A mind-boggling glimpse into layers upon layers of Earth’s planetary past, Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest and least visited national park. Despite its proximity to Arches National Park, which is a mere 40-minute drive from Moab, Canyonlands offers a unique wilderness experience.
Canyonlands features meandering cliffsides stacked with thousands of feet of tie-dye-colored rocks. The sheer vertical walls of this landscape make it difficult to see their powerful creators: the serpentine Colorado and Green Rivers. Overlooks into this grand expanse are accompanied by even more natural wonders, such as curious needles of rock emerging from the desert floor and geological anomalies that scientists have yet to uncover. Moreover, ancient structures and Native petroglyphs reflect human artistry amid this natural beauty.
The Colorado and Green Rivers form a Y-shape, dividing Canyonlands National Park into four separate districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. Notably, the three land-based districts are inaccessible to one another, necessitating long drives to see them all. The Island in the Sky is the most popular district, primarily due to its proximity to Moab and the entrance to Arches National Park, which are both about 30 miles from the visitor center.
When is the Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park?
Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit Canyonlands National Park, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, these seasons are also the busiest, with May typically experiencing the highest visitor numbers. Consequently, if you’re planning a visit, consider going during the shoulder months of April or October for a more relaxed experience.
Temperatures in the park can vary dramatically—sometimes by as much as 40°F in a single day. With limited trees and shade, summer visits can become dangerously hot, often exceeding 100°F in the afternoons. Therefore, embarking on hikes early in the day is advisable. Winter brings its own challenges, with temperatures plummeting below freezing, making January the least visited month at Canyonlands.
How Much Time Should I Spend at Canyonlands National Park?
Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district can be appreciated in half a day, but to truly enjoy this magnificent park, more time is recommended. If you’re short on time, a one-day itinerary could include a quick visit to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, devoting half a day to each.
Begin at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and journey along the scenic mesa-top drive, stopping at various viewpoints. Notable stops include the Shafer Canyon Overlook and the Mesa Arch Trail, an easy half-mile round-trip hike. For those wishing to experience the other districts, plan for more time. The Needles district, for example, requires a two-hour drive south from Island in the Sky.
Is it Easy to Get to and Around Canyonlands National Park?
Accessing Canyonlands National Park is straightforward, primarily if you have a car. There are no public transportation options or shuttle services available within the park. The Island in the Sky district is the easiest to reach from Moab, located about 30 miles away.
While the Needles district is also relatively simple to access, it attracts fewer visitors due to its distance from the interstate. The Maze district is the most remote and demands a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and self-sufficiency to navigate.
Top Things to Do at Canyonlands National Park
Island in the Sky is renowned for its breathtaking views from the 6000ft-high mesa. Nearby Dead Horse Point State Park, located along the same highway, offers another stunning perspective of the landscape.
Some popular hikes in Island in the Sky include witnessing Mesa Arch at sunrise and exploring Upheaval Dome, the cause of which remains a scientific mystery. For those equipped with high-clearance 4WD vehicles, the Shafer Trail and Potash Road are classic explorations of Canyonlands.
The Needles district, named for its distinctive sandstone spires, provides a contrasting experience. Hikers can traverse the Chesler Park Loop, an 11-mile route that showcases diverse landscapes, including grasslands, towering pinnacles, and narrow slot canyons.
Budget for Your Visit to Canyonlands National Park
Visiting Canyonlands National Park involves a standard entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Alternatively, the America the Beautiful pass, at $80 annually, allows access to all national parks and federal recreation land across the U.S.
For those wishing to camp, Island in the Sky offers a campground at $15 per night, while the Needles charges $20. Backcountry camping permits are necessary for deeper explorations, costing $36 plus $5 per person per night.
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park?
If camping isn’t your preference, cozy accommodations are available in the nearby towns. Moab is ideal for visiting the Island in the Sky district, featuring numerous hotels along its main street. Monticello is a great choice for those heading to the Needles district, while Green River also provides convenient lodging options.
