Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Travel Guide

Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a stunning landscape filled with deep canyons, towering mesas, arches, and spires sculpted by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each offers a different experience and requires different levels of effort to explore.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring (April through June) and fall (September through October). During these months, temperatures are mild, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Spring (April to June)

• Spring is a great time to witness the beauty of Canyonlands as the landscape comes alive with wildflowers.

• The temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities, ranging from 60°F to 80°F.

• However, spring is also the peak season, so popular trails and viewpoints may be crowded.

Summer (July to August)

• Summers in Canyonlands can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F.

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, which can lead to flash floods.

• It is essential to take precautions, such as carrying plenty of water and avoiding hiking during the hottest parts of the day.

Fall (September to October)

• Fall is another excellent time to visit the park, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

• The temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.

• The fall colors add an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.

Winter (November to February)

• Winter is the least crowded time of year to visit Canyonlands.

• Temperatures can be cold, ranging from 30°F to 50°F, and some areas of the park may be inaccessible due to snow.

• However, the winter landscape has a unique beauty, with snow-capped mesas and crisp, clear skies.

Getting There

Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers (Colorado and Green Rivers), each with its own entrance and distinct environment. Here are the directions to reach each district:

• Island in the Sky:

  • The most accessible district, approximately 32 miles from Moab.

  • From Moab, drive north on US-191 for 11 miles, then turn left onto UT-313 and drive another 22 miles.

  • The visitor center is located near the park entrance and is open year-round.

• The Needles:

  • Located about 74 miles from Moab.

  • From Moab, drive south on US-191 for 40 miles, then turn right onto UT-211 and drive another 34 miles.

  • The visitor center is located near the park entrance and is open year-round.

• The Maze:

  • The most remote and least accessible district, located about 46 miles from Green River, Utah.

  • The district can only be reached via high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles and is recommended for experienced backcountry users.

  • There is no visitor center in The Maze.

• Rivers (Colorado and Green Rivers):

  • Accessible via various points depending on the desired river trip.

  • River permits are required for all river trips, and it is recommended to use the services of a licensed outfitter.

Airports:

• The nearest airports to Canyonlands National Park are:

  • Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab, approximately 30 miles from the Island in the Sky district.

  • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand Junction, Colorado, approximately 110 miles from the Island in the Sky district.

  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah, approximately 230 miles from the Island in the Sky district.

Tours:

• Various tour operators in Moab offer guided tours to the park.

Car Rentals:

• Car rentals are available in Moab, Grand Junction, and Salt Lake City.

The best way to get to Canyonlands National Park is by car, and the most accessible district is Island in the Sky. Always check road conditions and weather before heading out, especially if planning to visit the more remote districts like The Maze.

Four Districts

Island in the Sky Island in the Sky is the easiest district to access and offers panoramic views over the park. The district sits atop a 1,500-foot mesa, and its paved scenic drive provides access to many of the most popular viewpoints and hiking trails. Some of the must-see spots include:

• Mesa Arch: A short, easy hike to a stunning arch with panoramic views.

• Grand View Point: Offers an expansive view of the park's landscape.

• Upheaval Dome: A unique geological feature with a mystery about its origin.

The Needles The Needles is named for the red and white banded rock pinnacles that dominate the landscape. This district offers more of a backcountry experience with its extensive trail network and remote campsites. Highlights include:

• Chesler Park: A loop hike through grasslands surrounded by towering Needles.

• Druid Arch: A dramatic arch at the end of a challenging hike.

• Elephant Hill: A starting point for several long, rewarding hikes.

The Maze The Maze is Canyonlands' most remote and challenging district. This area is best suited for experienced backcountry users prepared for self-reliance in a rugged and primitive landscape. The Maze requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle to access its trails and campsites. Some popular destinations in The Maze include:

• The Maze Overlook: Offers a stunning view of the park's most complex and least accessible district.

• The Doll House: A series of impressive rock formations.

Rivers: The Colorado River and the Green River carve through Canyonlands National Park, creating its deep canyons. River trips ranging from day trips to multi-week adventures offer a unique perspective of the park's landscape. Some popular river routes include:

• Cataract Canyon: A stretch of the Colorado River with challenging whitewater.

• Labyrinth Canyon: A more mellow stretch of the Green River perfect for canoes and kayaks.

Top Attractions and Activities to do

Canyonlands National Park is a vast area of breathtaking landscapes, deep canyons, mesas, and arches carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Top Attractions:

1. Mesa Arch (Island in the Sky)

   • A short hike leads to this iconic arch perched at the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views.

2. Grand View Point (Island in the Sky)

   • A panoramic viewpoint that provides spectacular views of the park's unique landscape.

3. Upheaval Dome (Island in the Sky)

   • A mysterious geological feature with theories ranging from a salt dome to a meteorite impact.

4. Chesler Park (The Needles)

   • A vast grassland surrounded by towering rock pinnacles, offering several hiking options.

5. Elephant Hill (The Needles)

   • A starting point for several challenging but rewarding hikes.

6. The Maze Overlook (The Maze)

   • A viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the park's most remote and challenging district.

7. The Doll House (The Maze)

   • A series of impressive rock formations in The Maze district.

8. Cataract Canyon (Rivers)

   • A challenging whitewater section of the Colorado River.

9. Labyrinth Canyon (Rivers)

   • A calmer section of the Green River, ideal for canoeing and kayaking.

Top Activities:

1. Hiking:

   • With over 100 miles of trails, hiking is one of the best ways to explore the park.

2. Camping:

   • Campgrounds are available in the Island in the Sky and The Needles districts, with backcountry camping available in all four districts.

3. Stargazing:

   • The park offers stunning night skies and occasional ranger-led stargazing programs.

4. Photography:

   • The unique rock formations and landscapes make Canyonlands a photographer's paradise.

5. Rock Climbing:

   • There are several rock climbing opportunities in the park, particularly in The Needles district.

6. Mountain Biking:

   • The White Rim Road in Island in the Sky offers a challenging multi-day bike trip.

7. River Rafting:

   • The Colorado and Green Rivers offer a range of river rafting experiences, from calm floats to challenging whitewater.

8. 4-Wheel Driving:

   • Several four-wheel-drive trails offer a different way to explore the park's landscapes.

Canyonlands National Park offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors to explore its unique and diverse landscape. Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, photography, or river rafting, there is something for everyone at this stunning national park.

Where to Stay

When visiting Canyonlands National Park, you have several options for accommodations, both inside and outside the park.

Inside the Park:

• Campgrounds:

  • Island in the Sky District: Willow Flat Campground

    • 12 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Open year-round.

  • The Needles District: The Needles Campground

    • 29 sites available, you can reserve some individual sites spring through fall. Other times of the year, individual sites are first-come, first-served.

    • Open year-round.

      
      

• Backcountry Camping:

  • Backcountry camping is available in all four districts of the park with a permit.

Outside the Park:

• Moab, Utah:

  • The nearest town to Canyonlands National Park is Moab, which offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

  • Moab is approximately 30 miles from the Island in the Sky district and 75 miles from The Needles district.

• Monticello, Utah:

  • Monticello is another option for accommodations, located about 50 miles from The Needles district.

  • Monticello offers hotels, motels, and campgrounds.

• Green River, Utah:

  • Green River is approximately 50 miles from the Island in the Sky district.

  • Green River offers hotels, motels, and campgrounds.

Facilities and Regulations

There are limited facilities within the park, and visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, food, and other necessary supplies. Campgrounds are available in the Island in the Sky and The Needles districts, with backcountry camping available in all four districts. Fires are not allowed in the backcountry, and all trash must be packed out. Permits are required for all overnight backcountry trips and river trips.

Canyonlands National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences, from easy scenic drives and short hikes to challenging backcountry adventures. With its stunning scenery and unique geological features, it's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.