Lack of water is a limiting factor for pack and saddle trips in Canyonlands, as only a few areas have reliable sources. Road conditions also vary depending on the time of year and recent precipitation. Contact the park for current conditions and recommended destinations.
Pack and saddle stock may be taken on all backcountry roads and in Horseshoe Canyon. Cross-country travel is prohibited. Pack and saddle stock include horses, burros or mules. All other domestic animals are prohibited in the backcountry. All pack and saddle stock use requires a backcountry permit.
Day Use
Day Use Permits are free of charge. Permits are unlimited in most of the park, except in Horse/Salt Creek and Lavender canyons in the Needles district, where day use is limited to seven animals per day. In all other areas of the park, including Horseshoe Canyon, group size must not exceed ten animals and ten people. Permits are available at district visitor centers up to 24 hours in advance.
Overnight Use
Overnight trips must stay at designated vehicle camps. Permits are $36. All manure and feed must be packed out from the campsites. The group size limit is seven people and seven horses for the Needles and Island in the Sky, and five people and five horses for the Maze and Orange Cliffs. Overnight use is not allowed in Horseshoe Canyon. Campsites may be reserved through Recreation.gov. Prior to completing the reservation indicate in the comments section the number of packstock.
Feed
Stock must be fed pelletized feed for 48 hours in advance of and for the duration of the trip in order to prevent the spread of exotic plant species. Animals may not be left unattended and must be staked at least 300 feet from water sources, 100 feet from camp, and away from vegetation. Park vegetation may not be consumed. Animals may not be unstaked and hobbled or fenced.
