Canyonlands National Park
General Information (435) 719-2313, www.nps.gov/cany
Park Hours
The park is open year round, 24 hours a day. The visitor centers have extended hours April through September.
Entrance Fees
(good for all three districts of Canyonlands)
Vehicle Pass: $10, 1 vehicle and all passengers for seven days
Individual Pass: $5, 1 individual (on bicycle, foot or motorcycle) for seven days
Annual Local Passport: $25, entrance into Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument
National Parks Pass or Golden Pass (Age, Eagle and Access) are accepted.
Note: All passes can be purchased at the entrance station of the park. Credit cards are accepted.
This park is so huge it’s been split into three very distinct sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze. While all adjoin each other, the merging paths of the Green and Colorado Rivers have trisected this rugged and sensational natural landscape. Each area must be reached from different entry points. All three visitor centers are open 8am-4:30pm (extended hours spring to fall). Water, information and books are available. Water must be purchased at Island in the Sky, so fill your tanks before leaving town! No food is available in any district. Take plenty of food and even more water! Stop by each visitor center for more information on suggested hikes, ranger-led programs and backcountry roads. This is a land of extremes, from dramatically steep cliffs to vast panoramas, and it is extremely dry.
Island in the Sky District
(435) 259-4712, www.nps.gov/cany/island
North on US Hwy 191, 10 miles to Utah Hwy 313, then southwest 22 miles to the visitor center. Visitor center to Grand View Point is 12 miles.
This section of the park sits atop a massive 1,500ft mesa above the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers . Over twenty miles of paved road lead to many spectacular views. The paved road has pullouts where you can stop to see canyon after canyon rolling into the horizon.Every overlook offers a different perspective.Drive to the end of the road to Grand View Point Overlook to see directly below into Monument Basin. Island in the Sky is the easiest district to visit in a short period of time. Hiking trails and 4WD roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips.
The Needles District
(435) 259- 4711, www.nps.gov/cany/needles
South on US Hwy 191, 40 miles to Utah Hwy 211, then 35 miles west to the park entrance and visitor center. Visitor center to Big Spring Overlook is 9 miles.
A paved scenic drive gives visitors a breathtaking view of beautiful sandstone spires that jut out of the ground, creating an unforgettable spectacle. This area remains in a primitive state, offering visitors a rugged outdoor experience. Many of the attractions are accessible only by long hikes or rough 4WD roads. This area is a longer drive from Moab, people are few and the setting isolated.
The Maze District
(435) 259-2652, www.nps.gov/cany/maze
The Hans Flat Ranger Station is three hours from Moab via I-70. From I-70 take Utah Hwy 24 south for 24 miles. After the Goblin Valley State Park take a hard left, turn onto a dirt road for 46 miles.
The Maze, the least accessible district of Canyonlands, is a remote region of tangled rock wilderness. The roads are passable only in a 4WD vehicle or on a mountain bike. There are no developed campgrounds. Travel to The Maze requires more time as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency.
Backcountry Permits Help Line (435) 259-4351 (Mon-Fri, 8am-12:30pm), www.nps.gov/cany/reserve.htm
Reservation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Reservations may not be made over the phone or by email. Fax your reservations to (435) 259-4285. Primitive backcountry campsites and at-large backpacking zones exist in each district of Canyonlands. These sites may be accessed by foot, 4WD vehicle or boat. Permits are required for all overnight trips and may be reserved in advance. Backcountry permits are issued until one half hour before close of business each day.
Camping: There are developed campgrounds in Island in the Sky and The Needles districts. They are located along the scenic drives and offer toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. No wood gathering allowed; bring your own. First-come first-served. Additional fee of $10 in The Needles and $5 in Island in the Sky. Maximum RV length of 28ft.
Hiking: There are several options for hiking and backpacking in this extensive park. For the best suggestions that will properly fit the needs of your group, stop by the visitor centers for hikes, distances and maps.
Pets: Not allowed at all in the backcountry or on hiking trails. Must be leashed when outside the car and in parking lots.
