Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands is a beautiful mixture of high mesas, buttes, burnt red sandstone arches and pinnacles, and a multitude of canyons and deep gorges cut by the Green and Colorado Rivers. These same rivers divide the park into three separate regions, each of which possess unique topography and character. The Island in the sky district, comprising the northeastern section of the park, is a high plateau region set on steep sandstone cliffs. To the south of the Island is The Needles district, this area is famous for its colorful sandstone spires. Finally, to the west is The Maze, this section is the most rugged and isolated part of the park.

Because it is located in the desert, Canyonlands’ climate is both extreme and unpredictable; temperatures have been known to fluctuate as much as 40 degrees in one day. During the summer temperatures over 100 degrees are common as well as sudden, violent thunderstorms. In the wintertime the temperatures are cold but the snowfall is generally light. Spring and fall have milder temperatures and are therefore the best times to visit.

Activities • Camping • Fees & Permits

Activities

Canyonlands offers an endless array of outdoor activities. To begin with, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You can choose from day hikes in The Islands of the Sky and Needles, or if you are looking for a little more adventure you can take a multi-day backpacking trip into the more remote sections of the park such as The Maze. If you do decide on an overnight backpacking trip a special permit is required.

Other popular activities include white-water rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and 4WD touring. These adventure sports require specialized gear as well as a technical knowledge of the sport. If you want to try your hand at one of them but are inexperienced there are several outfitters in Moab that can provide you with gear and a guide. Click on our activities page for more details.

Camping / Lodging:

If you want to camp in The Island of the Sky, Willow Flat campground offers 12 campsites at $5.00 per night. If you are going to be closer to The Needles you can stay at the Squaw Flat campground, which offers 26 sites at $10.00 per night. All sites at these campgrounds are on a first-come, first-serve basis. During the peak season, March thru June and September thru mid-October, the campgrounds tend to fill up everyday so plan to arrive early if you want to get a site. The Needles offers three group sites that can be reserved in advance. If you prefer a soft bed, a clean shower, and warm water than you will want to look for a hotel room in Moab, visit our lodging page for a detailed listing.

Overnight backcountry camping is allowed, visitors can choose to stay in walk-in sites or make their own. Permits are required for overnight camping and rates begin at $15.00 and may increase depending on the size of your group and the area you plan to explore. Permit rates also vary depending on the type of activity that you are participating in. These types of permits are limited so you will want to make reservations in advance.

Fees & Permits:

$5.00 Single Person Entry
Entry into Canyonlands National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Valid for seven days.

$10.00 Single Vehicle Entry
Valid at Canyonlands National Park for 7 days.

$ 5.00 Four Wheel Drive Use
Required for 4WD day trips into Horse/Salt and Lavender Canyons in the Needles. Valid for one day.

$30.00 Four Wheel Drive, Mountain Biking, Camping Use
Required for overnight trips along backcountry 4WD roads. Reservations recommended. Valid for 14 days.

$15.00 Backpacking
Required for overnight trips in the backcountry. Reservations recommended. Valid for 14 days.

$20.00 Boating Flat Water
Required for overnight trips on the Colorado and Green Rivers above the Confluence. Valid for 14 days.

$30.00 Boating White Water
Required for overnight trips through Cataract Canyon. This permit includes the Flat Water sections. Reservations recommended. Valid for 14 days.

$25.00 Local Southeast Utah Group Pass
Good for entrance to Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges. Valid for one year.