Canyonlands National Park Tours

Without question, the most complete and unforgettable way to experience Canyonlands is on a multi-day rafting trip through Cataract Canyon—the heart of the park’s remote River District. This is the only way to truly immerse yourself in the landscape. You’ll drift between towering red rock walls, run thrilling whitewater, and take short hikes to hidden canyons and ancient sites accessible only by river.

On the 4-Day Cataract Canyon expedition, your adventure ends with a scenic flight back to Moab, soaring over the very canyons you just explored—an awe-inspiring finale that ties the journey together. The River District is Canyonlands at its most dramatic, offering perspectives no overlook or road can match.

If you want to experience Canyonlands from the ground, renting a Jeep is one of the best ways to do it. The Shafer Trail, just inside the Island in the Sky District, is a classic drive that doesn’t require a special permit. It winds down dramatic switchbacks carved into towering cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Colorado River and the canyon below.

Yes! Cataract Canyon rafting trips are ideal for adventurous families with kids ages 12 and up during May and June, and 10 and up in July and August when the water levels drop a bit. These trips strike a great balance of excitement and relaxation, with stretches of calm water, fun swimming spots, and thrilling rapids later in the trip. 

Parents particularly love these trips because they offer something rare - quality time with their kids, free from distractions. There’s no need to cook meals, rush to the next reservation, or juggle schedules. It’s just time together on the river - sharing laughs, stories, and moments that reconnect you as a family.

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal for visiting the park on your own if driving, camping or hiking. If you're planning to explore Canyonlands National Park by river, the rafting season runs from late May through late August and sometimes into September. The hotter months are less of an issue on the river as you're always on the water and have a refreshing way to cool off.

If you’re exploring by land, it’s possible to see both parks in a single day—but only the highlights. Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District) are about 30 miles apart, roughly a 45-minute drive each way. 

You could spend the morning walking through the Windows Section in Arches, stop for lunch in Moab, and then head to Canyonlands in the afternoon to visit Mesa Arch or Grand View Point before sunset.

That said, both parks deserve more time if you can spare it. For travelers who are short on time or want to fit more into their Moab visit, the Arches & Canyonlands Combo Air Tour is the perfect solution. In just 80 minutes, you’ll fly over the best of both parks—seeing towering arches, deep canyons, and the stunning confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers—all from a bird’s-eye view. It’s the most efficient and awe-inspiring way to see both icons in one day.