If you type “How many districts are there in Canyonlands National Park?” into the Google search engine, you will scroll through results ranging from three districts to five districts. So why is there a discrepancy?
Canyonlands National Park is separated into three main districts by the Green and Colorado Rivers. These districts are Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. There is also a geographically detached section of the park called Horseshoe Canyon. So you’re thinking, what’s the fifth district? Well, some consider the Green and Colorado Rivers themselves to be an entirely separate district. Confused yet?
To alleviate any discrepancy, I am going to discuss all five districts of Canyonlands. Whether or not you actually consider them to be separate districts, these five sections are all part of Canyonlands National Park. And while each district shares a primitive desert atmosphere, each area provides an entirely different experience with exclusive recreational and sightseeing opportunities.
Since the park is separated into so many districts, it can be difficult to decide which area(s) is worth your time. To help you with this decision, I am going to take a deep dive into all five districts of Canyonlands. For each district of Canyonlands, I am going to share how to get there, things to know, the best things to do, and where to stay so that you can decide which district (or districts) are worth your visit!
Which District Of Canyonlands Should You Visit?
Island In The Sky
Island in the Sky is the most popular district in Canyonlands National Park. It’s the most visited section of the park because of its accessibility. This district, a flat-topped mesa with panoramic views, is perfect for visitors who don’t have a lot of time but want a satisfying preview of the park.
While the ease of access is what draws many visitors in, the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround the district are what make them stick around. The 34-mile (roundtrip) Island in the Sky scenic drive is littered with paved pull-offs, epic overlooks, and short hiking trails that grant visitors a delicious preview into the primitive desert that engulfs the park. And while the main scenic drive is accessible by all vehicles, there are plenty of spots in the district to go off-roading and hiking that will take visitors on an epic journey into the rugged backcountry.
How To Get There
To get to Island in the Sky, drive 10 miles north of Moab or 22 miles south of I-70 on US 191. Turn onto UT 313, and then drive southwest 22 miles.
Once you arrive, you’ll have a decision to make. Which part(s) of the district do you want to explore?
The Two Basic Sections Of Island In The Sky
- On top of the mesa. Here you will find short hikes, an accessible scenic drive, and many pull-offs and overlooks.
- Below the mesa. Using the steep White Rim Road, you can access more hiking trails via an off-roading experience.
Things To Know
- The visitor center is open year-round with some closures in the winter. Click here to see current visitor center hours.
- Trails above the mesa are marked with cairns.
- Trails below the mesa are primitive and rough.
- ATVs and OHVs are not permitted.
- All overnight backcountry trips require a permit.
Best Things To Do
Drive The Iconic Shafer Trail
The Shafer Trail is the premiere bucket list item to check off in Canyonlands National Park. This iconic, unpaved backcountry road that zig-zags 1,500 feet below the mesa and through a sandstone cliff should be at the top of your park to-do list.
Shafer Trail Tips
- The NPS strongly recommends driving a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.
- The speed limit is 15mph and is strictly enforced.
- Uphill traffic has the right-of-way. Use pull-offs to share the road, and exercise caution as many parts of the road are extremely narrow.
- Stay on the trail the entire time. Venturing off the trail can cause irreversible damage to the vegetation.
- Conditions on the trail can change rapidly. Rain and snow can cause the road to become extremely slick and treacherous. Check the weather before heading out on your adventure. Even better, connect with a ranger prior to your drive down any backcountry road in the park.
Mountain Bike Along The White Rim Road
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 vehicle, running out of gas, or breaking down.
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.
Hike Mesa Arch At Sunrise
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 88 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Mesa Arch is one of the most popular trails in Canyonlands. And for good reason. As the sun rises, the canyon will slowly fill with light and illuminate the underbody of the arch.
To see this natural wonder, you’ll need to arrive early and hike in the dark. 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 delicate paintbrush strokes.
Hike To Grandview Point
Trail Stats:
- 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 scene on the entire trail!
Cruise The Scenic Drive And Stop At All Of The Overlooks
Along this 34-mile (roundtrip) scenic drive, there are many spots to pull over and admire the panoramic landscape. From the Visitor Center to Upheaval Dome to Grand View Point, each roadside viewpoint offers a different perspective of the surrounding canyons.
Can’t-Miss Overlooks:
- Shafer Canyon Overlook
- Grand View Point Overlook
- Green River Overlook
Where To Stay
- Willow Flat Campground. This year-round campground has 12 sites, and they are all first-come, first-served. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, but no water. Campers can fill up their water bottles at the visitor center year-round.
- Under Canvas Moab. Upscale, safari-inspired glamping.
- Moab Springs Ranch. Stylish bungalows and townhouses with access to resort amenities.
The Needles
The Needles district, named after the towering sandstone pinnacles that dominate the area, sits in the southeast corner of Canyonlands. This district is perfect for visitors who want to experience a small-scale taste of rugged backcountry and a diverse slew of hiking trails without the completely isolated remoteness of The Maze.
How To Get There
On US 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, then take UT 211 about 35 miles west. UT 211 ends in The Needles district.
The main park road is paved and about 7 miles long. There are several overlooks and hiking trails along the route. To get up close and personal with the Needles, consider venturing into the backcountry via the spur 4WD roads and challenging hiking trails.
Things To Know
- The Needles visitor center is open daily from spring through fall. Click here for current operating hours.
- Water is available outside of the visitor center year-round.
- The main park road is only about 7 miles long. To reach the rest of the district, you’ll need to take one of the spur 4WD roads or backcountry hiking trails.
- Many 4WD roads require vehicle permits for entry. Check the park website before venturing into The Needles.
- ATVs and OHVs are not permitted.
- All overnight backpackers must obtain a permit before spending the night in the district.
- Trails are marked with cairns. Some require navigating steep passes with drop-offs, narrow areas, and ladders.
Best Things To Do
Hike Chesler Park Loop Trail
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 10.2 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 1,794 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Chesler Park is a quintessential Needles hike. You’ll get up close and personal with the Needles while enjoying some rock scrambles, caves, a slot canyon, and some pretty insane views.
Hike To Druid Arch
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 10.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 1,614 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is another iconic Needles hike with interesting features and challenges. Along the Druid Arch 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.
Cruise The Scenic Drive
The scenic drive is 7 miles long and paved.
Here are some viewpoints and hiking trails to stop at along the way:
- Wooden Shoe Overlook
- Roadside Ruin
- Cave Spring
- Elephant Hill
- Pothole Point
- Slickrock
- Big Spring Canyon Overlook
Go Off-Roading
There are over 50 miles of backcountry roads in The Needles. If you want to stray from the 7-mile, paved main park road to access campsites, trailheads, and park attractions, you will need to go off-roading!
These challenging backcountry roads require 4×4 high-clearance vehicles. The terrain ranges from moderate to extremely challenging. You’ll traverse obstacles like steep grades, loose rock, stair-step drops, tight turns and backing, deep sand, quicksand, and water.
Some of the backcountry roads are suitable for mountain bikes, but not all; make sure to check the park website before attempting this.
Here are some of the best four-wheel-drive roads in The Needles:
- Elephant Hill. One of the most technical roads for vehicles and mountain bikes in Utah. You’ll experience steep grades, loose rocks, stair-step drops, and tight turns. Mountain bikes and vehicles are permitted. Campsites and trailheads are located along this road.
- Lavender Canyon. Deep sand, water, and quicksand are common along the canyon bottom. Permit required for day use. Vehicles only. No vehicle camping.
- Horse Canyon / Peekaboo. Deep sand, water, and quicksand are common along the canyon bottom. Leads to several arches and Tower Ruin. Permit required for day use and overnight use. Not suitable for mountain bikes.
- Colorado Overlook. Moderate road minus the last 1.5 miles. Suitable for vehicles and mountain bikes. You can skip the last 1.5 miles by parking on the road (as long as you leave room for others to pass) and walking to the overlook. Leads to a fantastic overlook of the Colorado River Canyon. No vehicle camping.
Hike Slickrock Trail
Trail Stats:
- 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.
Where To Stay
- 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 Domes at Canyonlands. Comfortable and stylish glamping in Moab.
- Glamping Canyonlands. An off-grid and eco-friendly camping experience.
The Maze
The Maze is the least accessible, most remote, and least visited district of Canyonlands. The terrain is rugged, brutal, and unforgiving but undeniably rewarding. If you want to know what it feels like to experience the true desert and you’re prepared to bring all of your own supplies, fend for yourself, and self-rescue should you need to, head to The Maze.
Only visitors who are experienced and up to the brutal challenge should venture into The Maze. There are no paved roads and no 2WD-friendly paths. You will need a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD, a lot of supplies, and a dash of patience because there are no paved roads, no fuel stations, no food, and no potable water. You’re on your own out there, and you should be prepared to stay for several days due to its large size and remoteness.
How To Get There
From I-70, take UT 24 south for 24 miles. A left-hand turn just past the turnoff to Goblin Valley State Park will take you along a 2WD dirt road 46 miles southeast to the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
From the ranger station, the canyons of The Maze are another 3 to 6 hours by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Another four-wheel-drive road leads into The Maze north from UT 95 near Hite Marina (driving time is 3+ hours to the park boundary).
Things To Know
- The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open year-round from 8 AM-4:30 PM daily. There are vault toilets and a picnic table.
- There are no services, food, gas, or potable water sources in The Maze. You must come prepared with your own.
- The nearest town with amenities is Hanksville, which is 68 miles from the ranger station.
- Due to the remote nature of the district, visitors typically spend at least three days in the park. Therefore, you must be prepared by bringing your own fuel, food, water, and medical supplies for the duration of your stay (plus extras).
- You need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle to traverse The Maze. All roads in the district are isolated, rugged, and extremely difficult. Inexperienced off-roaders should not attempt to drive these roads.
- Hiking trails and backpacking routes are steep, unmarked, rugged, and minimally maintained. Many trails have steep slickrock and dangerous drop-offs. These trails involve quite a bit of route-finding and even some basic climbing skills, so all backcountry hikers must carry a topographic map.
- ATVs and OHVs are prohibited.
- Flash floods can occur without warning. Never cross a canyon that is flooding.
- The National Park Service recommends that The Maze visitors carry the following in their car: at least one full-size spare tire, extra gas, extra water, a shovel, a high-lift jack, and chains for all four tires between October and April.
- Cairns are rare on these hiking trails. Some may be placed from the mesa top to the canyon bottom, but the washes are all unmarked.
- Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. These can be reserved in advance.
- The Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area shares Canyonlands’ western boundary and is administered under the same backcountry management plan and reservation system. Regulations are the same for The Maze and Orange Cliffs, though they differ in the rest of Glen Canyon.
- If you have a two-wheel-drive vehicle, you may park at the North Point Road junction, approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Hans Flat Ranger Station, and hike to Maze Overlook via North Trail Canyon.
Best Things To Do
Explore The Canyons
Many trails in the Maze lead into canyons. Challenging yet exciting maneuvers that are presented on these trails allow you to raise, lower, or squeeze yourself into some of the most remote canyons in North America!
The NPS recommends that you carry at least a 25-foot rope to navigate through the tight and steep canyons.
Hike The Chocolate Drops Trail
Trail Stats:
- 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.
Hike The Maze Overlook Trail
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 8 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 964 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail is 8 miles out-and-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
- Camp in the Maze. Snag your permits on recreation.gov.
- Whispering Sands Motel. Located in Hanksville, this motel is about 2 hours from the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
- Holiday Inn Express Green River. Located in Green River, this hotel is about 2.5 hours from the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
- Comfort Inn Green River. Located in Green River, this hotel is about 2.5 hours from the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
Horseshoe Canyon
History buffs will love this district of Canyonlands. Horseshoe Canyon contains some of the most significant Archaic rock markings in North America. Along with its historical significance, Horseshoe Canyon contains some impressive sights that will make your visit worth it even if you are not fascinated by history.
Horseshoe Canyon is detached from the other four districts of Canyonlands, which is a big reason why it is often overlooked. Perched north of The Maze, Horseshoe Canyon is considered to be remote but chock-full of reasons to visit.
How To Get There
According to the NPS, two-wheel-drive vehicles can usually travel the 30-mile graded dirt road from UT 24 (near Goblin Valley State Park), or the 47-mile dirt road traveling south from Green River. However, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to take the road that leads to the east rim of Horseshoe Canyon from the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
Drive time is roughly 2.5 hours from Moab or 1.5 hours from Green River.
Things To Know
- Two-wheel-drive roads can change to four-wheel-drive roads in the event of weather changes/conditions. Unpredictable weather such as sand-shifting wind or rain can affect the quality and grade of the road. With that in mind, it’s best to take a four-wheel drive into this section of the park.
- Hiking trails are steep, uneven, sandy, and rocky.
- The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open year-round from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
- Camping inside the park boundaries of Horseshoe Canyon is prohibited. Campers can stay overnight at the west rim trailhead on BLM land.
Best Things To Do
Hike The Great Gallery
Trail Stats:
- Length: 7 miles
- Type: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 1,387 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail wanders through cottonwood groves and sandstone walls. Stroll through all of the rock panels, including the trail’s main feature, the Great Gallery. The Great Gallery is a pictograph and petroglyph panel with intricate, life-sized designs and figures.
Where To Stay
- BLM Land. You may camp at the west rim trailhead on public land managed by the BLM. Overnight camping isn’t allowed inside the Horseshoe Canyon’s park boundaries.
- Whispering Sands Motel. Located in Hanksville, this motel is about 2 hours from the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
- Holiday Inn Express Green River. Located in Green River, this hotel is about 2.5 hours from the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
The Green And Colorado Rivers
The NPS considers the Green and Colorado Rivers to be a separate district of Canyonlands because of their remarkable uniqueness from the rest of the park. While the top of the mesa reveals all of the true signs of a typical desert – hot, sunny, and scorched – the canyon bottom with the twisting rivers reveals the exact opposite – cool, shaded, and green.
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.
How To Get There
Getting down to the rivers takes a little bit of effort. Launch locations are outside of the park boundaries. Here are the launch locations from each river.
Colorado River
- Potash ramps
- Moab ramps
Green River
- Green River State Park
- Ruby Ranch
- Mineral Bottom
Things To Know
- River flows are dependent on snowmelt and rainfall.
- Permits are required for all flatwater trips in Canyonlands – day use and overnight. You only need a parking permit for the nights you will be inside the park (below Potash or Mineral Bottom ramps).
- There are no designated campsites along the river. High water can make it difficult to find places to camp. Consider camping at one of the sandbars during the summer and fall.
Best Things To Do
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:
Canoe Or Kayak Upstream From The Confluence
Paddling upstream of the Confluence is a fun, relaxing way to experience the rivers! You can paddle as far as the Confluence or Spanish Bottom. A permit is required for all flatwater trips.
Launches in the Colorado River are located in Potash and Moab.
Launches in the Green River are located at Green River State Park, Ruby Ranch, and Mineral Bottom.
Packraft In The Backcountry
Packrafting is another great way to experience the rivers. Many choose to combine a river trip with a backpacking trip to explore different districts of the park!
Packrafting comes with great risks, so make sure to read all of the rules and regulations ahead of time.
Backcountry permits are required for all packrafting trips.
Where To Stay
If you are taking a multi-day paddling trip:
- Camp along the river. Permits are required.
If you’re taking a single-day trip:
- Stay in Moab at Under Canvas Moab or Moab Springs Ranch.
Sample Itineraries
Below are my suggestions for how to make the most of your time in Canyonlands National Park depending on how much time you have to explore!
Just note that if you want to spend time in each district, you’ll need to allot at least a week, and with that timeframe, you will barely scratch the surface of what the park has to offer. Distances between districts are very far, and the districts themselves are massive and full of rugged terrain that causes visitors to travel slower. You could spend months exploring the park, and still not see everything!
So my overall suggestion would be to explore one section at a time and really get a feel for the place by slow traveling. But here are some itinerary ideas!
If you just have one day, spend it in Island in the Sky or The Needles.
If you have two days, spend both days in The Needles or drive the White Rim Road.
If you have three days, drive the White Rim Road or spend all three days in The Maze.
If you have four days, visit Horseshoe Canyon for a day and then spend the rest of the time at The Maze or The Needles.
If you have five days, spend a day at Island in the Sky, two days at The Needles, and two days down on the rivers.
If you have six or more days, your options are endless. Take a multi-day adventure down the river, rough it in The Maze, explore most parts of The Needles, or venture into a little bit of every district on an epic, driving-centered road trip.
Summary
In summary, there is not a bad Canyonlands National Park district to visit! Depending on your time, interests, vehicle, etc., you might find that one district works better for you than another. Hopefully, this article has been helpful for you and that you are able to decide which district (or districts) are worth your time!
No matter which district you choose to visit in Canyonlands National Park, you won’t be disappointed. The wild canyons, white-knuckle roads, epic sunsets, and raging rivers await your arrival!
