Canyonlands
National Park
Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park was established in 1964 and protects 337,598 acres of stunning desert landscapes—featuring colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, arches, and spires.
Beyond natural beauty, the park also preserves human history, with ancient petroglyphs and dwellings from Ancestral Puebloans, as well as remnants left by early explorers and Mormon pioneers.
Canyonlands is just one of the Mighty Five, the nickname for the five incredible parks located in Southern Utah!
Canyonlands At a Glance
$30 per vehicle for 7 days. Or FREE with the America the Beautiful Pass.
Canyonlands National Park is located in Southeastern Utah, in the town of Moab. The closest airports are Salt Lake City International Airport (4 hours), Denver International Airport (6 hours) or Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (7 hours).
The shoulder seasons, April-May and mid-September-October, is the best time to visit weather-wise! Just keep in mind that spring break time and Memorial Day Weekend can be VERY crowded, so It’s best to avoid those times!
Different Areas of the Park
The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and the two rivers—the Colorado and Green—that cut through the land. While the districts may seem close on a map, there are no direct roads between them, and traveling from one to another can take 2–6 hours. Each offers its own unique terrain and adventures.
25 Things to do in the Island in the Sky District
In this guide we’re sharing the best things to do at Island in the Sky at Canyonlands. Including short hikes, quick overlooks, and longer experiences. Ready to see the epic canyons, rivers, and rock formations? Use our guide to plan your own adventure at the park!
The Best Things to do in the Needles District
The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is located in the southeast corner of the park. It gets its name from the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that jut up from the ground.
This guide shares the best things to do and some itinerary options whether you just want to take it easy in the park or experience some of the park’s best features by hiking some longer trails. We hope you fall in love with the Needles District like we did!
Utah National Park Road Trip
