21 Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park in 2024
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK?
You’re in the right place! We have spent months traveling around Southern Utah, logging some serious hours in Canyonlands. We’ve put together a guide with helpful tips and details to help you best enjoy the top things to do in Canyonlands National Park.
From Island in Sky to Needles, from the Maze to the Rivers, Canyonlands National Park is an expansive trove of natural, breathtaking beauty and one of the best things to do in Moab. There are so many amazing things to do in Canyonlands National Park.
Whether you’re a national parks newbie or a studied adventurer, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the task of planning what to see and where to go when visiting this park. Let us guide you through the best of Canyonlands attractions!
Top things to do in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is broken up into three different sections. The Island in the Sky District is the most popular section to visit and is the closest to downtown Moab. The Needles and the Maze Districts are a lot more remote and take longer to get to from downtown Moab.
Things to do in Island in the Sky District
1. Shafer Canyon & Shafer Trail Viewpoint
The Shafer Canyon Overlook offers you a wondrous view down into Shafer Canyon and the beautiful sights of the La Sal Mountains in the distance. You can even spot the switchbacks of the Shafer Trail from this perspective.
Be careful when visiting this viewpoint, as the area is unfenced. Use caution and stay together while enjoying the views at this specific location.
2. Green River Overlook at Sunset
Two mighty rivers cut through Canyonlands and this is a great spot to get a good look at one of them. The Green River Overlook can be easily accessed along a paved walkway from the parking lot. This southwest facing viewpoint is an amazing spot to enjoy a sunset.
The beautiful colors in the sky reflected on the gorgeous Green River is a very special sight to experience while visiting Island in the Sky.
3. Mesa Arch at Sunrise or Sunset
Mesa Arch is a must see in Canyonlands National Park. The arch is perched atop a tall mesa, offering sweeping views of the surrounding canyon. This is one of the park’s most photographed natural land structures.
It’s one of the most recognized pictures of Canyonlands National Park.
Count yourself lucky if you’re able to visit at sunrise or sunset, as the vivid reds, oranges, and purples are truly breathtaking. Watching the sunrise or fade from Mesa Arch is one of the best views in Canyonlands National Park.
Mesa Arch is notably one of the best Canyonlands Island in the Sky hikes. And an easy one, at that. This Moab hiking trail is perfect for all skill levels, offering both a physically and visually stimulating experience. No special equipment is required.
This was a great hike for our family and a trail that everyone enjoyed. This was one of our favorite things to do in Moab with kids. You can read more about our experience on this trail in our Mesa Arch hiking guide.
4. Grand View Point Trail
Along the southern end of the Island in the Sky scenic drive, you’ll find Grand View Point in Canyonlands. This spot offers a spectacular panoramic view of the red rocks on the Colorado Plateau.
It’s a great vantage point to see miles of corrugated canyons as well as some of the highlights of what Canyonlands has to offer. White Rim road can be spotted, as well as portions of The Maze and The Needles.
A short hike along a paved sidewalk leads to a spectacular viewpoint. From there, you can hike an additional mile to a second viewpoint. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a Ranger here, Grand View Point is a popular place for them to present geology talks during the spring-fall season.
5. White Rim Road
The White Rim Trail is a 100-mile road most typically traveled by high-clearance 4WD vehicles like Jeeps. This Moab off road trail winds and switch-backs throughout Canyonlands National Park.
Taking a ride down this road is one of the most fun ways to experience the park. We took a jeep from the Moab Adventure Center down this trail and had a blast. This was one of our favorite things we did on our last trip to Moab.
If you’re looking to cover the entire White Rim Road while enjoying the sights and exploring along the way, you should probably plan for 2-3 days. Keep in mind permits are required for traveling on White Rim Road and for staying overnight.
Permits can be obtained at recreation.gov the day before you plan to start your White Rim adventure. You can read about our experience in our White Rim Road Guide.
Another fact to know before you go, RZRs or any OHVs are not allowed in Canyonlands National Park. If you don’t have a vehicle suited for the extremes of White Rim Road, Jeep rentals are available in Moab.
white rim road by bike
A less common, but all the more thrilling way to experience White Rim Road is on a mountain bike. As opposed to traveling by vehicle, a mountain biking journey of White Rim Road would call for 3-4 days, averaging 25 to 33 miles per day.
Due to the length of the road and the rugged terrain, many mountain bikers take on the trail with vehicle support. Not only does this allow bikers a safety net if they need to rest and ride along the road for a bit, but the vehicle also carries all of the camping goods, food and water you will need throughout your stay on White Rim Road.
With multiple days to make the journey, bikers in decent shape should be able to maintain a suitable pace, no matter their skill level. That said, due to the extended mileage, completing the entire road on a mountain bike wouldn’t be recommended for younger children. But, as long as you have vehicle support, they can ride along there.
Regardless of whether you drive the road or ride a bike, experiencing White Rim Road is one of the top things to do in Canyonlands National Park.
Some of the highlights you’ll see on your journey include: Shafer Trail Viewpoint, Gooseneck Overlook, Colorado River Overlook, Musselman Arch and Viewpoint, Little Bridge Canyon Viewpoint, Monster Tower Viewpoint, Holeman Canyon Viewpoint, Hardscrabble Hill and Mineral Canyon Switchbacks.
6. Buck Canyon Overlook
Buck Canyon Overlook is one of the many scenic stops along the Island in the Sky overlook loop. This is not the most popular overlook in the area, so it’s a great place to stop if you don’t want to fight the crowds.
There’s a paved pathway from the parking area to the overlook. Sweeping vistas to the west and across the Colorado River canyon are to be had, gazing down into the Buck Canyon area. It’s quite a sight to compare the La Sal Mountains against the red rocks of the canyon.
7. Upheaval Dome
Upheaval Dome consists of a bull’s eye of concentric deformed layers dipping away from the dome, in the middle. It’s a true wonder and sight to see.
If you’re hoping to take in the views of Upheaval Dome, there are two options to choose from. Both hikes are notably steep, but provide a truly remarkable view of the colorful geologic feature that is Upheaval Dome.
Although the hike is steep, you might be surprised at how well kids can handle it. I hiked this with my daughter in about 30 minutes and had a great time. We even saw some bighorn sheep playing on the rocks just off the side of the trail. Little side adventures like this are priceless.
It ended up being one of her favorite parts of our visit to Canyonlands.
8. Aztec Butte
Aztec Butte offers visitors the chance to capture a moment in time long passed. Indigenous people once stored goods and medicines in rock structures, built into alcoves at Aztec Butte.
One of the most unique and fragile sights in Island in the Sky, this area is for viewing only. The aging structures cannot be entered or touched.
The hike to Aztec Butte and back is just shy of 2 miles. The hike is considered moderate, as the trail can be rough and uneven in spots, requiring scrambling up slickrock and ledges.
9. Whale Rock
Whale Rock is one of the most fun places to visit in Canyonlands with kids. The long sandstone dome resembles…well, a whale. Kids love getting to climb the tail of the whale and search for its blowhole.
A quick stop here will add a little laughter and imagination to your day, sure to recharge everyone for the next sight to see.
10. Canyonlands 4×4 Adventures
As you know by now, a high clearance 4WD vehicle is required to navigate the uneven and ever-changing dirt road and red rock terrain throughout the park. That said, your very own Jeep (or the one you ride in on a backcountry tour) holds the key to adventure.
Take in the scenery and thrill while spending some time on a 4WD adventure through this district.
If you don’t have the proper vehicle or expertise to navigate the switchbacks and bumps, but still want to go off-road, never fear. One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking a Backcountry Canyonlands 4×4 Adventure from Moab.
This tour will take you down Shafer Trail and White Rim Road, two of the most popular off-road trails in Canyonlands National Park. We loved exploring these roads in our jeep on our last visit to Moab. The scenery is amazing!
Many people think the best way to explore the park is by traveling the 4×4 roads. We agree and love traveling through Canyonlands’ off-road trails. Doing so through an organized Jeep tour helps ensure that you make the most of your short time in the park.
A 4×4 tour gives you the opportunity to explore the Canyonlands backcountry with experienced guides to take you to the best stops. You won’t need to figure out where you should and should not go because the friendly guides will have it all planned out.
▶ BOOK Canyonlands National Park Backcountry 4×4 Adventure
If you love the 4×4 roads in Canyonlands, there are lots of great trails to explore outside the park. Some of our favorites are Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider, and Fins and Things.
Things to do in Needles District
11. Spend Some Time Exploring The Needles
The Needles, named after the plentiful colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone shooting up toward the sky throughout the area, is the third district of Canyonlands National Park.
Located in the southeast corner of the park, The Needles attracts hikers and off-roaders alike. Highlights of this district include Tower Ruin, Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.
Overall, The Needles is less crowded and a bit more remote than Island in the Sky. If you’re looking for a backcountry feel but nothing too extreme, The Needles is a great middle-ground between Island in the Sky and The Maze districts.
12. Hike the Chesler Park Loop
This hike is nearly 11 miles and is estimated to take 5-7 hours. The initial portion of this hike is the ascent to Chesler Park Viewpoint, which covers the first 6 miles or so of the hike.
From this vantage point hikers are presented with the glory of The Needles, in panoramic views. This is one of the best places to take a stunning picture of the La Sal Mountains.
Moving on from the viewpoint, hikers are next led into Chesler Park. This route offers visitors the most stunning, up close perspective of the Needles possible in the whole park. Be prepared to make your way through a cave and a slot canyon as you continue through the Chesler Park Loop.
13. Wooden Shoe Overlook
Many of the rock formations throughout Canyonlands are named for their likeness to a particular object or even animal in some cases. Wooden Shoe Overlook is no different.
Be sure to pull off to the side of the road for this one, to see if the kids can spot the resemblance of a wooden, dutch style shoe along their eye line.
Silly but accurate, this may get the kids’ imaginations running. Soon they will be seeing all sorts of things brought to life by the rocks of The Needles.
14. Elephant Hill
If the White Rim Road in the Island in the Sky district wasn’t enough for you, take your 4×4 skills to the next level on Elephant Hill. Loose rock, steep inclines and sharp turns describe the road that extends up and over Elephant Hill. This is a very technical 4×4 road and should only be taken with a driver experienced with this sort of terrain.
Elephant Hill is also one of the most popular mountain biking roads in the Needles district. Due to the challenging nature of the road we recommend only seasoned bikers take on the challenge of Elephant Hill.
Like most areas in this district of Canyonlands, a permit is required to drive on Elephant Hill road. And per usual, a high clearance 4×4 vehicle are the only vehicle type allowed in this area.
15. Confluence Overlook
At the end of the paved road near Big Spring Canyon Overlook is the trailhead for Confluence Overlook. This is a long, but moderate hike. At 11 miles round trip, this isn’t necessarily a journey for the whole family.
The heart of Confluence is when the trail wraps up with stunning views of the intersection of the two mighty rivers that flow through Canyonlands, the Green River and the Colorado River, converging together.
While also offering panoramic views of the meeting of the Island in the Sky and Maze districts. What a striking and meaningful name to depict such a beautiful, natural wonder.
The confluence is thought to be a sacred spot of much significance by some Native Americans. The hike to Confluence Overlook is one of the most spectacular and rewarding Canyonlands National Park activities.
Things to do in The Maze District
16. Explore The Maze District
The roads and trails surrounding and running through The Maze are very difficult to maneuver, making it the least accessible district of Canyonlands. Less accessible means less people, so if you’re seeking some solitude with nature, the Maze is where it’s at.
The requirement of longer and more specialized travel makes the area much more remote than the easily traveled Island in the Sky. Due to the remoteness of The Maze, visitors must be prepared to fend for themselves, equipped with the tools for self-sufficiency and the proper equipment or gear for self-rescue.
For those up for the challenge, this district of Canyonlands National Park is expansive and offers great opportunities for peaceful exploring.
Keep in mind that permits are required for overnight trips in the backcountry. With so much land to cover, you’ll want to find a good spot to set up camp. The Maze district has nine backcountry camping areas.
A couple of them are located at the Maze Overlook and the rest at Land of Standing Rocks. Each campsite allows for a 15 person capacity and three vehicles.
17. Maze Overlook
The Maze Overlook Trail, like most trails in the Maze District, is challenging. Anyone hoping to experience this trail should be a relatively seasoned climber. Climbers should have a working knowledge and ability to navigate through challenging spaces.
Also be well prepared with any given tools or materials they might need. A 25-foot rope is a necessity to carry when exploring trails like Maze Overlook in this district.
Basic climbing maneuvers will be required to pass through certain portions of the trail including steep slickrock and pour-offs. If you suffer from a fear of heights, you might want to bypass this route, as the heights can appear overwhelming.
18. Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon is likely thought of as not much more than a strenuous hike in Canyonlands National Park. But it’s so much more than that. The 7 mile round trip hike is actually home to some of the most amazing rock art in North America.
The Great Gallery is a portion of Horseshoe Canyon that features well-preserved, life-sized figures with stellar designs and detail.
Though impressive, the artwork isn’t the only beautiful sight along this hike. The wildflowers in this area are astounding during the spring. And the combination of the striking sandstone walls and enormous cottonwood trees that outline the stream at the bottom of the canyon is one of the most beautiful sights in the entire park.
19. Orange Cliffs Overlook
Orange Cliffs Overlook is located near the end of the main park road. The panoramic view of the orange sandstone cliffs across the canyon of the Green River is dazzling.
You can also spot Island in the Sky’s sister Canyonlands district, The Maze, in the southward distance.
20. Stargazing
Canyonlands is home to some of the darkest skies in the country. Dark skies are good for one thing in particular – stargazing. The blanket of darkness in the sky makes way for an estimated 2,500 stars to be seen.
This is a sight as few as one in ten Americans are privy to in their own hometowns. The glowing lights of civilization typically blind stargazers of this vision, but in Canyonlands they are all on display.
Stargazing is a really fun family activity to consider during your trip to Canyonlands. Kids will likely be excited at the opportunity to stay up after their bedtime in and of itself! But they’re also sure to capture the majesty of the landscape during the dark hours, as it’s such a striking difference from what they see during the day.
If possible, use a red light as opposed to a flashlight or phone to guide your way. Take turns spying constellations or tell stories under the star-filled sky.
Things to do in The Rivers District
21. Spend Some Time on the Colorado or Green River
The Colorado and Green rivers are such striking features of Canyonlands. Their fast moving water is responsible for carving out so much of the beauty on display throughout the park. It’s difficult not to stand in awe of the majestic power and beauty of both raging rivers.
If you really want to experience the best of Canyonlands, consider spending some time on one of the rivers. Upstream of The Confluence (intersection of the Colorado and Green rivers) you will find calm and relaxing waters. This is an ideal stretch of water for kayaking. Keep in mind, there are no vehicle access areas near this portion of the water.
Below The Confluence is where all the heart-palpitating action takes place. As both rivers spill into Cataract Canyon with deafening power and scorching speed they create some astounding whitewater rapids.
If you’re looking for something more exciting, whitewater adventure tours of various lengths (½ day, full day, overnight, multiple day) can be booked with a myriad of Moab rafting companies and experts. A day on the river crushing rapids will definitely top your kid’s list of the most fun things to do in Canyonlands.
If you plan to go it alone, not far off White Rim Road, you can take Potash Road and follow it to the Potash Ramp. From here you can gain entry into the Colorado River. The Green River is accessible at Green River State Park, Ruby Ranch and Mineral Bottom.
Top Tours in Canyonlands National Park
If you have limited time to spend in Canyonlands, a guided tour is a great way to cover all the must see in Canyonlands National Park. A tour guide knows what to see in Canyonlands National Park, which makes it easy for you to see the highlights of the park in a short amount of time.
Here’s a few of our favorite Canyonlands tours.
- Canyonlands National Park Self-Driving Tour: This tour lets you explore the park on your own while still getting the benefit of a pre-planned route of the Island in the Sky highlights.
- Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab: Get up close and personal with the backcountry on this guided 4WD adventure through Canyonlands.
- Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4×4: See the wonders of Canyonlands’ Needle District on this guided 4×4 adventure.
- Sunset Scenic Tour of Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Pt: See some of the best of what Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park have to offer on this non-bumpy, scenic sunset tour.
- Moab Combo: Colorado River Rafting and Canyonlands 4×4 Tour: Get the best of both worlds on this 4×4 and river rafting combo tour.
- Edge of Canyonlands Helicopter Air Tour: Take your exploration of Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky to new heights on this helicopter tour.
Camping in Canyonlands National Park
There are two campgrounds located within Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky Campground (also referred to as Willow Flat) is a great place to stay while exploring the park. It has 12 sites and they are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep in mind, these spots will fill up fast during the peak season!
The campground is open year-round, and the nightly fee is $15/site. There are toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground.
There is no water at the campground. You can get drinking water outside the visitor center spring through Fall. Camping in such a cool location really is one of the most fun things to do in Canyonlands National Park. And the stargazing is out of this world amazing!
The campground in The Needles district is more expansive. With 26 individual sites, plus 3 group sites (scattered throughout The Needles district) there’s more opportunity to score a spot here.
You can reserve some individual sites during peak season. At other times of the year, individual sites are first-come, first-served.
The nightly fee for an individual site is $20. You can also reserve group sites for nights between mid-March and mid-November. There are toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground.
If you aren’t able to get a reservation for a campground in the park, there are lots of great places for dispersed camping near Moab.
Where to Stay near Canyonlands National Park
Moab is the closest city to stay overnight when visiting Canyonlands. There are countless hotels near Canyonlands. Element Moab and Hyatt Place Moab are two great choices if you’re looking for proximity to the park.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa – Luxury
Have you ever dreamed of running away to a beautiful ranch in the backcountry? Where you could live in luxury in all its forms? Let me introduce you to Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, the 4-star resort of your dreams.
This gorgeous property features 59 spacious rooms, including a ranch house estate that sleeps 14. Free bicycle rentals, two outdoor tennis courts, a basketball court, billiards, and horseback riding are just some of the amazing things you will be able to do here.
Staying here is one of the most luxurious things to do in Moab. One of our favorite things about this resort is its proximity to the Colorado River. It runs right along the property, so you can take advantage of kayaking and rafting the river, on-site. And if you’re in the mood for a little pampering and relaxation, the resort boasts a spa that offers massages and facials daily.
To top it all off, the ranch also has its own restaurant – The River Grill at Sorrel Ranch, raved for its countless delectable dishes. It’s easy to see how this is one of the top luxury hotels near Canyonlands National Park!
⭐SORREL RIVER RANCH REVIEWS (4.1/5 STARS)
Perfect 👌 location , staff, property, service, food, all perfect – Nomad (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Sorrel River Ranch
The Moab Resort, Worldmark Associate – Mid-Range
The Moab Resort, Worldmark Associate is a dream come true for families visiting Moab. It’s in the mid-range price wise and is about half an hour from Canyonlands. The outdoor playground will instantly lift moods for the kids. And meal times couldn’t be easier with a separate dining area, in your room! Not to mention washers and dryers at your fingertips.
The Moab Resort strikes the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. Kill some time playing pool or hit the fitness center for a quick workout. And there’s no better way to wrap up the day than a nice soak in their outdoor hot tubs!
⭐THE MOAB RESORT, WORLDMARK ASSOCIATE REVIEWs (4.6/5 STARS)
Very Clean, friendly staff, 3 hot tubs that were very warm on a crisp cool night. Awesome place. Will stay there again when in the area. – Tyler (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: The Moab Resort, Worldmark Associate
Wingate by Wyndham Moab – Budget
If you prefer to spend less for a hotel, so you can spend more on adventures, Wingate by Wyndham Moab offers a great room for a thrifty price. This hotel is located right in the heart of Moab, near downtown restaurants, the Moab Food Truck Park, and stores.
It’s nearly 40 minutes from Island in the Sky and about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Needles District.
The rooms at Wingate by Wyndham Moab are noted for being exceptionally clean and comfortable, especially for the price. This sweet property also features a fun outdoor pool, laundry facility, fitness center and free breakfast each morning. And if you just can’t wait until then, you can visit the convenience store in the lobby!
⭐WINGATE BY WYNDHAM MOAB REVIEWS (4.6/5 STARS)
The BEST. Super clean, super nice, good breakfast, great service, and reasonable cost. Now our regular stop… – Michael (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Wingate by Wyndham Moab
What to Know before visiting Canyonlands national park
Timed Entrance & Fee
The entrance fees into Canyonlands National Park is $30/vehicle (including up to 15 occupants) and $25 for Motorcycles. This pass is good for 7 days.
If you’re looking to explore the park without a motorized vehicle, hiking or biking, for instance, the fee is $15/person (children 15 and under are admitted free).
You do not need to make a time entrance reservation like nearby Arches National Park.
Fill Up on Gas in Moab
Canyonlands stretches a massive amount of land. And without a shuttle, like some of the other national parks in Utah, visitors here are required to transport themselves throughout the park.
That said, be sure to fill up on gas in Moab, before you head to the park. There are no gas stations in Canyonlands and you will be driving a lot while taking in the sights. Better to be safe and plan ahead than to get stuck in a tough situation.
Bring Food
There are no restaurants in Canyonlands National Park. To side-step any potential meltdowns or hangry kids (or adults) it is vital that you plan accordingly and bring snacks, a full picnic or more depending on how long you plan to stay in the park.
And don’t forget water! It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking, biking or climbing throughout the park.
FAQs: Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
What is there to do in Canyonlands National Park?
What to do in Canyonlands? There is so much to do and things to see in Canyonlands National Park! Some of the most popular points of interest include a hike to Mesa Arch or Upheaval Dome, Grand View Point and Walk, Buck Canyon Overlook and a visit to Green River Overlook, especially at sunset.
You can also explore the park on a Moab jeep tour or take in the view at your own pace via the Island in the Sky scenic drive.
What is Canyonlands National Park known for?
Canyonlands National Park is known for being an outdoor paradise. With hiking and mountain biking trails and ample opportunity for rock climbing and off-roading, it draws in adventurers of all walks of life.
Can you drive through Canyonlands National Park?
The Island in the Sky scenic drive is a great way to explore that district of the park. It offers visitors of all ages a chance to take in the sheer natural beauty of Canyonlands, largely from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Taking a scenic drive through the park and visiting some of the viewpoints is one of the best ways to spend a day in Canyonlands National Park.
How long do you need to visit Canyonlands National Park?
If you really want to take in the sights and sounds of Canyonlands, we recommend at least two days to experience all the park has to offer.
If time allows, enjoy the serene sights of Island in the Sky one day and then explore the backcountry below the rim the next day. That said, if you’re exploring the Moab area on a tight schedule, it is possible to spend one day in Canyonlands National Park, just covering the highlights.
When is the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park?
Spring or fall are the best seasons to visit when planning your Canyonlands National Park Itinerary. The weather is more mild during these portions of the year, allowing visitors to explore the park more comfortably than in the sweltering heat of summer.
Also, you won’t run into as many crowds during these time periods.
Conclusion: Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is brimming with exciting opportunities for adventure and exploration. The incredible backcountry vantage points offer breathtaking views you just can’t experience anywhere else.
Canyonlands welcomes its visitors to connect with nature by way of their vehicle, mountain bike, or even their own feet beating upon the trails. As you well know by now, Canyonlands is full of treasures, popular spots, and under-the-radar secrets. All of which are just waiting to be explored!
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