Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park   |  More Than Just Parks
Imagine endless deep canyons, towering mesas, pinnacles, cliffs, and spires stretching across 527 square miles. This is Canyonlands National Park, formed by the currents and tributaries of Utah's Green and Colorado rivers. Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch. Do yourself a favor and don’t hurry through the park. Instead, take your time and let the nature of the Canyonlands sneak up on you and take root in your heart. It’s quite likely you’ll become so attached to the place that you’ll have to return again and again and again.

How to Visit Canyonlands Winter in Canyonlands

Things To Do

Where to Stay

Hotels and Lodging

Just outside of Canyonlands, Moab is home to a variety of hotels and lodges. From rustic comfort on the banks of the Colorado River to luxurious ranch experiences.

Find hotels and lodging near Canyonlands

Camping

Campers looking for an established campground can choose between Needles Campground (three miles west of The Needles entrance station), and Willow Flat (nine miles from the Island in the Sky entrance station). Otherwise, there are campgrounds and dispersed campsites available on the BLM administered public lands surrounding the park.

See more camping near Canyonlands

Discover the Canyonlands Region

As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands promises immense stretches of land for exploring; but the journey shouldn’t end there. The region surrounding the park is packed with adventure, state history, and charming towns. Venture south to Bears Ears National Monument to escape the crowds, or head into Moab for a bite to eat and a chance to swap stories with locals. Make the most of your vacation by exploring these local-favorite destinations.

Discover 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

4 Days

Salt Lake City to Moab

Moab is Utah’s adventure epicenter — a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town that’s brimming with local charm. Be sure to bring a vivid imagination and taste for exploration along with your hiking shoes, sunscreen and water bottle, because this is not your typical retreat.

Adventure, Arts, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

Highlights

See Itinerary

03

10 Days

The Mighty 5: Ultimate Journey

Grab a national parks annual pass for best access to The Mighty 5®.

Hiking, Scenic Drives/Road Trips

Highlights

See Itinerary

Travel Tips

  • Close to Moab, the Island in the Sky is the most visited district, but outside of overlooks and Mesa Arch (especially at sunrise), the scenic, though strenuous, trails are seldom crowded.

  • A permit is required to bike or drive the popular White Rim Trail and for all overnight camping trips in the backcountry.

  • Needles Campground in the Needles district is a great base camp for day hikes into the backcountry, but go prepared: carry extra water and be alert for black bears.

  • The remote Maze district easily occupies three days, plus hours to drive there. Solitude and endless splendor are the rewards for extremely well-prepared self-sufficient wayfinders.

  • Read these resources to learn how to travel thoughtfully and experience Canyonlands National Park most fully.

  • View a downloadable map of Canyonlands National Park

More travel tips for visiting Canyonlands National Park.

Weather

Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit Canyonlands with daytime temperatures of 60–85 F. Like nearby Arches, Canyonlands warms up significantly in the summer months reaching 100+ F. Beat the heat by planning ahead, carrying sunscreen and extra water, and playing in the morning and evening during the peak of summer. Temperatures will dip to freezing at night by late November, but winter is an extraordinarily beautiful time in Canyonlands. Incredible “monsoon” season thunderstorms on late summer afternoons can result in potentially dangerous flash floods. Check conditions in advance.

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