Canyonlands National Park
If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through a vast and rugged landscape, Canyonlands National Park is the place for you. Imagine standing on the edge of a towering mesa, gazing out over a labyrinth of canyons carved by the mighty Colorado River. This is a place where adventure meets serenity, and natural beauty takes center stage.
Canyonlands National Park Overview
When you visit Canyonlands National Park, you can enjoy a stunning view of the night sky due to minimal light pollution and great air quality. The park, shaped by the Colorado River, provides activities like hiking, stargazing, camping, and technical rock climbing.
Established in 1964, this park protects 527 square miles of vibrant landscape that has been sculpted into numerous canyons, mesas, arches, and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Divided by the Colorado and Green rivers, the park has four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. While all areas have a rugged desert feel, each has its own unique characteristics and opportunities for exploration.
Things to do in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, catering to various interests and skill levels. From scenic drives to adrenaline-fueled adventures, there’s something for everyone in this natural wonder.
Auto Touring
Canyonlands has many unpaved roads that cover hundreds of miles, allowing access to different campsites, trailheads, and viewpoints in the park’s remote areas. Most of these roads need vehicles with high clearance and low-range four-wheel drive. The difficulty of these roads varies from moderate to very challenging, so it is important to carefully research your route before driving on them.
Backpacking
For adventurous souls, Canyonlands offers unparalleled backpacking opportunities. The remote and rugged landscapes of The Needles and The Maze districts provide countless miles of hiking trails and backcountry campsites.
Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. The Maze is accessible only by high-clearance vehicles or on foot, making it a true wilderness experience.
Biking
Canyonlands has many miles of four-wheel-drive roads, making it perfect for extended mountain biking trips. Most groups bring vehicle support to carry water and gear due to limited water sources along the roads. For more adventurous cyclists, self-supported trips with panniers and trailers are an option. Bikes must stick to designated roads as there are no singletrack trails in the park, and there are no shoulders or bike lanes. Stay cautious of passing vehicles while biking.
Boating
The Colorado and Green Rivers have had a major impact on the formation of Canyonlands National Park. Exploring the park from the river level provides a special viewpoint. Near the center of Canyonlands, where the two rivers meet, there are long stretches of calm water suitable for canoeing, sea kayaking, and other shallow watercraft. Downstream from their confluence, the rivers merge to create Cataract Canyon, known for its intense rapids ranging from Class III to V over a fourteen-mile stretch.
Climbing
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky are popular among rock climbers, attracting the most climbers compared to other areas in the park. Climbing is limited in other parts of the park due to subpar rock quality and a lack of established routes. Permits are not required for technical rock climbing but are necessary for overnight backcountry travel and day trips on certain roads like the White Rim Road and backcountry roads in The Needles. Camping is prohibited at the trailhead for Zeus and Moses.
Guided Tours
Exploring remote areas like the backcountry requires careful preparation, skills, and costly gear. For those who lack the means or desire to organize their own adventures, guided tours provide an ideal opportunity to discover the beauty of Canyonlands National Park.
Guided tours are available for activities such as mountain biking, off-road driving, and river rafting. Some tour companies offer packages that include a mix of these activities, with trips ranging from single-day excursions to extended multi-day adventures.
Hiking
Canyonlands offers numerous hiking trails spanning hundreds of miles, allowing visitors to discover the park’s natural and cultural attractions. Both Island in the Sky and The Needles areas offer plenty of options for short strolls, day hikes, and backpacking adventures.
The Maze area, being more isolated, is best suited for backpackers due to its remote location.
Trails are typically indicated by cairns (small piles of rocks) and signs at trail junctions. Some less frequented paths may not be well-maintained or clearly marked, so it’s advisable for all hikers venturing into the backcountry to carry a detailed topographic map.
Horseback Riding
Explore the park’s rugged beauty on horseback with guided tours and trail rides, offering a unique perspective of Canyonlands.
Check with local outfitters for availability and booking information. Wear appropriate attire, such as long pants and closed-toe shoes. Follow the guide’s instructions and safety guidelines during the ride.
Stargazing
Many visitors are surprised by the complete darkness of a moonless night in Canyonlands, as only one in ten Americans live in areas where they can see the estimated 2,500 stars that should be visible under normal conditions. In most cities, the night sky is hidden by urban lights, but at Canyonlands, you can witness a plethora of stars with just your naked eye. Under optimal conditions, even common binoculars can reveal Saturn’s rings. The park protects various resources, such as natural darkness, which has become increasingly rare outside its boundaries.
Canyonlands National Park is a proud member of the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative, a voluntary initiative that connects communities, tribes, businesses, state and federal agencies, and individuals to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, reduce the impact of outdoor lighting, and conserve natural darkness on the Colorado Plateau.
Places to stay in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, from primitive campsites to comfortable lodges.
Camping
Canyonlands has 2 campgrounds located within the park, offering a more immersive experience in the great outdoors.
Needles Campground: Located in the Needles district, this campground offers 26 sites for tents and RVs.
Island in the Sky Campground: Situated atop the Island in the Sky Mesa, this campground has 12 sites.
Hotel and Resort
For those seeking a more comfortable stay, there are several hotels and resorts located just outside the park’s boundaries.
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn (3.5-star)
When you stay at Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn in Moab, UT, you can expect a unique experience with modern amenities and stylish design. The hotel offers an on-site fitness room for guests to maintain their workout routine while traveling. You can also count on receiving the excellent customer service that Best Western® Hotels & Resorts are known for.
- Address: 16 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532-2503
- Price Range: From $239/night depending on the season and demand
Aarchway Inn (3-star)
Aarchway Inn is a great option for travelers in Moab, providing a family-friendly atmosphere and various amenities to improve your stay. The hotel is conveniently located near popular landmarks like St. Pius X Catholic Church (1.6 miles) and The Overlook Gallery (2.0 miles), allowing guests to easily explore Moab’s top attractions.
Guests at Aarchway Inn can enjoy a 24-hour front desk, a sun terrace, and a convenience store to enhance their experience. The hotel also offers a pool and complimentary breakfast. For those driving to the hotel, free parking is provided.
- Address: 1551 N Riverview Dr, Moab, UT 84532-4800
- Price Range: From $165/night depending on the season and demand
Bowen Motel (2-star)
The Bowen Motel is centrally situated downtown, within walking distance to various restaurants, shops, and places where you can rent jeeps or bicycles, go river rafting, hiking, and more. It is also just a short distance away from Arches National Park, and serves as a central point for exploring Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.
- Address: 169 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532-2394
- Price Range: From $154 – $200/night depending on the season and demand
Dining
Dining options within Canyonlands National Park are limited, but the surrounding communities offer a variety of restaurants and eateries to satisfy your appetite.
The Broken Oar Restaurant
The Broken Oar Restaurant is the perfect Moab dining destination. Their wide variety of homemade food provides a great escape from the usual mass-produced chain food available. The unique restaurant decor is best described as a “cozy mountain cabin” meets “ski lodge”. If you are looking for a great spot to relax after enjoying the variety of Moab’s activities, The Broken Oar is your place.
- Address: 53 W 400 N, Moab, UT 84532-2355
- Open time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Prices range: $8 – $35
Moab Diner
The Moab Diner, originally known as the Poor Boy DriveInn, was opened in the early 1960s and quickly became a favorite burger spot for Moab locals. Even now, long-time residents reminisce about their high school days spent at the diner, enjoying good food and creating lasting memories.
The Moab Diner is known for its dedication to quality, bustling atmosphere, all-day breakfast options, and their famous green chili sauce, all served in a retro setting that adds to the charm of the place.
- Address: 189 South Main Street, Moab, UT 84532-2506
- Open time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Prices range: $6 – $20
The Spoke on Center
Super cool location right on the corner of the street in Moab. The inside had comfortable seating, indoor, outdoor, and upstairs. The food was really good.
- Address: 5 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532-2364
- Open time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Prices range: $10 – $20
Planning Your Trip to Canyonlands National Park
To make the most of your visit to Canyonlands National Park, it’s essential to plan your trip carefully, considering factors such as the best time to go, transportation, and any necessary permits or reservations.
Visiting Time
Canyonlands National Park is open all year, 24/7. The best times to visit are spring and fall. Summer can be very hot, while winter can be extremely cold. Fewer visitors and more solitude can be found during extreme temperatures.
Life in the park has adapted to harsh conditions. Annual precipitation averages only 8 inches, and the temperature range is one of the widest globally, from -25°F to 115°F.
Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures for visitors and are ideal times to explore. Summer temperatures can reach around 100°F, while winter can bring lows in teens or even lower.
Transportation
Canyonlands National Park is located in a remote area of Utah, so transportation planning is crucial. The park is accessible by car, with paved roads leading to the main districts. Several shuttle companies offer transportation to and from the park, particularly from Moab. The nearest airport is in Moab, Utah, about a 30-minute drive from the park’s entrance.
Canyonlands National Park Map
Conclusion
Wind Cave National Park offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, you can make the most of your trip to this hidden gem in the Black Hills of South Dakota. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the wonders of Wind Cave National Park!
Canyonlands National Park Photos
Q&A for Canyonlands National Park
The three distinct districts of Canyonlands National Park are Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.
The main activities in Canyonlands National Park include auto touring, backpacking, biking, boating, climbing, guided tours, hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Canyonlands National Park offers camping options, both within the park and in the backcountry. There are also hotels and resorts located in the nearby towns of Moab and Monticello, Utah.
The best times to visit Canyonlands National Park are in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and crowds are fewer.
Canyonlands National Park is accessible by car, with paved roads leading to the main districts. There are also shuttle services available from nearby towns, and the nearest airport is in Moab, Utah.