Canyonlands National Park

With unfathomable expanses, and area that might have never been trodden by man, Canyonlands National Park is by far Utah’s largest national park. Large parts of the park are un-accessible to the average visitor, but some are accessed with ease, allowing one to experience unparalleled wild nature and enjoy the park’s many hiking trails. Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts, separated by the Colorado and Green Rivers: the Island in the Sky District, the Needles District, the Maze District, and the Colorado and Green Rivers District. Of the four districts, which are not connected by roads, the Needles and the Island in the Sky Districts are most accessible. Island in the Sky is accessible on a day trip from the town of Moab, and the Needles is south of the town, and you can visit there while driving south  to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the likes.

Named for the table mountains which stand high above the clouds, the Island in the Sky District is located in the park’s northeast, not far from Moab. The district has several roads leading to spectacular viewpoints, which also offer great views of the other three districts, and great hiking trails, most of them fairly easy. The district sits high on an elevated plateau, surrounded by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The two river beds and their surrounding areas are much lower then the plateau, creating massive cliffs between them.

The Needles District, named for the many needle-like sandstone formations in the region, is located on the park’s southeastern side (about 85 miles southwest of Moab). Many long hiking trails of a full day or more traverse the district, making it idle for desert hiking enthusiasts.

Access to the Mazes District is more difficult, as it is one of the wildest places in the country. As the district has no roads, just endless nature, it can only be reached by foot or by all terrain vehicle. Due to its remoteness, the Maze receives few visitors each year.

The Colorado and Green River District is located in the park’s center. Access to this district is also difficult, and is possible only via river trips by boats. In this district the Green River flows into the Colorado River, which continues its flow southwest towards Arizona and the famous Grand Canyon.

When to Visit Canyonlands National Park:

You can visit Canyonlands year-round, although winter is less recommended. See a breakdown of the different seasons:

Spring (March-May): While March might still se cold weather and snow, weather throughout spring is usually favorable and the skies clear. Early spring might still be to cold for camping but temperatures warm up as the season progresses, and late spring is great time to camp throughout the park.

Summer (June-August): Summer heat is usually tolerable in the elevated Island in the Sky District, but quite hot in the lower areas such as the Needles. While not a suitable season for long hikes, summer can still be a good time for short ones, especially if you plan on hiking in the early morning or afternoon. June is the driest month in the park, but afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, as part of the ‘Southwestern Monsoon Season’. Storms can lead to flashfloods, but usually don’t drop enough precipitation. The sky during these storms are fabulous, and usually clear towards the evening. Nights in the park are usually cool throughout summer.

Autumn (September-November): September sees colder weather start to form, and the monsoon storms weaken, leading to generally pleasant weather. October is relatively rainy. The weather becomes colder towards late autumn, eventually becoming to cold to camp (yet still suitable for RVs).

Winter (December-February): Winters in the parks are cold, with night (and sometimes day) temperatures dropping bellow freezing. Island in the Sky is often snow covered. Roads throughout the park usually remain open during winter, except during heavy snowstorms. It is usually to cold to camp.

Canyonlands National ParkThe astonishing view from Grand View Point Trail in the Island in the Sky District

Location and Arrival Directions:

The closest town to Canyonlands is Moab, making it the most convenient starting point for a trip to the park. Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Denver are 6.5, 4, and 5.5 hours away from Moab, respectively. Grand Junction, Utah, also has an airport and is about two hours away from MOab.

Where to Go and for how Long:

You should spend at least a day in the Island in the Sky District, which includes the drive from Moab and walking the highly recommended Grand View Point Trail, with which you can also combine other trails, such as the short Mesa Arch or Whale Rock Trails or the long Murphy Point Overlook Trail. Green River Overlook is also highly recommended. At the end of the day, you can visit Dead Horse Point State Park. If your time is short, you can visit the district for only half a day, drive its main road and hike the Grand View Point Trail.

The Needles District is also worthy of a full day or two, and even longer if you plan on doing long hikes. You can stay the night at the park’s campground, or in the nearby town of Monticello

The Maze District requires at least three days, as the drive to it is long and so are the hiking trails in the district. If planning on visitng the maze you should plan your trip in advance in order to obtain the necessary permits.

See the park’s different districts. The Maze in red, Island in the Sky in black, and The Needles in blue.מפת מחוזות פארק קניונלנדס

Road opening schedule and shuttles:

The park’s main roads are generally open year-round and only close during heavy snowstorms or floods. The main roads are suitable for all types of RVs. You should inquire at the visitor center about the current conditions of the park’s dirt roads.

Lodging and Camping in Canyonlands National Park:

Lodging- Visitors to Canyonlands National Park, and especially those visiting Island in the Sky, can stay in the town of Moab, which has great hotels on the banks of the Colorado River (see recommended hotels in and around Moab here). Those visiting the Needles can spend the night in the small towns of Monticello and Blanding. Staying in these towns also fits well if you want to visit the Needles while driving south from Moab to Monument Valley (or vice versa). Those visiting the Maze and and Horseshoe Canyon can stay at the towns of  Visitors to Mayes County and the Horseshoe Canyon can spend the night before entering the reserve in the town of Hanksville or Green River

Camping- Those visiting Island in the Sky can camp at the district’s campground which is first come first serve (and has only 12 sites) or in campgrounds in Moab, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Visitors to the Needles can camp in the district’s campground, which is mostly first come first serve, apart from some sites during autumn.


For a map of Canyonlands National Park click here.

For more destinations in the American Southwest click here.

For all 50 national parks in the lower 48 ranked by beauty, click here.


See here some suggestions for ATV tours from Moab, near Canyonlands:


See here some suggestions for rafting tours from Moab, near Canyonlands:


Grand View Point Trail in Canyonlands National ParkMajestic view from Grand View Point Trail

Island in the Sky in winterIsland in the Sky in winter, with the La Sal Mountains in the background

Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National ParkA stone arch in Island in the Sky

Needles District in Canyonlands National ParkChesler Park Loop Trail in the Needles District

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