About Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is a wilderness of canyons, buttes, and spires carved by the Colorado River and Green River. The park is divided into four distinct districts; no roads join them together. The districts share similar desert ecosystems, but each one provides unique opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.
Operating Hours
Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Activities
Getting There
Canyonlands National Park is cut into three land districts by the Green and Colorado rivers. Island in the Sky, in the north of the park, is about 40 minutes from Moab, UT via UT 313. The Needles district is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands, about 90 minutes from Moab or an hour from Monticello, UT via UT 211. The Maze district, in the west of the park, is the most remote and challenging; its ranger station is down 46 miles of dirt road from UT 24. All roads in The Maze require high-clearance 4WD.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one (1) private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments. U.S. residents only.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hiking at Canyonlands
Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both Island in the…
Boating in Canyonlands
The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands. Boating is a great…
The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands, and seeing the park…
Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah
Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out…
Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program
There are a few ways to become a junior ranger at Canyonlands. Free junior ranger booklets are available at park…
Rock Climbing at Canyonlands
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. We do not see many climbers in the…
Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands
What better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of…
Visitor Centers
Canyonlands Backcountry Office
The central backcountry office is located at park administrative offices south of Moab. Rangers can answer questions about backcountry travel over phone or email and…
Hours: Rangers are normally available five days a week to answer questions over the phone or email and issue permits online. The office closes for an hour for lunch every day (typically 12-1 pm) and backcountry permits are not issued after 4 pm. The backcountry office may close when rangers are needed to respond to emergency search and rescue efforts in the park. The backcountry office is closed on federal holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Washington's Birthday.
Hans Flat Ranger Station
The remote Hans Flat (Maze) Ranger Station is normally open daily year-round. This ranger contact station has a picnic table and vault toilet, and a…
Hours: Hans Flat Ranger Station is open to the public 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Island in the Sky Visitor Center
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center offers exhibits, book & map sales, park orientation film, backcountry permits, general information, vault toilets, and park rangers…
Hours: The Island in the Sky visitor center is normally open daily year-round with reduced hours in late fall, winter, and early spring. It closes early on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and is closed for Christmas Day (December 25). Hours vary with the season.
The Needles Visitor Center
The Needles Visitor Center normally offers exhibits, book & map sales, backcountry permits, information, picnic area, and park rangers on duty. The park orientation movie…
Hours: The Needles Visitor Center is normally open daily spring through fall. It is closed from mid-December to mid-February. Early spring and late fall hours may be shorter. Bathrooms remain open and water is available year-round. Information boards outside the building help you plan your visit.
Campgrounds
Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat) has 12 sites, first-come, first-served. The campground is open year-round. The spectacular Green River Overlook is nearby. Nightly…
The Needles Campground
The Needles Campground has 26 individual sites. Nightly camping fee for an individual site is $20. You can reserve some individual sites spring through fall.…
The Needles District Group Campsites
The Needles district has three group campsites in different locations, which can accommodate up to 15, 25, or 50 campers (respectively). Group campsites may be…
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