National Park Guide

Canyonlands National Park

Utah, US

A wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado and Green rivers.

337,598

Acres

Trails

1964

Established

911,594

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), 2 hours

Best Months

March, April, May, September, October

Highlights

Grand View Point Overlook for a 100-mile panorama
Mesa Arch at sunrise framing the La Sal Mountains
Mountain biking the White Rim Road over 3-4 days
Hiking the Chesler Park Loop through the Needles
Confluence Overlook where the Colorado and Green rivers meet
Four-wheel driving through the remote Maze District

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Canyonlands National Park

Mesa Arch Trail

Easy

0.7 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Grand View Point Trail

Easy

2.0 miles round trip

50 ft gain

Chesler Park Trail

Strenuous

10.0 miles round trip

1,500 ft gain

Upheaval Dome Trail

Moderate

1.8 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Druid Arch Trail

Strenuous

10.8 miles round trip

1,400 ft gain

About Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is Utah's largest national park, divided into four distinct districts by the Colorado and Green rivers. The Island in the Sky mesa offers sweeping panoramas from 1,000 feet above the river, the Needles district features colorful sandstone spires and archaeological sites, and the remote Maze is considered the most inaccessible district in the national park system. The rivers' confluence creates a vast labyrinth of canyons stretching to the horizon.

In-Depth Guide

Canyonlands National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Canyonlands National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Utah.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

Explore More

Hotels

3 options near Canyonlands National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

View all hotels

Sorrel River Ranch Resort

$$$$

A luxury riverside ranch resort along the Colorado River surrounded by towering red rock mesas. Full-service spa, horseback riding, and gourmet dining make it the premier lodging near Canyonlands.

25 miles from Island in the Sky entrance$450-750/night

Check on Hotels.com

Gonzo Inn

A retro-chic boutique hotel in downtown Moab with a vibrant mid-century modern aesthetic, courtyard pool, and art-filled common areas. Named as a nod to the adventurous spirit of Moab.

32 miles from Island in the Sky entrance$170-290/night

Check on Hotels.com

Moab Valley Inn

A well-maintained hotel on Moab's main street offering comfortable rooms, outdoor pool, and a convenient location near restaurants and outfitters for Canyonlands and Arches adventures.

30 miles from Island in the Sky entrance$90-170/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Canyonlands National Park

See how Canyonlands National Park stacks up against other national parks

Canyonlands National Park vs Arches National Park

Choose Canyonlands for vast wilderness, dramatic canyon overlooks, and solitude. Choose Arches for iconic stone arches, shorter hikes, and a more accessible desert experience.

See full comparison

Canyonlands National Park vs Capitol Reef National Park

Choose Capitol Reef for colorful geology, historic orchards, and a quieter, more intimate canyon experience. Choose Canyonlands for overwhelming scale, rugged wilderness, and deep solitude.

See full comparison