Canyonlands National Park: Ultimate Visitor's Guide

Canyonlands National Park Tours

One of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park is go white water rafting on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon. You'll drift past each of the four districts over 100 miles of River District, and then see all four districts from the air with a return scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park.

Renting a Jeep and descending the Shafer Trail is also a pretty fun way to get familiar with the vastness of Canyonlands National Park

Driving to Canyonlands Overlooks

Driving into Canyonlands National Park reveals endless mesas, deep canyons, and wide-open skies that seem to stretch forever. Paved roads in Island in the Sky and the Needles lead to spectacular overlooks and trailheads, while rugged 4x4 routes like the White Rim Road test even seasoned drivers. Because distances between districts are vast, plan at least a full day to truly experience Canyonlands by car.

Canyonlands Weather

Canyonlands National Park sits in a high desert climate where temperatures can swing dramatically, even within a single day. Each district of the park has its own character, including distinct weather patterns. Summers are hot, often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Spring and fall bring short but pleasant shoulder seasons, while winter can range from cool and comfortable to freezing with snow. No matter the season, Canyonlands is always worth a visit.

Canyonland's River District

From the canyon rims, the Colorado River looks like a lazy ribbon winding through the heart of Canyonlands. Step closer and you realize it is the park’s lifeblood, formidable and powerful, yet calming and restorative for road-weary travelers. A multi-day whitewater rafting trip on this stretch of river offers one of the most authentic ways to experience the American West. Known as Cataract Canyon, it is widely celebrated as one of the premier rafting adventures in the country.

Canyonlands National Park Camping

Camping in Canyonlands is the real deal. It’s nature at its purest and most magnificent. When night falls, the silence is weighty and the night sky comes alive. Typically, unless you’re in extreme back country, the wildlife experiences are limited to the whooshing of a raven’s wings as it soars overhead, lizards, the distant sounds of coyotes howling at the sunrise, and the occasional mule deer keeping an eye on its home.

Lodging Near Canyonlands

Whether you’re hiking your heart out or just taking a scenic drive, you’ll learn that massive landscapes leave you massively tired. Knowing you have a soft pillow and a warm shower to return to will be what makes a glorious day a perfect success. Make sure to get familiar with the lodging options near Canyonlands National Park, so you can make the right choice for resting your weary head.

Best Hikes in Canyonlands

Even if you’re a frequent visitor to Moab, it would be difficult for you to complete all the hikes available in Canyonlands National Park. There are close to forty different trails in Canyonlands, ranging from easy to strenuous, and varying in length from 1 to 45 miles!

Canyonlands National Park Photos

Canyonlands National Park is like no other place; it is something spectacular to behold. Hopefully, you will get the chance to behold it in person, and that you’ll get photos to do the landscape a bit of justice. However, until you get that chance and those photos, you’re welcome to check out our professionally shot library.

Facts About Canyonlands NP

Discover the raw beauty and rich history of Canyonlands National Park. Towering mesas, river-carved canyons, ancient rock art, and hidden arches make this a landscape where every turn reveals a story millions of years in the making. Explore the park’s most awe-inspiring features, learn surprising facts, and find helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

Canyonlands National Park Map

Of all the places you wouldn’t want to be caught without a map, Canyonlands National Park is one of them. Canyonlands is a place where roads (or what brave souls with 4x4s call roads) tangle for days across the wilderness, and time stands still. By "time stands still," we mean that most of Canyonlands still isn’t provisioned with cell phones or 5G. To keep you safe, we have maps you can print, fold up, and keep in your pocket.