Backcountry

Choose Your Adventure

Wondering what you can do in the Canyonlands backcountry? This is the page for you. To have a safe and enjoyable trip, you will need to prepare and plan ahead. Use this page to plan your trip; learn about Leave No Trace, safety, and regulations; and get a permit.

Backcountry and River Permit Reservations on Recreation.gov:

  • ALL backcountry overnight campsites and areas for the spring season March 10-June 10, 2021 will open for reservation on November 10, 2020.
  • All river permits for the spring-summer season April 14-October 15, 2021 will open for reservation on December 14, 2020.
  • All day use permits will open 24 hours in advance for each day.

COVID-19 note: All overnight permits must be reserved online at least two days before start of trip.

 
three hikers on smooth sandstone in front of looming red cliffs

Backcountry & River Trip Orientation

Helpful tips and advice provided in these videos will help you plan your trip and Leave No Trace while out in these pristine areas.

 

On This Page Navigation

 

Things to Do

 
an orange Jeep driving over a steep, rocky surface

Four-Wheel-Driving

There are hundreds of miles four-wheel-drive roads in the park. You may need a permit on some of these roads.

a group of bicyclists on a gravel road

Biking

Mountain bikers may travel any of the hundreds of miles of roads in the park. You may need a permit to ride some of these roads.

a backpacker stands on a ledge overlooking a canyon

Hiking and Backpacking

Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated backcountry campsites. You will need a permit for overnight trips.

a red dory on a river

Boating

The Green and Colorado rivers offer miles of both flat-water and white-water boating.Permits are required.

Ranger assists a visitor at the permits desk.

Permit Information

Permits are required for all overnight and some day-use backcountry, river, four-wheel-drive vehicle, bicycle, and motorcycle trips.

Two signs at the beginning of a trail outline important information.

Regulations

You are responsible for knowing and following all General Backcountry, River, Horse and Pack, and Toilet regulations on your trip.

Stacked rocks form a cairn along the trail in Canyonlands National Park.

Safety

Your safety is important. Familiarize yourself with some of the potential hazards you may experience during your visit.

 
 

Last updated: November 9, 2020

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

2282 Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532

Phone:

435-719-2313

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