Canyonlands Planning Guide

Welcome to Canyonlands National Park!

A trip to Canyonlands can be unforgettable. Plan ahead to make the most of your visit by using this digital trip planning guide.

 

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One Park, Four Districts, Endless Possibilities

Canyonlands National Park preserves 337,598 acres of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires in the heart of southeast Utah's high desert. Water and gravity have been the prime architects of this land, sculpting layers of rock into the rugged landscape you see today.

Canyonlands preserves the natural beauty and human history throughout its four districts, which are divided by the Green and Colorado rivers. While the districts share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Though they appear close on a map, there are no roads that directly link the districts. Traveling between them requires two to six hours by car as there are few places to cross the rivers. Get directions. Most people find it impractical to visit more than one area in a single trip. Use the maps and links below to get some ideas on places to go.

 

 

Explore the Landscape

Download & View Maps

 

Plan on drinking at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per day.

NPS/Veronica Verdin

Safety is Your Responsibility

• Drink water. It is easy to become dehydrated here, even in cold temperatures. Plan on drinking at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per day.

• Do not rely on cell service at Canyonlands. Emergency? Call 911.

• Find your way. Cairns (small rock piles) mark routes. Don’t build your own; they could mislead other hikers. If you get lost, stay where you are, and wait for rescue.

• Stay on trails to protect fragile living soil crusts and plant and animal habitat, and to reduce your risk of getting lost.

• The sun is intense, and shade is rare. Avoid exertion during peak heat (>90°F /32°C). Protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• Drones and ATVs are prohibited. You are responsible for knowing rules and regulations before you arrive.

 

Activities

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  Hiking

  Hundreds of miles of hiking trails explore natural and cultural features.

• 

  Explore the Backcountry

  You can explore Canyonlands on foot, horseback, mountain bike, and four-wheel drive. Many of these activities require a permit.

• 

  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.

• 

  Stargazing

  Canyonlands is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent place to gaze at the stars above!

• 

  Become a Junior Ranger

  Pickup your free junior ranger booklets at a park visitor center or download and complete activities online.

• 

  Attend a Ranger-led Program

  Learn more about the natural and cultural resources at Canyonlands National Park. Join a ranger for a talk, hike, or evening program.

 

Camping

• 

  Backcountry Camping

  Plan your next backcountry trip! Learn about Leave No Trace principles, safety, regulations, and getting a permit.

• 

  Camping at Island in the Sky

  The Island in the Sky campground is open year-round. Learn more about sites and facilities.

• 

  Camping at The Needles

  The Needles campground is open year-round. Learn more about sites, reservations, and facilities.

 

Learn More About the Park

• 

  History and Culture

  Discover the stories of generations that have called Canyonlands home, and the special places they left behind.

• 

  Geology

  Explore the geological features and formations found at Canyonlands.

• 

  Nature

  Learn about the park's plant and animal life, geology, ecosystems, and other natural features.

 

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