Where Is Canyonlands National Park?

The park is situated in southeast Utah, just outside of Moab, which features a variety of campgrounds and hotels. Canyonlands is open 24 hours a day, stretches more than 500 square miles, and is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze, and the park’s rivers.

Because of how spread out the districts are, most visitors do not jump around and explore more than one per day. The park’s entrance fee covers a full week of access to the park, encouraging multiple days of visiting.

The Districts

Island in the Sky is the district most accessible from Moab, and therefore the most recommended for those only popping in for a short visit. Beautiful views of sandstone cliffs are visible from looping scenic drives and overlooks. There are also two popular hiking paths: a hike to Mesa Arch, where you can look out at miles of canyons and mountains, and a hike to Grand View Point, which features gorgeous views of the other districts and their mountains.

One of those other districts, The Needles, is named after colorful, striped spires of sandstone that dominate the area. This area has hiking trails and campsites for overnight trips, as well as 50 miles of expert-level backcountry roads. Roadside Ruin and Pothole Point are popular hiking paths with incredible views, and Cave Spring offers an exhibit filled with stunning prehistoric rock paintings.

The priest and nuns formations at Castle Valley near Moab, Utah

Those districts are divided up by the Green River and Colorado River, which both run throughout the entire park and are considered a district in themselves. They’ve carved canyons into the landscape, and their corridors are markedly shadier and greener than arid areas above. In addition to the hiking, climbing, and camping, Canyonlands has amazing boating opportunities, everything from private river trips to guided boat tours.

When Should You Go?

Canyonlands National Park is open throughout the entire year, meaning the cold, snowy winters replace the usual dry and hot summers, and many of the park resources become unavailable. The trails are covered in snow and ice, and roads may become impassible if the snow piles too high. Campgrounds remain open, but there is no park-provided water, and gas and food resources also close. While the views of the snow-covered mountains are breathtaking, much of the park experience is limited during the winter.

With hiking, driving, climbing, and boating options throughout every level of adventuring experience, everyone can find something to do at Canyonlands National Park. As the least visited park in Utah, visitors experience all the benefits of the state’s gorgeous landscapes without any of the downsides of hectic crowds and noise.

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