Canyonlands National Park
This Utah park offers a ton of different opportunities for adventure. If you enjoy the primitive desert atmosphere and wild, rugged terrain then Canyonlands will blow you away.
The character of this park is unmatched. It’s a colorful mixture of deep canyons, mesas, spires, fins and formed buttes carved out by the Colorado River and its tributaries. I guess they call it beaUTAHful for a reason.
Getting There. Airport and Directions.
The closest International Airports are McCarran Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. We flew into Salt Lake City from Pittsburgh and road-tripped down to Moab, where we stayed. Moab is about 40 minutes from Canyonlands. For more directional information visit the NPS site HERE.
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Popular tourist seasons are Spring and Fall. Summer can be pretty warm, but to be expected in Utah, just pack appropriately.
National Parks Pass
Park passes are required to access the park from any entrance. You can find pass information HERE. A single car pass is $30.00. This admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants for a week.
We typically purchase an annual parks pass. If you plan to visit more than one park per year this is a great money-saving option. It’s $80 and pays for itself in a few uses.
Canyonlands four districts.
The park preserves 337,598 acres of land in Utah, divided into 4 districts. We mainly explored the Island in the Sky district. Try to have a plan of where you’re staying and what you want to see and go from there.
- Island in the Sky – most accessible, paved scenic drive, lots of hikes and the famous 4WD route called White Rim Road.
- The Needles – more backcountry experience, hiking and 4WD needed to see parts of this district.
- The Maze – remotely located, will need more self reliance to visit. Co-boundary with Glen Canyon National Recreational Area.
- The rivers themselves – whitewater, kayak, canoe flatwater trips available on the Green or Colorado rivers.
Check out a map HERE of the whole park.
Exploring Canyonlands – What the park has to offer.
Chose a district and activity that suites you and your crew.
- Hiking/Walking Trails
- Backcountry Camping
- River Trips + Flatwater activities
- Scenic Drives + Overlooks/Viewpoints
- Visting Archeology sites + Visitors Centers
- Picnics
- Sunset + Sunrise viewing
- Photography
- Four-Wheel Drive Trails
Prepping for your visit
Whatever you chose to do make sure you are well prepared for your trip to Canyonlands.
- Research and chose activities in advance.
- Know your health and fitness levels.
- Make sure to check on closures, permits and weather forecast.
- Pack water/snacks and hiking accessories.
- Wear hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the terrain and temperature if you plan set out to hike.
- If backcountry hiking, visit go.nps.gov/grca-backcountry
- For a list of things to pack on your day hike see my blogpost HERE.
Hiking and Sights we visited & recommend.
Mesa Arch Trail and the White Rim Trail are both located in the Island in the Sky district.
Mesa Arch Trail Information.
We loved this short hike. Basically, it’s more of and easy stroll, but still offered an arch and amazing views of the canyon.
- TRAIL: Mesa Arch Trail
- DISTANCE: 0.7 mile loop
- LOCATION: Island in the Sky District, near Moab Utah.
- ELEVATION GAIN: 85 ft
- DIFFICULTY: easy/beginner
- Follow me on the All Trails App – Jennifer Lee
Check out All Trails for more detailed pictures, reviews and trail conditions for Mesa Arch Trail HERE.
White Rim Overlook Trail.
White Rim Overlook trail was a personal favorite of mine. It was literally around the rim, overlooking the canyon and the White Rim 4WD trails.. I have some wild videos of this hike. My mom would comment on my instagram stories telling me to get away from the edge – HAHA (sorry, Mom).
- TRAIL: White Rim Overlook Trail
- DISTANCE: 1.8 out and back.
- LOCATION: Island in the Sky District, near Moab Utah.
- ELEVATION GAIN: 160 ft
- DIFFICULTY: easy/beginner (you can avoid getting close to the edge of ledges if afraid of heights.
- Follow me on the All Trails App – Jennifer Lee
Check out All Trails for more detailed pictures, reviews and trail conditions for White Rim Trail HERE.
We caught a STUNNING surprise sunset at the end of this hike. It was magical.
Summary of the park
Don’t forget your camera, you’re sure to snap some epic photos if you make it to this amazing destination. The chill vibes, dramatic ledges and terrain and wild desert feel of Canyonlands is vast and unexplainable. I hope this little snipit of the park and our experience helps you plan for your own.
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