Alert: Temporary Closure of Elephant Hill 4WD Road at SOB Hill

National Park

Canyonlands

a broad stone arch with rock pinnacles in the distance
Mesa Arch, at Island in the Sky, is a great spot for photographers. NPS/Neal Herbert

Overview

Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.

State: UT435-719-2313

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  30.00

    Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  25.00

    Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  15.00

    Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    people illuminated in red gather around a telescope pointed at a starry sky

    Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

    Free

    Description

    Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.

    More info
    Time:1-3 Hours
    rock climber on vertical tan sandstone face, blue sky in background

    Rock Climbing at Canyonlands

    Free

    Description

    The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. We do not see many climbers in the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes.

    More info
    wooden badge with "Junior Ranger Canyonlands" and a drawingin a circle

    Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program

    Free

    Description

    There are a few ways to become a junior ranger at Canyonlands. Free junior ranger booklets are available at park visitor centers, or you can download them from the park website. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Canyonlands to kids and parents alike. After completing certain exercises, you can earn a junior ranger badge and signed certificate.

    More info
    Two hikers read a trailhead sign, juniper tree and rock formation in backgound

    Hiking at Canyonlands

    Free

    Description

    Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both 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.

    More info
    Two white and yellow tents illuminated the stars

    Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands

    $

    Description

    What better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated campsites for overnight backcountry travel.

    More info

    Fees

    There is a non-refundable reservation fee for each Backcountry permit, whether they're reserved in advance, or in person at a visitor center.   Activity Fee Island in the Sky Group Size Limit (Per Permit) The Needles Group Size Limit (Per Permit) The Maze Group Size Limit (Per Permit) Overnight Backpacking $36 Permit Reservation fee (includes $6 Recreation.gov fee) + $5 per person, per night 7 people 7 people 7 people You must pay a park entrance fee for Island in the Sky and The Needles at a park entrance station, visitor center, or online via pay.gov. Each vehicle, motorcycle, and individual entering the park by foot or bicycle must pay an entrance fee.

    Time:1-14 Days
    A light beige unpaved road winds back and forth down colorful sandstone walls.

    Experience the Shafer Trail

    Free

    Description

    The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:1 Hour

More Images

a broad stone arch with rock pinnacles in the distance
a broad stone arch with rock pinnacles in the distance
shallow pools with a double rainbow in the background
shallow pools with a double rainbow in the background
a rugged canyon
a rugged canyon
a long gravel road with cyclists on it
a long gravel road with cyclists on it
pinnacles of horizontally striped sandstone
pinnacles of horizontally striped sandstone
a person rowing a dory on the Colorado River
a person rowing a dory on the Colorado River