Road Conditions

Contact district visitor centers for current conditions before beginning any backcountry trip.

You may need a permit to drive on some park roads.

Rain and snow can quickly change unpaved roads to four-wheel-drive condition or make them impassable. Weather

 

Backcountry Travel Advisory

Backcountry driving conditions can change rapidly after rain or snow. Most backcountry roads in Canyonlands require high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with a low range gear (4LO).

All drivers should carry the following items:

• At least one full-size spare tire
• Extra gas
• Extra water
• Shovel
• High-lift jack
• Chains for all four tires (especially from October through April)

Drive Carefully!

Visitors caught in the backcountry with disabled vehicles can expect commercial towing fees in excess of $1,000.

 

 

Island in the Sky

Updated May 27, 2023

• Scenic Drive: Open.
• Shafer Trail: Open. AWD/4WD recommended. Use caution along switchbacks where mud is present.
• Potash Road: Open. Open. Expect rough sections. High-clearance 4WD recommended.
• Mineral Bottom: Open. High-clearance 4WD recommended after any precipitation.
• White Rim Road 4WD: Open. High clearance 4WD required. Currently impassable to vehicles at Upheaval Wash. Be prepared to self-rescue, turn around, or drive out-and-back to reach your campsite. See map below. Driving after dark is dangerous so give yourself ample time to negotiate this difficult terrain. During spring, Upheaval Wash (between Hardscrabble and Labyrinth campsites) and other low areas on the west side can become impassable when the Green River exceeds 15,000 cfs. Check forecasted flows before proceeding.
• Taylor Canyon 4WD Road: May become inaccessible due to flooding.
• Lathrop 4WD Road: Open. Stock vehicles not recommended. Road can become flooded by Colorado River at higher flows.
• Long Canyon 4WD Road: Open.

Even when rated as "passable," four-wheel-drive roads are challenging. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required on the White Rim Road. Other vehicles (e.g., all-wheel-drive vehicles, and low-clearance or high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles) have difficulty negotiating the rough slickrock, loose rocks, deep sand, and steep switchbacks and are not permitted upon the White Rim Road. Vehicles higher than 9' 6" not recommended in order to clear overhangs. Permits are required on the White Rim Road.

Carry extra fuel and be prepared to self-rescue. During winter, all vehicles should carry chains.

 

The Needles

Updated May 24, 2023
Trailers are not advised.

Front Country:

• UT-211/191 to Dugout: Open.
• UT-211 from Dugout to Park Boundary: Open.
• Main Park Road to Campground Road: Open.
• Campground Loop A: Open.
• Salt Flat Road to Cave Springs: Open.
• Cave Springs Access Road: Open.
• Main Park Road from Campground Road to Big Spring Overlook: Open.
• Elephant Hill Access Road: Open.
• Beef Basin Road/Bridger Jack Road/CR-107: May be impassable due to flooding produced by rain and snowmelt cutting off access. High clearance vehicles recommended.

Backcountry:

• Colorado River Overlook Road: Open.
• Elephant Hill 4WD: Open.
• Salt Creek / Horse Canyon: Impassable due to water and quicksand on the roadway.
• Lavender Canyon: Open. High clearance, modified 4WD vehicles recommended to cross flooded areas.

Even when rated as "passable," four-wheel-drive roads in The Needles are challenging. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required on these roads. Other vehicles (e.g., all-wheel-drive vehicles, and low-clearance or high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles) cannot navigate the rough slickrock, loose rocks, steep ledges, deep sand, and steep switchbacks. Depending on the season, you can expect ice, up to two feet of water, quicksand, vegetation or rock outcrops that could scratch a vehicle, or debris that you must negotiate while staying within the boundary of the road. We recommend traveling in groups of two or more vehicles—both with winches—in order to facilitate self-rescue. Park rangers do not winch vehicles out. Do not attempt any roads if there is a forecast for heavy rains, which lead to flash flooding. Never cross flooded roads.

You must have a permit on some Needles roads.

 

The Maze

Updated May 24, 2023

• Highway 24 to Hans Flat: AWD advised. Low clearance vehicles not recommended. Expect sand dunes and heavy washboards.
• Highway 24 to Horseshoe Canyon: AWD advised. Low clearance vehicles not recommended. Some washouts, deep sand, and heavy washboards.
• Green River to Hans Flat or Horseshoe Canyon: AWD advised. Some washouts, deep sand, and heavy washboards. Highway 24 recommended as an alternate.
• Hans Flat to top of Flint Trail 4WD Road: High clearance 4WD advised.
• Flint Trail 4WD Road: High clearance 4WD required. Slope is unstable and conditions could change until the terrain stabilizes.
• Poison Spring 4WD Road: High clearance 4WD required. Dirty Devil River becomes impassable when above 80 CFS.
• Hite to Waterhole Flat: High clearance 2WD/AWD. No gas available at Hite.

Maze roads are challenging and visitors must be prepared with the proper equipment to facilitate self-rescue. Visitors should carry extra supplies in case it takes a day or two for the road to dry out. Cell phone communication is not reliable. Park rangers do not winch vehicles out. Commercial towing fees below the Flint Trail start at over $2,000. Roads rated 4WD must have 4WD with a low range gear (4LO) and high clearance. Other vehicles (e.g., all-wheel-drive vehicles, and low-clearance or high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles) cannot navigate the rough slickrock, steep ledges, loose rocks, deep sand, and steep switchbacks.

 

Caution, Closure, and Detour Maps

Below you'll find maps of detours associated with current road closures. See above for details on specific closures and road conditions.

White Rim Road Flood Map 2023

The White Rim Road is currently impassable to vehicles (4x4 and motorcycles) at Upheaval Wash. Flooded sections may be accessed by bicycle or foot traffic only.

Check forecasted flows before proceeding. Bring extra fuel and be prepared to turn around. Do not drive around or create social trails as this damages fragile ecosystems.