Canyonlands National Park is a mecca of wilderness, water, and remote recreation in southern Utah. The Colorado River and Green Rivers carve this land into three major districts (and one detached district) as they meander through an abundance of canyons, buttes, mesas, and arches.
From accessible and paved to remote and backcountry, there is a slice of public land for everyone to explore.
In this Complete Guide to Canyonlands National Park, I share the top hikes, the best things to do, where to stay, when to go, and more!
Complete Guide to Canyonlands National Park
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Quick Facts About Canyonlands
- Location: Utah, USA
- Established: 1964
- Size: 337,598 acres
- Annual Visitors: 779,147 (2022)
- Fee: $30/vehicle for 7 days or free with an annual pass
- Visitor Centers: Island in the Sky, The Needles
Fun Facts About Canyonlands
Canyonlands is the largest of the five National Parks in Utah.
The lowest elevation in the park is 3,730 feet at the Colorado River. The highest elevation is 7,120 feet at Cathedral Point.
Two rivers formed the districts in this park, Green and Colorado. Since there isn’t a way to easily get from one district to another, travelers must plan on 2-7 hours to drive to each one.
The Green and Colorado Rivers merge at a point called the Confluence.
There is a lesser-known fourth district of the park known as Horseshoe Canyon. The district is detached from the other three.
The Five Districts of Canyonlands
The Green River and Colorado River are responsible for dividing the park into three districts. A fourth district is detached from the other three but is still part of Canyonlands. And technically, the rivers are considered to be the fifth district. But we can get into all of that in my blog post that is specifically about the districts of Canyonlands, which dives deep into each of the districts and breaks down what there is to do in each.
Since there are no roads connecting each of these districts across the rivers within the park, it is quite the drive to see all three. They appear close on the map, but since you must circumnavigate the rivers, it is quite the haul.
Here are the distances between the three main districts of Canyonlands:
- Island in the Sky > The Maze 173 miles, approximately 6.5 hours
- Island in the Sky > The Needles 107 miles, approximately 2 hours
- The Needles > The Maze 237 miles, approximately 7.5 hours
- Island in the Sky > Horseshoe Canyon 172 miles, approximately 5.5 hours
- The Maze > Horseshoe Canyon 54 miles, approximately 5 hours
- The Needles > Horseshoe Canyon 235 miles, approximately 6.5 hours
Island in the Sky
Island in the Sky is the most accessible district in the park. There is a paved scenic drive with access to many overlooks and trails.
For the more adventurous (but who don’t want to go to an area as remote as the Maze or Needles districts), there is a moderate four-wheel-drive route called White Rim Road in this section.
The Needles
The Needles has more of a backcountry feel than Island in the Sky. Though there is a paved road leading in and out of the park, hiking and four-wheel drive are required to see a majority of the district.
Trailheads and campsites are only accessible by challenging backcountry roads. Water is available at the visitor center year-round.
The Maze
The Maze is the least accessible district in the park. A 6-hour drive from Moab, The Maze is extremely remote and difficult to navigate.
The NPS encourages all who visit this district to be aware that there is no water, food, gas, or any other services in this district. If you come out to The Maze, you need to be 100% self-sufficient. This includes bringing your own food, water, gas, navigation, and emergency self-rescue equipment for the duration of your adventure.
Trails in The Maze are largely unmarked as they are in the backcountry but may occasionally be marked by cairns.
Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon is often overlooked as it is detached from the three major districts of Canyonlands. If you’re willing to make the haul out there, the canyon boasts impressive rock art, sheer sandstone walls, and backcountry trails and camping opportunities.
The Colorado and Green Rivers
The NPS considers the rivers themselves to be the fifth and final district of Canyonlands. Here you step away from the dry desert heat and take full advantage of the cool rivers by indulging in exciting water adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and packrafting.
The Green and Colorado Rivers are responsible for carving the wild canyons that you see in Canyonlands National Park. They crash together in what’s called the Confluence, where the combined flow of the rivers creates insane speed and power. Upstream of the Confluence, kayakers and canoers can enjoy the calm river flow. Downstream of the Confluence, whitewater rafters can enjoy a world-class stretch of rapids.
Top Hikes in Canyonlands: By District
Island in the Sky
Mesa Arch
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 88 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Mesa Arch is a 0.7-mile loop and is one of the most popular trails in the entire park.
The parking lot for this arch is almost always full, especially at sunrise. If you plan to hike this at sunrise, bring a headlamp and arrive well before dawn. We arrived at the trailhead about 90 minutes before sunrise, and we snagged one of the last parking spots.
It’s a very popular location for professional photographers, so if you go, be prepared for crowds and an abundance of cameras and tripods. Our crowd got a little rowdy, and some individuals’ behavior almost bordered on harassment toward the pair of photographers with tripods. Keep your equipment out of the way, let everyone take turns snapping some photos, and most importantly, stick around until after the sun has risen.
Most of the crowd will dwindle away once the sun has peeked through the arch, but the best lighting and the best colors often occur an hour or more after the sun has pierced the horizon. Find a spot to sit and watch the sunlight slowly fill the canyon and witness the morning’s unique canvas as colors streak across the sky like paintbrush strokes.
Upheaval Dome Overlook
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 114 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This hike will take you to two overlooks of Upheaval Dome. If you just wish to hike the first one, you can shave the mileage down to just 0.6 miles roundtrip, but I’d highly recommend adding the second overlook as it is more impressive in my opinion.
The first overlook is stunning while the second overlook is both stunning and fun to access. The steep climb up sandstone slabs will remind you of a mini, less aggressive Half Dome in Yosemite. At times there are little indentions to slip your feet into but a majority is a steep climb. Make sure your hats and loose belongings are secure; it gets quite windy up there!
The panoramic view of the canyons and craters will take your breath away, maybe quite literally. Be careful on the way down!
For the geology lovers: The Dome has created puzzlement amongst the geologist crowd. A theory was developed over the years about what caused the formation of the Upheaval Dome. Geologists believe a meteor the length of 1/3-mile may have struck the area, causing an unstable crater to form. Rocks underground then heaved upward to fill the gap left by the collision. Rock layers have gradually exposed themselves over the years, revealing all of the beautiful, colored rocks that were once underground. It is just a theory though; the mystery still prevails. Until geologists know for sure what happened thousands of years ago, this fun trail is available to walk and climb for those who are interested in seeing the mysterious formations.
Grand View Point
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 160 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This trail begins at the southernmost point along the scenic drive. There is a short, paved trail to an overlook, but if you have time, continue past the viewpoint another mile down sets of stairs and along the cliff edge.
The path to the second viewpoint (and the second viewpoint, itself) is unbeatable. You will be treated to spectacular views of the canyons, basins, buttes, and even distant mountains and the famous White Rim Road.
There are many spots to stop and take photos along the way; there isn’t a bad view on the entire trail!
Whale Rock
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 131 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This trail is a quick, easy hike that involves climbing up a giant slab of sandstone. Its enormous whale-like size gives the trail its name.
Climb to the top of Whale Rock, and make sure to circumnavigate the rock so that you can get a panoramic view of the canyon and park road. Hold on to all of your belongings; it gets extremely windy up there!
White Rim Overlook
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 160 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
White Rim Overlook is a 1.8-mile out & back hike that features views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains.
Catch stunning east-facing views as you walk along the cliff’s edge and admire the fascinating maze of canyons and buttes.
The Needles
Peekaboo
- Distance: 10 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 270 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning at the Squaw Flat Campground and ending at the Peekaboo Campground, the Peekaboo Trail is 10 miles out and back.
On this trail, you will ascend or descend two wooden ladders and you will also be scrambling through mazes of canyons.
Druid Arch
- Distance: 10.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 1,614 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Druid Arch is a 10.4-mile out & back trail. Along this trail, you will ascend Elephant Canyon, scale a ladder, and climb up a very steep ravine.
Druid Arch, with its tilted profile and unusually vertical span, is the finale of this fantastic hike.
Slickrock Trail
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 137 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Slickrock Trail is famously known as the introduction to The Needles district. If you’re not feeling up to the challenges of the backcountry hikes in this section of Canyonlands, or your time is restricted, this hike is a great welcome mat to the district.
It is a level trail along sandstone with multiple mini spurs to incredible overlooks. The whole trail is just 2.4 miles when looped and offers spectacular views of Cathedral Butte, Six Shooter Peak, the Needles, La Sal Mountains, and Abajo Mountains.
The Maze
Chocolate Drops Trail
- Distance: 8.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 928 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Since this hike is in the backcountry, there is a little bit of discrepancy about the length of this trail. My research yielded that it is roughly seven to nine miles. AllTrails states that it is 8.4 miles.
The trail leads to the four unique rock formations collectively known as the Chocolate Drops.
Maze Overlook Trail
- Distance: 8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 964 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail is 8 miles out & back if you begin and end at the Maze Overlook Campsite. The hikes in this district are known for testing adventurers both physically and mentally, both on the trail and getting to the trail. If you are unsure if you’re fit to tackle hiking in The Maze, this Overlook Trail is a good test.
You will pass through narrow canyons and view prehistoric rock art and the Chocolate Drop formations.
The trail can be extended if you’re looking for a backpacking adventure.
Where to Stay in Canyonlands: By District
There are no lodging or dining options in any of the three major districts of Canyonlands. Consider camping in Island in the Sky or The Needles or staying outside the park.
If you are interested in backcountry camping at any of the districts, click here to be directed to the NPS backcountry camping orientation page. The permit system for vehicles and hikers is explained here.
Island in the Sky
Lodging (Outside of the Park)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Camping
Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground. There are 12 sites, and they are all first-come, first-served at $15/night. The campground is open year-round. There are toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no water. Water is available at the Visitor Center from spring through fall.
The Needles
Lodging (Outside of the Park)
Camping
The Needles Campground. There are 26 individual sites with 3 group sites scattered around the district. The nightly fee for an individual site is $20. There are picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. Click on the campground link I have provided for full details on which sites need to be reserved and which are first-come, first-served.
The Maze
Lodging (Outside of the Park)
Holiday Inn Express Green River
Getting Around Canyonlands
Since it is quite difficult to see more than one district in a single visit to Canyonlands, most people choose just one. While they appear close on a map, they are actually hours apart from each other, ranging from two to seven hours. If a bridge was able to be constructed across the river, it would shave hours off of visitors’ commutes.
Of the three most popular, Island in the Sky is the most accessible, The Maze is the most remote, and The Needles falls somewhere in between.
If you’re visiting Island in the Sky, you won’t need a four-wheel drive. There is a paved scenic road that is perfectly acceptable for all types of vehicles. However, if you choose to drive White Rim Road, you will need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The Needles has one paved road that leads in and out of the park. The rest of the backcountry roads require high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles to access.
If you plan on visiting The Maze district, you will need a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for all roads. It is the least accessible and most remote of the three major districts.
Horseshoe Canyon, the lesser-known fourth district of Canyonlands, is accessible to both two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles, depending on which direction you come from. But the NPS cautions that conditions can quickly change roads from two-wheel to four-wheel, so it is not recommended to take a vehicle that does not have four-wheel-drive capabilities.
To get down to the Colorado and Green Rivers and paddle, you will need to launch outside of the park boundaries. There is no vehicle access to the rivers near the Confluence or in Cataract Canyon.
When to Visit
As with any of the Utah Mighty Five Parks, Canyonlands is open year-round but I recommended to visit in the spring and fall.
The summer months can get dangerously hot. If you are in the more remote areas of the park, the heat can be an even bigger detriment. Without access to water, gas, quick emergency, or other major services, the threat is heightened.
Winter conditions can be extremely cold and can make the backcountry roads and trails even more treacherous. With the extreme hot or cold temperatures, there will be fewer crowds and more solitude, so of course, winter and summer can seem like attractive seasons to visit. Just keep in mind that whenever you choose to visit that you are fully prepared and ready to be self-sufficient, especially if you are planning a trip to The Maze district.
The Visitor Centers in Island in the Sky and The Needles are open spring through fall.
Best Non-Hiking Activities
Drive or Bike on White Rim Road: Island in the Sky
White Rim Road is a 100-mile route that loops around and below the mesa. It is open to four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, and e-bikes. ATVs, UTVs, and OHVs are not allowed on any portion of this road.
Mountain biking on this road is an exhilarating way to see the expansive views of Island in the Sky without worrying about how to navigate the complicated one-way routes in a massive vehicle or worrying about running out of gas.
Plan on three to four days to bike 100 miles through the mesa. This will allow you plenty of time to take breaks, and pull over and enjoy the one-of-a-kind views that you can only get on this road.
There are designated campsites along the route that are clearly marked, and you must have a permit to stay.
It is recommended that you have a four-wheel-drive support vehicle that can follow you on the road to carry your water and equipment.
Driving on this road would be a thrill! The complicated and popular sections like Shafer Trail and Murphy Hogback are just the beginning. There is an abundance of rock, deep sand, and mud.
Check the weather and current conditions before embarking on your adventure; roads can be impassible in certain areas during inclement weather.
If you’re going to drive on White Rim Road, keep in mind that some parts are one-way and yielding can be quite difficult. Be respectful and work with the other driver(s) to determine the safest possible route to get around each other. A big reason that permits are required is so that there is less traffic and more time to enjoy the iconic canyon vistas.
Plan on two to three days to drive the entire road.
Backcountry Camping
As mentioned several times in this blog post, there are so many wild spaces in Canyonlands. Remote spaces open up a world of opportunity for self-sufficient backcountry adventures. There are hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, from unmarked roaming zones to defined trails and campsites.
Consider reserving a night (or two or three) in the backcountry in any of the districts and camping in an area that few have been and stayed. You will experience total and complete solitude both on the trail and at the campsite, especially in The Maze.
Some of these primitive backcountry trails will challenge even the most skilled backpackers, testing their climbing and navigation expertise. Prepare to be rewarded with one-of-a-kind scenes and unparalleled wilderness experiences.
Whitewater Rafting at Cataract Canyon
Cataract Canyon begins at the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The force of the Colorado River doubles due to the rush of the Green River, making this an exhilarating spot for whitewater rafting.
Class III-V rapids run all the way down the 100-mile chasm, but there are plenty of stretches of flat river to relax and soak up the canyon views.
Whether you want a simple 3-day trip or an extended week-long adventure, consider booking your tours at one of these places:
What to Explore Around Canyonlands
If you’re visiting Canyonlands, I’d highly recommend stopping by the other four National Parks in southern Utah: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Arches. Aside from these Mighty Five parks, here are some other beautiful places to visit around Canyonlands:
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Bears Ears National Monument
- Colorado National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Sand Flats Recreation Area
