote areas, Canyonlands National Park promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and wonder. The park’s main districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers—each offer unique landscapes and adventures, accessible via well-maintained roads and scenic routes.
Key Highlights:
- Mesa Arch: One of the most iconic arches in Canyonlands, offering stunning sunrise views through its picturesque frame.
- Grand View Point: Provides panoramic views of the vast canyons and distant mountain ranges, especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
- White Rim Road: A challenging, scenic drive or bike ride that offers an up-close view of the park’s rugged landscape.
- The Needles District: Known for its colorful spires, unique rock formations, and extensive trail system, offering both short hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures.
- The Maze: A remote and challenging district ideal for experienced adventurers looking to explore intricate canyons and remote wilderness.
- Green River Overlook: Offers sweeping views of the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, ideal for photography and sunset watching.
- Upheaval Dome: A unique geological feature with a mysterious origin, accessible via a short but steep hike.
- Island in the Sky: This mesa offers easily accessible viewpoints with dramatic overlooks of the canyons below.
- White Rim Trail: A popular route for 4WD vehicles and mountain bikers, providing an adventurous way to explore the park’s backcountry.
- Confluence Overlook: A challenging hike leading to a viewpoint overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
- Horseshoe Canyon: Known for its well-preserved prehistoric rock art, accessible via a remote and rugged hike.
- Murphy Point: Offers a quieter, less crowded viewpoint with expansive views of the canyonlands and the Green River.
Travel Guides to Canyonlands National Park
Things to Know About Visiting Canyonlands National Park
Best Time of Year to Visit Canyonlands
The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) seasons. During these months, the weather is typically mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (15-30°C). Spring and fall also bring fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Canyonlands is in a desert environment with large temperature swings from daytime to nighttime.
How to Get to Canyonlands
To get to Canyonlands National Park, fly into the nearest major airport in Salt Lake City, Utah, and then drive approximately 4 hours south to the park’s entrance. Alternatively, you can fly into the smaller Moab Regional Airport and drive about 30 minutes to the Island in the Sky district or 1.5 hours to the Needles district.
How Much Time do you Need in Canyonlands
If you just want to see the Island in the Sky portion of Canyonlands you can do this in 1/2 to 1 full day. If you plan to see several different sections of the park you will need at least 3 days. It can take several hours between sections and once you are in the park there are lots of short and long hiking trails to explore.
Need to Know about Canyonlands
We’ve visited Canyonlands National Park several times and found it expansive yet accessible, with each district offering unique experiences. It’s a popular destination, so there are a few important things to know before you go.
Timed-Entry System: Currently, there is no timed entry system for Canyonlands National Park. However, early morning visits are recommended to avoid heat and crowds, especially for popular areas like Island in the Sky. Parking lots can fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early.
It Can Get Hot: This is a desert park, and temperatures can soar. Pack plenty of water, check the weather forecast, and aim to hike in the early morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Permits and Fees: There is an entrance fee for the park. Some areas, such as the Maze and backcountry camping sites, require additional permits. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Lodging near Canyonlands National Park
Moab is just a few minutes away from the entrance to Arches and there are many hotels right in town. I’ve heard great things about the Moab Resort or you can search for hotels through booking.com.
There are also several campground inside and near the park that should be booked well in advance.
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