Canyonlands preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration.
PARK INFORMATION
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Hours
Canyonlands National Park is open year round 24 hours a day. Season runs from mid-March through October. Location Island in the Sky To reach the entrance to the Island in the sky district, take US Highway 191 to Utah Highway 313 (10 miles north of Moab or 22 miles south of I-70) and then drive southwest 22 miles. The Needles On US Highway 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, and take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles, and it is the only paved road leading in and out of the district. The Maze From I-70 west of Green River, take Utah Highway 24 south for 24 miles. A left hand turn just beyond the turnoff to Goblin Valley State Park will take you along a two-wheel-drive dirt road 46 miles southeast to the ranger station. From the ranger station, the canyons of the Maze are another 3 to 6 hours by high-clearance, 4 wheel drive (longer if traveling by foot). Another four-wheel-drive road leads into the Maze north from Highway 95 near Hite Marina (driving time is 3+ hours to the park boundary). The Rivers The district known as "The Rivers" is actually the rivers themselves (The Colorado River and the Green River) that wind through arches. The two rivers meet at what is called "The Confluence" where the Green River merges into the Colorado River and flows into Cataract Canyon. Both rivers are calm upstream of the Confluence, ideal for canoes, kayaks and other shallow water craft. Below the Confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class stretch of white water. Entrance Fees
Reservations & Fees Regular sites at the developed campgrounds are on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are available for backcountry permits, river permits and for group campsites in the Needles. Backcountry Permits  All overnight trips in the backcountry require a permit. In addition, permits are required for horseback riding and four-wheel-drive day use in Horse and Lavender canyons in the Needles District. Backcountry permits are issued seven days a week at district visitor centers. Permits can be reserved in advance. Walk-in permits are only available the day before or the day of a trip. Permits are issued up to one hour before the close of business each day. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Competition tends to be greatest for White Rim trips during the spring and fall and Needles backpacking trips during spring. For these activities, visitors should apply as early as possible. Campsites and permits not reserved in advance are available on a first-come, first-served basis at district visitor centers. Permits (except day use) can be issued for up to fourteen consecutive nights. Backpackers may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any one site or zone. Visitors using the designated vehicle camps may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate. For more information on Backcountry Permits as well as current restrictions and prices, visit the Canyonlands NPS site at http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm. River Permits  River permits may be obtained in person or by mail from the Reservation Office in Moab, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Permits may also be obtained in person at any Canyonlands National Park visitor center. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis after the first business day in January for each calendar year. There are no daily launch limits in Canyonlands, so there is no need to submit mulitiple requests for the same date. If you submit a request, you will get a permit...for any date you choose. Group size limit is 40 people for private river trips. Permits can be issued for up to fourteen consecutive nights. Additional regulations apply to all river trips. For more information, please visit the River Use Stipulations Page provided by the National Park Service. Reservation Office staff are available by phone to answer questions and assist with trip planning Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), at 435.259.4351. When workload permits, phones may be answered until 4:00 p.m. Visitors may also email questions. For more information on River Permits as well as current restrictions and prices, visit the Canyonlands NPS site at http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/riverpermits.htm. Group Campsites  The Needles District offers three campsites for groups of 11 or more people which may be reserved in advance: Squaw Flat (Group Site): 50 people, 10 vehicles Wooden Shoe: 25 people, 5 vehicles Split Top: 15 people, 3 vehicles Nightly fees are $3 per person. To reserve a group site in the Needles, please download and complete the Standard Application Form (48kb PDF file) through the National Park Service. Reservations for group campsites are accepted no earlier than the first business day in January for trips during that calendar year. A $15 reservation fee is charged. |
Mail:
Canyonlands National Park 2282 SW Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Phone: Visitor Information 435.719.2313 Reservation Office (Backcountry Information) 435.259.4351 Educational Fee Waivers 435.719.2236 Island in the Sky District 435.259.4712 Needles District 435.259.4711 Maze District 435.259.2652 Email: canyinfo@nps.gov General Information Reservation Office (Backcountry Information) Educational Fee Waivers Visitor Center Hours All visitor centers are closed on December 25th and January 1st. Island in the Sky March through October: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. November through February: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closing early (at 1:00 p.m.) on Thanksgiving Day. Needles March through October: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. November through February: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closing early (at 1:00 p.m.) on Thanksgiving Day. Maze The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park Maps (All Maps require Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Canyonlands Map
Click Here to View Island in the Sky District Map 
Click Here to View Maze District Map 
Click Here to View Needles District Map 
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DISTRICTS
Island in the Sky
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The Island in the Sky mesa rests on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Every overlook offers a different perspective on Canyonlands’ spectacular landscape. The Island is the easiest district to visit in a short period of time, offering many pullouts with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive. Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips. Willow Flat Campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. There are twelve sites with tables, fire grills and vault toilets. Firewood and water are not available. Maximum group size is ten people, with a limit of two vehicles per group. Sites are $10 per night. |
The Needles
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The Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. The district's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Tower Ruin, Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park. Squaw Flat Campground is an ideal base camp for day hikes to popular destinations like Chesler Park, Druid Arch and the Joint Trail. There are 26 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bathrooms, fire grates, picnic tables, tent pads and water are available year-round. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Fee is $15 per night. Squaw Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October. |
The Maze
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The Maze is the least accessible district of Canyonlands. Due to the district's remoteness and the difficulty of roads and trails, travel to the Maze requires more time, as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency. Rarely do visitors spend less than three days in the Maze, and the area can easily absorb a week-long trip. The Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area shares Canyonlands' western boundary and is administered under the same backcountry management plan and permit/reservation system. While some regulations differ, the information here should assist Orange Cliffs visitors in planning trips. |
The Rivers
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The Colorado and Green rivers wind through the heart of Canyonlands, cutting through layered sandstone to form two deep canyons. Both rivers are calm upstream of the Confluence, ideal for canoes, kayaks and other shallow water craft. Below the Confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class stretch of white water. River flows are dependent upon snowmelt and rainfall. The character of the rivers changes dramatically depending on the season. High water generally stretches from early May to late June. Recorded river flows are available from the US Geological Survey, or by calling (801) 539-1311. Snowmelt peak flow forecasts are available from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. There is no vehicle access to the rivers near the Confluence or in Cataract Canyon. While hiking trails lead to the rivers from each of the districts, these trails are too long and rugged to be seriously considered for shuttles, even for inflatables and other lightweight boats. Groups wishing to avoid the white water must arrange upstream travel back to Moab. |
ACTIVITIES
| Scenic Drives | Camping | Horseback Riding |
Scenic Drive |
Squaw Flat Campground Located in the Needles, Squaw Flat Campground is an ideal base camp for day hikes to popular destinations like Chesler Park, Druid Arch and the Joint Trail. There are 26 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bathrooms, fire grates, picnic tables, tent pads and water available year-round. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Fee is $15 per night. Squaw Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October Willow Flat Campground Located at the Island in the Sky, the Willow Flat Campground is a short walk from one of the finest sunset spots in the park: Green River Overlook. Twelve sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites include picnic tables, fire grates and vault toilets. No water. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Fee is $10 per night. Willow Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October. Group Sites The Needles offers three campsites for groups of 11 or more people which may be reserved in advance. The Squaw Flat Group Site can hold up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. The Wooden Shoe Group Site can hold up to 25 people and 5 vehicles. The Split Top Group Site can hold up to 15 people and 3 vehicles. Nightly fees are $3 per person. |
Pack and saddle stock may be taken on all backcountry roads and in Horseshoe Canyon. Cross-country travel is prohibited. Pack and saddle stock include horses, burros or mules. All other domestic animals are prohibited in the backcountry. All pack and saddle stock use requires a backcountry permit, which may be obtained at district visitor centers. Lack of water is a limiting factor for pack and saddle trips in Canyonlands, as only a few areas have reliable sources. Contact the park for recommended destinations. Feed Stock must be fed pelletized feed for 48 hours in advance of and for the duration of the trip in order to prevent the spread of exotic plant species. Animals may not be left unattended and must be staked at least 300 feet from water sources and away from vegetation where possible. Park vegetation may not be consumed. Animals may not be unstaked and hobbled. Day Use Day use permits are unlimited and free of charge, except in Horse/Salt Creek and Lavender Canyons in the Needles District, where day use is limited to seven animals per day. In these areas, permits may be reserved in advance and fees are charged. In all other areas of the park, including Horseshoe Canyon, group size must not exceed ten animals and ten people. Overnight Use Overnight trips must stay at designated vehicle camps. Permits are $30. All manure and feed must be packed out from the campsites. The group size limit is seven people and ten horses for the Needles and Island in the Sky, and five people and eight horses for the Maze and Orange Cliffs. Overnight use is not allowed in Horseshoe Canyon. |
| Backpacking | Boating | Biking |
Much of Canyonlands is managed as undeveloped land, and the park has become an increasingly popular destination for backcountry travel. Permits are required for all overnight trips in the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, it is recommended that you make reservations well in advance. Sites and Zones In order to protect natural and cultural resources and prevent crowding, the backcountry of Canyonlands is divided up into sites and zones, and access to each is limited. There are designated walk-in sites along some heavily traveled hiking trails, mostly in the Needles, for use by backpackers. In more remote areas like the Maze, visitors stay in at-large zones and may choose their own campsites. Water Water is a limiting factor for most backcountry trips in Canyonlands. There are springs scattered throughout the park, mostly in canyon bottoms. There are also large areas, such as the Grabens in the Needles and the entire White Rim bench at the Island in the Sky, where there are no reliable water sources. Obtaining drinking water from the Colorado or Green Rivers is difficult as the water is very silty and hard to purify. Backpacking groups are encouraged to pack in water whenever possible. Many springs marked on topographic maps may dry up during periods of drought. Spring locations and current conditions are available at district visitor centers. |
The Colorado and Green Rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands, and both offer an interesting way to visit the park. Above their confluence near the heart of Canyonlands, the rivers offer miles and miles of flat water perfect for canoes, sea kayaks and other shallow-water boats. Below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a fourteen-mile stretch of Class III to V white water. Private Permits Permits are required for all overnight private river trips. Permits can be reserved in advance starting the first business day of each calendar year. Guided Trips Local outfitters offer a variety of guided trips, from half-day excursions to week-long floats. Most river trips involve several nights of camping. Access & Facilities There are no facilities or services along the rivers in Canyonlands. Entrenched in deep canyons, the rivers are generally hidden from view and possess a primitive, isolated character. In the entire park, only Green River Overlook offers a view of the rivers that visitors can reach with a two-wheel-drive car. All launch ramps and take-out points are located outside the park. Hiking trails lead to the rivers in each district. Well-suited to backpacking trips, each of these trails involves a long descent of 1,000 feet or more over very rough terrain. |
Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, particularly for the 100-mile White Rim Road at the Island in the Sky. The Maze also offers some multi-day trip possibilities, though the logistics and roads are more difficult (for the support vehicles, not the bikes). Many of the roads in the Needles travel up wash bottoms and are unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand and water. Permits are required for all overnight trips in the backcountry. Permits are not required for day rides. During the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, especially to camp along the White Rim Road, it is recommended that you make reservations well in advance. These permits can be reserved starting the second Monday in July for the next calendar year. Mountain bikes groups must remain on established roads and camp in designated sites. There is no single-track riding in the park. A support vehicle is recommended for all multi-day bike trips as there are no water sources along most of the roads. Guided trips are available for many destinations within Canyonlands. |
| Hiking | Climbing | Stargazing |
Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both the Island in the Sky and the Needles provide ample opportunities for short walks, day hikes and backpacking trips. Due to its remoteness, the Maze is primarily a backpacking destination. Trails are usually marked with cairns (small rock piles) and have signs at intersections. Many remote trails do not receive regular maintenance and may not be adequately marked. All backcountry hikers should carry a topographic map. |
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. Little climbing is done in the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes. Permits are not required for technical rock climbing unless it involves an overnight stay in the backcountry. Regulations Technical rock climbing is prohibited in the Salt Creek Archeological District in the Needles, in Horseshoe Canyon, into any archeological site or cultural resource, or on any arch or natural bridge in Canyonlands National Park or the Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon NRA named on a USGS map, with the exception of Washer Woman Arch at the Island in the Sky. The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited. The physical altering of rock faces by chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited. The use of motorized power drills is prohibited. All climbing shall be free or clean-aid climbing with the following exceptions: -No new climbing hardware may be left in a fixed location; however, if a hardware item is unsafe, it may be replaced. -Protection may not be placed with the use of a hammer except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for emergency self-rescue. -If an existing software item (sling, etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced (software that is left in place must match the rock surface in color). Canyoneering (cross-country travel involving the occasional use of climbing equipment ) may occur in areas closed to rock climbing, but must occur at least 300 feet away from cultural sites. |
The national parks and monuments of the Colorado Plateau have long been popular destinations for travelers. In addition to their stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, these areas share another resource: some of the darkest skies remaining in the contiguous 48 United States. Though often unappreciated, the utter dark of a moonless night in Canyonlands surprises many visitors. As few as one in ten Americans live in areas where they can see the estimated 2,500 stars that should be visible under normal conditions. In many cities, the night sky is completely obscured by the glow of urban settlement. At Canyonlands, the naked eye is sufficient to witness a wealth of stars. Under the right conditions, common binoculars may even reveal the rings of Saturn. Canyonlands preserves a wealth of resources. Many, like natural dark, have become more significant as they become increasingly rare outside the park. |
Information and most photos for this page provided by The National Park Service
