National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Neal Herbert
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is a wilderness of canyons, buttes, and spires carved by the Colorado River and Green River. The park is divided into four distinct districts; no roads join them together. The districts share similar desert ecosystems, but each one provides unique opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
0.6 mi · 56 ft gain · loop
Short hike to an iconic cliff-edge arch framing canyon views and the La Sal Mountains. One of Utah's most popular sunrise photography spots.
Starts at: Mesa Arch Trailhead
1.8 mi · 73 ft gain · out & back
Spectacular panoramic views along the canyon edge of the White Rim Road and distant features in The Maze and The Needles.
Starts at: Grand View Point
8.1 mi · 1,516 ft gain · loop
The most challenging trail in Island in the Sky, encircling Upheaval Dome with steep switchbacks and boulder-field scrambling.
Starts at: Upheaval Dome Trailhead
1.2 mi · 114 ft gain · out & back
Short but steep trail to two overlooks of the mysterious Upheaval Dome — a unique circular geologic formation.
Starts at: Upheaval Dome Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Patio Talk - Island in the Sky District
Join a ranger to learn why Canyonlands is such a special place. Topics are posted outside at the visitor center daily.
Geology Talk - Island in the Sky
Join a park ranger to explore the ancient landscapes that create the complex and exciting story that is Canyonlands.
Visitors are welcome to meet with a ranger at 9:00 am at the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead for a four-hour guided hike into Horseshoe Canyon. The hike includes stops at four major pictograph panels, including the Great Gallery, where the hike concludes. Visitors return to the trailhead on their own. The hike is considered strenuous, with a 780' descent and ascent, long stretches of walking in loose sand, and limited shade. Please bring four liters/quarts of water per person, snacks/lunch, appropriate shoes for hiking over rough terrain in the desert, and sunscreen/sun-protective clothing. More info: The hike to the Great Gallery is seven miles (11.2 km) roundtrip, requiring five hours or more. A steep descent of 780 feet (237 m) at the beginning means a steep climb back up at the end of the hike. Pets are prohibited on the trail or below the rim of Horseshoe Canyon. Group size is limited to 20 people. Larger groups must arrange in advance to go with a ranger or split into smaller groups. Bring your own drinking water. We recommend one gallon (4 L) per person. There is no water at the trailhead, and water sources are unreliable within the canyon. A map of the trailhead location can be found at: Horseshoe Canyon (nps.gov) Please call the Hans Flat Ranger Station (435-241-3105) for further information or current road conditions.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, March, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Canyonlands is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.