Canyonlands National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is divided into three different districts. Island in the Sky is approximately 32 miles northwest of Moab, Utah via Highways 191 and 313. Needles district is located approximately 75 miles southeast of Moab via Highways 191 and 211. The Maze district is accessible only via 4WD and is located approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Moab via Highway 24.
Canyonlands National Park has a variety of activities and extremes depending on which district you visit. Some of the activities include hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, 4WD trails, mountain and road biking. Go to our featured Canyonlands National Park guides and outfitters links for a guided trip.
The easiest to access and enjoy the most in a shorter period of time is Island in the Sky. Both it and Needles have campgrounds. The Maze is completely backcountry terrain and permits are required. Nearby Moab, Utah has various lodging, pet kennels and serves as an excellent base for visitors touring Canyonlands National Park.
You can download the current Canyonlands National Park Trip Planning Map (517k PDF). This map shows all three districts including backcountry campsites, zones and mileages.
The Island In The Sky visitor center is open daily.
- 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
- Extended hours March through October
Maze
The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open daily.
- 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Needles
The Needles visitor center is open daily.
- 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
- Extended hours March through October
The visitor centers are closed on Christmas and New Year's Day
- Phone: (435) 719-2313
The Island In The Sky district sits on a mesa 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain and offers panoramic views of the magnificent landscape of the Canyonlands area. Many of the wonderful overlooks are along the paved scenic byway with short hikes. One of the most popular being Grand View Point. There are lengthy trails for the more adventure seekers at heart, with some descending all the way down to either the Colorado or Green Rivers. The most infamous of trails is the 100 mile White Rim Road popular by both mountain bikers and 4WD enthusiasts.
The Needles is most noted for the red sandstone spires that influence the landscape. Many of the extensive trails provide access into this magnificent terrain via long day hikes or 4WD. Some of the most popular include Tower Ruin, Elephant Hill, the Joint Trail, Chesler Park, and Confluence Overlook.
The Maze is most popular among adventure seekers with experience in highly difficult terrain. Being the most remote part of the park, it requires extended time and self-sufficiency. Visitors are encouraged to budget a minimum of three days, with many opting for more and some up to one week. Most of the trails traverse through canyons and offer remote viewpoints. Expect to take along a topographical map and rope.
Grand View Point Trail
Roadside Ruin Trail
Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail
2 miles, round trip
.3 mile, round trip
1 mile, round trip
Island In The Sky
Needles
Island In The Sky
Aztec Butte Trail
Cave Spring Trail
Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail
Confluence Overlook Trail
Mesa Arch
Pothole Point Trail
Slickrock Trail
Whale Rock Trail
2 miles, round trip
.6 mile, round trip
11 miles, round trip
11 miles, round trip
.5 mile, round trip
.6 mile, round trip
2.4 miles, round trip
1 mile, round trip
Island In The Sky
Needles
Needles
Needles
Island In The Sky
Needles
Needles
Island In The Sky
Big Spring to Squaw Canyon
Elephant Canyon/Druid Arch Trail
Lathrop Canyon Trail
Lower Red Lake Canyon Trail
Murphy Loop
Salt Creek Canyon Trail
Syncline Loop
Taylor Canyon Trail
7.5 miles, round trip
11 miles, round trip
17 miles, round trip
19 miles, round trip
9 miles, round trip
45 miles, round trip
8.5 miles, round trip
20 miles, round trip
Needles
Needles
Island In The Sky
Needles
Island In The Sky
Needles
Island In The Sky
Island In The Sky
1-800-284-7280
1-800-346-6277
Island In The Sky District Campground
Fee: $10 per night
Needles District Campground
Fee: $15 per night
Group Sites: Needles has three campsites for groups of 11 or more. Reservations are recommended and the fee is $3 per night per person.
Area Dog Kennels that offer Boarding:
- Moab Veterinary Clinic - (435) 259-8710
Offering doggie day care, overnight cabins, large shaded playground, loving care, great chow. 30 years experience, 10 years with Humane Society of Moab..
• Please call ahead for reservations
• (435) 259-7922
Individuals: $5.00
The individual pass is valid for 7 days and applies to motorcycles, bicycles, and walk-ins (per person).
Vehicles: $10.00
The vehicle pass is valid for 7 days.
Local Passport: $25.00
The local passport is valid for 1 year and applies to Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep.
Buses and Commercial Vehicles: Please contact the park for fees.
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