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Canyonlands National Park is a diverse desert playground located near the town of Moab in southeastern Utah. The park offers views unlike anything I’ve ever seen and excellent hiking trails through primitive landscapes.
Canyonlands is broken down into four different districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado Rivers. Another unit, Horseshoe Canyon, is detached from the rest of the park and showcases Native American rock art.
I spent one full day at Island in the Sky and another at the Needles. Island in the Sky is the most easily accessible district and requires very little hiking. There are some great trails but if you don’t want to hike, it’s the place to go for picture perfect viewpoints. The Needles require more hiking but also includes an interesting historic element.
If you want to visit the other units, you’ll need more time and effort, as well as a 4×4 vehicle.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee to Canyonlands is US$30 per vehicle (as of September 2024) and is good for seven days. It’s covered by all of the interagency passes. The park is open year-round.
Visitor Centers
Visitor centers are located at Island in the Sky and the Needles. They’re both located just past the entrance gates to each section. There are interpretive displays about the park, orientation videos, and water bottle stations.
The Island in the Sky visitor center is open daily from late March to early December, and doesn’t provide water off-season. The Needles visitor center is open from spring through fall but provides water year-round.
The Maze is served by Hans Flat Ranger Station, which offers information and maps as well as a small book store. It’s open daily year-round from 8am to 4:30pm.
Camping
There’s one developed campground at Island in the Sky and another at the Needles. They’re both open year-round.
Willow Flat Campground at Island in the Sky is first-come, first-served, and has just 12 sites. It costs US$15 for the night (as of September 2024) and is open year-round. Toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are available, but there’s no water.
The Needles District Campground has 26 sites costing US$20 (as of September 2024). Loop A sites are first-come, first-served, and Loop B can be reserved in advance from mid-March through May and September through October. The rest of the year, all sites are first-come, first-served. Toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are available, and in-season there’s potable water.
If you’re looking to get into the Maze and drive into the backcountry, there are numerous primitive campgrounds.
Nearby Accommodation
To have easy access to the Island in the Sky district, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, we camped at, Moab Valley RV Resort and Campground, one of the countless campgrounds in Moab just a short drive away.
When we visited the Needles district, we stayed at the Inn at the Canyons in Monticello. It was quite luxurious after camping for several days and we really enjoyed the pool.
Activities
4×4 roads, stargazing, photography, biking, horseback riding, boating, and other outdoor activities are available. Check the official website for more information on these activities. Information about ranger guided programs can be found at the visitor centers and on the official website.
Safety
My only advice is to take plenty of water and use sunscreen. The heat can be brutal, especially at mid-day. Fill up your water bottles at the visitor center and make sure you have enough with you before hiking. Also, if you plan on driving into the backcountry, remember there’s no gas or services available.
