Canyonlands National Park is one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the American Southwest, a wild maze of canyons, mesas, arches and spires carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. If you’re looking for things to do in Canyonlands, start with these hiking trails, scenic drives, breathtaking overlooks and stargazing opportunities abound. Whether you’re visiting for a quick day trip or planning a multi-day adventure, Canyonlands offers a spectacular desert experience.
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Table of contents
- Where is Canyonlands National Park Located?
- What to See in Canyonlands National Park
- Can you do Arches and Canyonlands in One Day?
- Can you drive through Canyonlands National Park?
- Canyonlands in a Day: A Suggested Itinerary
- Multi-Day Canyonlands National Park Itinerary
- Tips for visiting Canyonlands National Park
Where is Canyonlands National Park Located?
Canyonlands is located in southeastern Utah, near the town of Moab. The Park covers over 330,000 acres and is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the combined rivers. The most accessible and most visited section is Island in the Sky, about a 40-minute drive from Moab. This is where most first-time visitors start their Canyonlands adventure thanks to its easy access, scenic viewpoints, paved roads and well-marked trails.
What to See in Canyonlands National Park
The park is huge, so what you see will depend on how much time you have. The most iconic highlights include:
Mesa Arch: A popular sunrise spot, when the arch glows fiery orange as first light breaks the horizon (although it can be a little crowded these days). It’s a short 1-km (0.6-mile) hike with barely in elevation gain, and the payoff is enormous.
Grand View Point Overlook: True to its name, this viewpoint showcases horizon-to-horizon vistas across the canyon country, with short trails leading to even more epic perspectives. If you’re going to do any hiking, make it the trail that goes right out to the furthest point, because seeing the confluence of two mighty rivers is the whole point!
Green River Overlook: Offering a panoramic view of the Green River winding through the desert below.
Upheaval Dome: A geological mystery with two short hikes leading to cool crater overlooks. Some really colourful geology makes this spot extra special.
Shafer Trail Viewpoint: Look down on one of Canyonlands National Park’s most dramatic dirt roads, which twists and turns steeply down the mesa, into the canyon.
If you have more time, the Needles district rewards hikers with colourful spires, slot canyons and longer backcountry trails.
Can you do Arches and Canyonlands in One Day?
A fair question given their proximity and the answer is technically, yes—you can see Arches and Canyonlands in one day. But it’s a very full schedule. Both parks are near Moab, and each really deserves at least a full day of exploring.
If your time is limited, spend the morning in Arches National Park (Delicate Arch at sunrise is unforgettable), then drive to Island in the Sky for an afternoon of overlooks, short hikes and sunset scenery. Just be prepared for an action-packed day, and bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection and a full fuel tank.
Can you drive through Canyonlands National Park?
That depends what you mean by “drive through”. The Island in the Sky district has a 55-km (34-mile) paved scenic drive that connects to a network of overlooks and trailheads. This makes it possible to explore many of the Park’s highlights without major hikes. You can drive around it in half a day, stopping at viewpoints like Mesa Arch, Grand View Point and Green River Overlook.
If you mean “drive through”, as in cut through the Park, then the answer is no. You will need to exit and drive around. The same is true for the other districts of Canyonlands. The Y-shaped confluence of the rivers divides the Park into distinct sections that are not bridged.
If you’re adventurous, high-clearance vehicles and 4WD open up additional routes, such as the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road. These roads venture into the heart of Canyonlands but require careful planning and permits. For most visitors, the paved Scenic Drive is the best and easiest way to see the park.
Canyonlands in a Day: A Suggested Itinerary
If you only have one day in Canyonlands, focus on Island in the Sky. Here’s a simple Canyonlands National Park itinerary:
Morning: Arrive early for sunrise at Mesa Arch. Afterward, continue along the Scenic Drive to Grand View Point Overlook and take the short hike along the rim.
Midday: Stop at Green River Overlook for incredible canyon views. Then, head to Upheaval Dome and decide whether to hike to one or both of the crater viewpoints.
Afternoon Option 1: Take a break at the Visitor Center, then check out Shafer Trail Viewpoint. If you have the appropriate vehicle and driving experience, you can take a crack at the Trail. Just make sure you have a couple of hours of daylight left to enjoy the views safely.
Afternoon Option 2: Hike the short trail to White Rim Overlook. Then detour into Dead Horse State Park on your way back to Moab, for more epic Colorado River views. Don’t miss the roadside petroglyphs and pictographs along exit of the Parks – look for “Intestine Man Petroglyphs” on GoogleMaps.
Evening: Alternatively, stay for sunset at Grand View Point or Green River Overlook for breathtaking colours as the light fades.
Night: Still have energy and supplies? If skies are clear, stick around for stargazing—Canyonlands is an International Dark Sky Park with phenomenal visibility.
Multi-Day Canyonlands National Park Itinerary
If you can spare two or more days, you’ll unlock even more possibilities:
1 Day in Canyonlands
Island in the Sky scenic drive, short hikes and sunrise/sunset. Bonus visit to Dead Horse State Park OR backcountry drive down the Shafer Trail and Potash Road return to Moab.
2 Days in Canyonlands
Venture into The Needles district for day hikes like Chesler Park Loop or the Joint Trail.
3+ Days in Canyonlands
Experienced adventurers can head into the remote Maze district or plan a multi-day backcountry trip along the White Rim Road. You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. This extra time gives you a chance to see different districts and really appreciate the park’s scale.
Tips for visiting Canyonlands National Park
Timing: Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. Summers can be scorching with monsoonal storms, and winters bring snow and ice.
Crowds: Canyonlands is far less crowded than nearby Arches, making it easier to enjoy the views in peace.
Permits: Backcountry camping, river trips and off-road driving all require permits.
Essentials: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks—services are limited once you enter the park.
Connectivity: Cell service is mostly non-existant. Download a map to use offline and take a paper map.
Fees: Don’t forget your National Parks pass if you have one. If not, it’s a US$30 entry fee for a private vehicle to enter. National Parks passes cannot be used at Dead Horse State Park, which has a US$20 entry fee for a vehicle of up to 8-people.
There are countless things to do in Canyonlands, from sunrise hikes to stargazing, and whether you have one day or several, the Park will leave a lasting impression. You can see the highlights in a single day, or combine a whirlwind visit with Arches. But if you allow more time, Canyonlands’ vast wilderness reveals its layers slowly, rewarding hikers, photographers and explorers who linger.
Peace, love & red rocks,
Madam ZoZo
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