Uncounted canyons and buttes await you here that were formed by the colorado river and its tributaries. Rivers here divide the park into four unique districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. All share primitive desert landscapes, but each section offers different activities and adventures.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Entrance Fees
- $30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
Weather
Canyonlands is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.
Things to Do
Hiking at Canyonlands
Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both Island in the Sky and The Needles provide ample opportunities for short walks, day hikes and backpacking trips. Due to its remoteness, The Maze is primarily a backpacking destination.
Boating in Canyonlands
Reservation requiredThe Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands. Boating is a great way to see the park from the bottom up, and affords boaters a unique perspective.
Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah
Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.
Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program
There are a few ways to become a junior ranger at Canyonlands. Free junior ranger booklets are available at park visitor centers, or you can download them from the park website. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Canyonlands to kids and parents alike. After completing certain exercises, you can earn a junior ranger badge and signed certificate.
Rock Climbing at Canyonlands
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. We do not see many climbers in the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes.
Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands
Reservation requiredWhat better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated campsites for overnight backcountry travel.
Getting There
Address: Island in the Sky - 33 miles from Moab on UT 313 Moab UT 84532
Canyonlands National Park is cut into three land districts by the Green and Colorado rivers. Island in the Sky, in the north of the park, is about 40 minutes from Moab, UT via UT 313. The Needles district is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands, about 90 minutes from Moab or an hour from Monticello, UT via UT 211. The Maze district, in the west of the park, is the most remote and challenging; its ranger station is down 46 miles of dirt road from UT 24. All roads in The Maze require high-clearance 4WD.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
12 sites · $15/night
Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat) has 12 sites, first-come, first-served. The campground is open year-round. The spectacular Green River Overlook is n…
The Needles Campground
26 sites · $20/night
The Needles Campground has 26 individual sites. Nightly camping fee for an individual site is $20. You can reserve some individual sites spring through fall. O…
The Needles District Group Campsites
3 sites · $90/night
The Needles district has three group campsites in different locations, which can accommodate up to 15, 25, or 50 campers (respectively). Group campsites may be…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Canyonlands National Park?
The entrance fee for Canyonlands National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Canyonlands National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Canyonlands National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Canyonlands National Park open?
Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.
What are the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park?
Popular things to do in Canyonlands National Park include Hiking at Canyonlands, Boating in Canyonlands, Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah, Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Canyonlands National Park?
Yes — Canyonlands National Park has 3 campgrounds, including Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, The Needles Campground, The Needles District Group Campsites. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.