Complete Guide To Visiting Canyonlands National Park | Anywhere We Roam
Among the rust-colored mesas and spiky hoodoos of Canyonlands National Park find a host of outdoor adventures, scenic drives and breathtaking scenery. Here is our guide to getting the most out of Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands is one of the most underrated US National Parks. Just a stone’s throw from the much more popular Arches National Park, it has some of the best scenery you’ll see anywhere in the country.
Located in southeast Utah, the Green and Colorado Rivers have cut two mighty canyons in the sandstone of the Colorado Plateau. The result is a dramatic landscape of mesas, buttes and canyons towering above two winding rivers.
This grand scenery forms a stunning backdrop to a range of exciting things to do.
Drive a circuit of impressive viewpoints, hike amongst glorious scenery, or follow adventurous dirt tracks.
In this guide, we explain the layout of the park, the four distinct areas to visit and highlight all the best things to do in Canyonlands.
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IS CANYONLANDS WORTH VISITING?
Canyonland is well worth visiting and, in our opinion, it’s a must-see on any road trip around Utah.
What makes it truly special is the way the canyon falls in two stages. The first stage (outer canyon) drops from the top of the canyon rim 1,200 feet to a wide flat sandstone bench below.
The second stage (inner canyon) then drops a further 1,000 feet from the sandstone bench to the two rivers.
The result is a canyon within a canyon, a series of flat mesas, cone-shaped buttes and spiky hoodoos. It may only be half the depth of the Grand Canyon but is every bit as impressive, and a great destination for photographers and adventurers.
LAYOUT OF CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
The Green and Colorado rivers naturally split Canyonlands National Park into three different districts – Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. In 1971 a fourth district – Horseshoe Canyon – was added to the park.
Each district offers a remarkably different experience for visitors. You need to choose which to visit as driving between them takes a long time.
ISLAND OF THE SKY
The most popular section of the park, Island in the Skye is the place to go for amazing views of the canyon. Easily accessible from the town of Moab, a well-paved road winds around the top of the mesa with several parking lots along the way.
Most of the viewpoints are just a few minutes walk from the parking lots. The Islands in the Sky is marked in red on the map below.
THE NEEDLES
Whereas Island of the Sky is set on the flat canyon rim, The Needles area is deep in the canyon. Coming here allows you to get up close to the buttes, mesas and multi-colored spiky hoodoos.
The views are less expansive than the Island of the Sky, but it’s the best area for hiking. The trails here are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Shaded blue on the map below.
THE MAZE
The Maze is a wild, remote, and rugged place – a true backcountry with almost no facilities. All roads are unpaved, and it requires a 4×4.
Hiking trails are primitive and can be difficult to follow. The maze is the place in Canyonlands for an exploration in the solitude of the desert. But you need to know what you are doing, and a permit is required. Shaded green on the map below.
HORSESHOE CANYON
Horseshoe Canyon was added to Canyonlands National Park because it contains a series of intriguing pictograph panels painted by Ancient Pueblo People. The highlight is the “Great Gallery” featuring life-sized figures and intricate designs.
It’s not easy to get to, but historical art buffs may want to make the effort. Shaded brown on the map below.
CANYONLANDS MAP
Our Canyonlands map includes all the areas listed above as well as the must-see attractions covered in this guide.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
THINGS TO DO IN CANYONLANDS – ISLAND IN THE SKY
The Islands in the Sky region of Canyonlands contain most of the park’s main attractions. Here are some of the best things to do.
1 – ISLAND OF THE SKY VIEWPOINTS
The Island of the Sky sits on a broad mesa, and its rim has the best views of Canyonlands National Park. An easy-to-drive paved road winds around the edge of the cliffs with numerous parking lots offering excellent views.
There are too many to mention, but here are some of our favorites.
Shafer Canyon Viewpoint – This dramatic viewpoint overlooks the Shafer Canyon. On the opposite side, the dramatic switchbacks of the White Rim, descend the canyon walls to the sandstone bench below.
Mesa Arch – Mesa Arch has become an Instagram favorite. The arch frames wonderful views of the canyon and the scene is best at dawn. Come here about 30 minutes before sunrise to find your spot. Mesa Arch is a 0.6-mile round trip from the parking lot.
Green River Overlook – Nowhere else are the unique features of Canyonlands more apparent than at the Green River Overlook. The outer and inner canyon – two distinct levels of sandstone – descend to the Green River as it winds its way a few thousand feet below.
Buck Canyon Overlook – A great viewpoint where a jagged finger of the inner canyon stretches towards your feet.
Grand Viewpoint Overlook – Perched at the furthest end of Island of the Sky, this is the most expansive viewpoint in Canyonlands. Sweeping views of the Needles and the Maze can be seen in the distance. It’s an easy 1.8-mile round trip to the viewpoint from the parking lot.
White Rim Overlook – The view from the White Rim Overlook is similar to the Grand View, so you may decide not to make the 1.8-mile round trip to the official viewpoint. But the views from the promontory just a couple of minutes from the parking lot are excellent.
Visitor Centre Viewpoint – Don’t miss the view from the Visitors Centre, it’s quite different from all the others.
2 –UPHEAVAL DOME
In general, the hiking in the Island of the Sky section of the park is not as good as The Needles. All the best views can be seen from viewpoints near the road and its hard work hiking down into the canyon with little reward.
However, there’s one short walk worth the effort – Upheaval Dome.
While most of Canyonlands are layers of sedimentary deposits laid down by ancient seas and shaped by rivers and wind, Upheaval Dome is different. Here the rocks have been pushed up into a circular structure forming a dome.
Geologists believe it may be the impact crater of a meteorite that landed some 60 million years ago.
Upheaval Dome Hike – It’s a short but steep walk to the two viewpoints overlooking the dome. Allow 1.5 hours for the 1.2-mile round-trip hike.
3 – DEAD HORSE POINT
Just next door to Island of the Sky is Dead Horse State Park. It is not officially in Canyonlands, but it’s worth exploring. The views from Dead Horse Point over a big bend in the Colorado River are magnificent.
Visitor Information – Dead Horse State Park is not a US National Park, but a Utah State Park. Neither the Canyonlands entrance permit nor the ’America is Beautiful’ pass is valid here.
Cost – Entry to Dead Horse State Park is $20 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers.
THELMA & LOUISE VIEWPOINT
Dead Horse Point looks over the viewpoint where Thelma and Louise drove to their cinematic end in the 1991 classic film.
4 – WHITE RIM ROAD
The most famous 4×4 route in Canyonlands is the White Rim Road.
Descending from the top of the Island of the Sky mesa, switchbacks contour the wall of Shafer Canyon to the flat sandstone bench below. Over the course of 100 miles, it follows the cliff edges of the inner canyon passing viewpoints of the Colorado and Green Rivers.
The journey is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an exhilarating ride.
White Rim Road Requirements – You will need a high clearance 4×4 (not an AWD) and a backcountry permit from the park authorities.
How long does the White Rim Road take? – Allow 2 to 3 days to complete the trip. Mountain Bikers will find it even tougher requiring 3 to 5 days to complete the route.
5 – SHAFER CANYON & POTASH ROADS
If you don’t want to take on the White Rim Road, the next best option is the Shafer Canyon Road and Potash Roads between Canyonlands and Moab.
This is a great adventure which you can complete in a couple of hours, and it does not require a permit.
It starts by descending the Shafer Switchbacks then heads east past Gooseneck Overlook and Thelma and Louise Point to Moab.
Shafer Trail Requirements – The park authorities recommend a high-clearance 4×4 but in most conditions, a high-clearance AWD SUV should be fine. A permit is not required.
SHAFER CANYON ROAD TOURS
One of the easiest ways to see the backcountry is on an organized tour. This takes all the stress away from self-driving.
Canyonlands Half Day 4×4 Tour – This well-rated tour includes the Shafer Switchbacks, Gooseneck Overlook and Thelma & Louise Point over an exciting half day.
Full Day Canyonlands & Arches Tour – This tour includes a small section of the White Rim Trail as well as Shafer Trail and Tower Arch.
6 – RAFTING & KAYAKING ON THE RIVER
Exploring the unique scenery of Canyonlands, it can be easy to forget the rivers that formed it. Disappearing and reappearing behind canyon walls, the Green and Colorado rivers flicker amongst a sea of red rock.
The best way to get up close to them is to join a boating trip. There are many options from gentle rides along the river to multi-day white-water rafting adventures. The most exciting section is Cataract Canyon, a series of Class III and IV grade rapids set below the confluence of the two rivers.
Most tours leave from Moab or from the White Rim and Potash Roads in Island of the Sky.
Jet Boat Tour – This thrilling ride down the calm section of the Colorado River includes Dead Horse State Park, the Thelma and Louise location.
All-Day Tour – Spend the morning on a 4×4 excursion in Canyonlands and the afternoon rafting grade I and II rapids in the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River (upstream from Canyonlands).
Multi-Day Rafting – Experience the Green and Colorado Rivers, including Cataract Canyon, on a 2–5-day rafting adventure.
THINGS TO DO IN CANYONLANDS – THE NEEDLES
The Needles with its distinctive multicolored spires is another great part of Canyonlands. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the area.
7 – THE NEEDLES VIEWPOINTS & US ROUTE 211
The Needles section of Canyonlands is set below the canyon rim but above the two rivers. It’s accessed using Route 211 – one of the finest drives in America – which heads beneath the outer canyon walls, past a series of needles, buttes and mesas.
The vistas all along the road are magnificent, but here are a few to check out.
Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook – The visually descriptive name of Wooden Shoe Arch is hard to miss. This overlook looks across to a unique rock formation that really does look like a wooden clog.
Big Spring Canyon Overlook – Set amongst rocky spires and white, pink, and red sandstone layers, a spring has enabled a slither of green in the otherwise desolate Big Spring Canyon.
Colorado Overlook – An outstanding viewpoint looking over the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. It is one of the easier 4×4 drives in the area, but it still takes an hour to cover the 5.5 miles from the Visitor Center. The last 1.5 miles is the worse part of the road, so you can always park the car and walk from there.
HOW TO GET TO THE NEEDLES
The Needles section of Canyonlands National Park is a 75-mile drive from Moab and takes 90 minutes. It can also be visited as a detour between Moab and Monument Valley.
8 – HIKES IN THE NEEDLES
The best thing to do in the Needles is to undertake a day hike.
Walking along slick rock trails through red rock canyons and multi-colored hoodoos is a breathtaking experience. There are a host of hiking trails all of which are accessible by 2WD.
Here are the most popular.
Slickrock Trail – 2.4 miles | 1.5 hours | Start – Near Big Spring Canyon Overlook
A good short introduction to hiking in The Needles, this trail heads across slickrock and uneven surfaces while providing 360-degree views.
Chesler Park Loop – 10.7 miles | 6 – 7 hours | Start – Elephant Hill Trailhead
If you only do one hike in The Needles, make it the Chesler Park Loop. This wonderful day hike goes into the heart of needle country where multi-colored hoodoos rise above a wide flat meadow. Halfway round the path heads through the Joint Trail – a long narrow fracture between two towering rocks. The views in all directions are excellent.
Druid Arch – 10.8 miles | 6 – 7 hours | Start – Elephant Hill Trailhead
Ending at Druid Arch, one of the most impressive sights in the Needles, this hike initially follows the same route as the Chesler Park Trail before branching off and heading down the wash of Elephant Canyon. The last section is steep with one ladder and some scrambling.
Confluence Overlook – 11 miles | 5 – 6 hours | Start – Big Spring Canyon Overlook
This hike explores the open country to a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The walk is less interesting than the others but, when conditions are right, the views of the green and brown waters of the two rivers mixing is beautiful.
Tips for hiking in the Needles –
- There are no facilities on the trails so take plenty of water and food for the day.
- Avoid walking in high temperatures as there is limited shade.
- Do not attempt to hike during or after rain as the slickrock trails can be dangerous.
- Hiking maps and advice can be picked up from the Visitors Centre.
9 – LOST IN THE MAZE
The Maze should only be visited by experienced backcountry travelers. This wild and rugged place needs high-clearance 4x4s and a knowledgeable driver just to get around.
Trips here take at least three days and you’ll need a backcountry permit and bags of determination. We didn’t make it this time, but hopefully on our next visit.
10 – SCENIC FLIGHTS OVER CANYONLANDS
From the ground, it’s hard to appreciate the sheer magnitude of Canyonland’s 337,598 acres. With so much of the park beyond easy reach, the only way to see it all is on a scenic flight.
Only one provider is allowed to fly directly over Canyonlands National Park, and they offer a few different tours covering different sections.
Canyonlands Scenic Flight – 1-hour tour flying over Island of the Sky and The Needles sections.
Canyonlands and Arches Scenic Flight – 80-minute tour flying over Island of the Sky, The Maze, the Needles, and Arches National Park.
11 – THE GREAT GALLERY IN HORSESHOE CANYON
Horseshoe Canyon includes some of the most significant rock art in North America.
Added to Canyonlands National Park in 1971, the Horseshoe contains a series of pictograph panels painted by Ancient Pueblo People. The highlight is the “The Great Gallery” featuring life-sized figures painted in red, white, and brown and surrounded by depictions of animals and birds.
However, seeing them involves a long drive and a long hike.
HOW TO GET TO THE HORSESHOE CANYON TRAILHEAD
The trailhead is a 1-hour 30-minute drive along a dirt track south of the Green River (around 1 hour from Moab). The dirt track is 30 miles and it’s usually passable in a 2WD.
A more challenging 4×4 dirt track runs east from Hanksville but it’s slower going and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
How long is the hike to the Great Gallery? – The hike from the trailhead to the Great Gallery is 3.6 miles each way taking about 5 to 6 hours for the return trip. Route information.
When to do the hike? – The Great Gallery trail should not be hiked in the summer months when temperatures often exceed 100°F. It’s best in spring and fall but be sure to take plenty of water.
Guided hikes – If you want to see the pictographs but don’t want to hike on your own, Ranger Guided hikes go most weekends April/May and September/October.
CANYONLANDS ENTRANCE & PERMITS
OPENING HOURS
The national park is open 24 hours a day and each district has its own Visitor Centre with seasonal opening hours.
ISLAND OF THE SKY VISITOR CENTRE
8am to 5pm Apr- Sep | 9am to 4pm Jan-Mar
THE NEEDLES VISITORS CENTRE
8am to 5pm Apr – Sep | restricted hours in winter
CANYONLANDS ENTRANCE FEE
Entrance admission is $30 for private vehicles and $25 for motorcycles. It is payable at the entrance booth for Island of the Sky and at the Visitor Center in The Needles. The entrance pass is good for seven days.
NATIONAL PARKS | AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS
If you are visiting a number of National Parks, America the Beautiful annual national parks pass is excellent value.
CANYONLANDS PERMITS
For some activities, permits are required. Permits can be purchased through the Recreation.gov website. The more popular activities are often very competitive, so it helps to book well in advance.
No permit is required to explore the top of the mesa in Island of the Sky, to drive the Shafer Switchbacks or Potash Road, or to undertake day trips and hikes in The Needles.
Day Permits – Day permits are required for driving the White Rim Road (very popular) and the rough 4×4 tracks in The Needles.
Overnight Permits – Overnight Permits are required for any overnight trips into the backcountry.
River Permits – River Permits are required for all-day or overnight trips on the rivers, although if you are taking a tour these will be taken care of by the tour company.
You can find a complete list of required permits on the National Park Service website.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CANYONLANDS
The best time to visit Canyonlands is in spring and fall when temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F and nights are cool.
In summer temperatures can exceed 100°F bringing thunderstorms in the afternoon and making hiking difficult. In winter any snow or ice can quickly close the 4×4 trails making some sections inaccessible.
See the best of Canyonlands in 1 day
If you only have 1 day in Canyonlands, tour the viewpoints in Island of the Skye making sure to include Mesa Arch. Then either drive along the Shafer Canyon and Potash roads or join a tour.
But if you have 2 days
If you have 2 days to spend in Canyonlands National Park, complete day one as above. On the second day take a day trip on Route 211 to The Needles and do the Chesler Park Loop hike.
WHERE TO STAY TO VISIT CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
The best place to stay to visit Canyonlands is Moab which is perfectly located and has plenty of facilities. From Moab it is a 40-minute drive to Island of the Sky and 1 hour and 30 minutes to The Needles.
MAINSTAY SUITES MOAB
An affordable and well-appointed hotel in the center of Moab, MainStay Suites has a pool, 24-hour fitness center and free parking.
MOAB SPRINGS RANCH
Wonderful bungalows and cabins just north of Moab. Moab Springs Ranch is well-equipped with a swimming pool, gardens and an onsite café.
RADCLIFFE MOAB
Great boutique hotel in the heart of Moab. The Radcliffe has a smart modern design with great facilities including an outdoor pool. It’s a short walk to the center of Moab.
HOODOO MOAB CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
Luxury modern hotel with outdoor pool, full-service spa and an interior design paying homage to the surrounding Western landscape.
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