A vast Utah park where the Colorado and Green Rivers carve scenic canyons and create spectacular sandstone formations. Divided into four distinct districts, each offers unique vistas, trails, and remote wilderness adventures.

Overview

Canyonlands National Park, established in 1964 and managed by the National Park Service, protects 337,598 acres of dramatic desert landscape in southeastern Utah near Moab. The park is a sprawling wilderness of deep, river-carved canyons, towering buttes, mesas, and natural arches created by millions of years of erosion. Its name reflects the countless valleys, canyons, and "islands" of rock divider by the Colorado Plateau’s rivers and erosion .

Four Districts

The park is famously divided into four distinct districts by the Colorado and Green Rivers—each with a unique character and set of experiences:

Island in the Sky: A high mesa with dramatic overlooks showing vast canyons dropping miles to the rivers below. Popular viewpoints include Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and Green River Overlook.

The Needles: Named for its colorful spires of sandstone, this district offers access to multi-day backpacking routes and trailheads such as Chesler Park and Confluence Overlook.

The Maze: The most remote and challenging region, full of labyrinthine canyons and difficult 4WD routes. It is suited for experienced adventurers seeking solitude.

The Rivers: The Colorado and Green Rivers themselves carve deep canyons, offering opportunities for scenic river trips and exploration of floodplains and riverbanks.

Geology and Landscape

Canyonlands showcases the power of erosion with its spectacular scenery. The Colorado Plateau’s uplift combined with the erosive force of the Colorado and Green Rivers (and their tributaries) carved through layers of sandstone, shale, and other rocks to create immense canyons, arches, and mesas. The park is a textbook example of fluvial (river) erosion and sedimentary rock geology, with visible rock layers dating back hundreds of millions of years .

Plan Your Visit

Canyonlands is open 24 hours a day, year-round, though some areas and facilities may close in winter. Due to its remote nature, visitors should come prepared with water, food, and supplies, as amenities in the park are very limited .

Key Access Points and Visitor Centers

Island in the Sky Visitor Center: The main access point for the Island in the Sky district with exhibits, trip planning help, and trailheads.

The Needles Visitor Center: Provides information, maps, and permits for the Needles district.

Other districts like The Maze have no formal visitor centers and are remote to access .

Scenic Views and Hiking

Each district has iconic viewpoints and hiking trails:

Island in the Sky: Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail, Upheaval Dome, Whale Rock.

The Needles: Chesler Park Loop, Peekaboo Trail, Pothole Point, Confluence Overlook.

The Maze: Remote routes and technical backcountry only.

The park has hundreds of miles of trails—ranging from easy overlooks to strenuous backcountry hikes .

Camping and Backcountry Permits

The park offers developed campgrounds as well as vast backcountry camping zones that require permits.

Squaw Flat Campground (Needles District): The main developed campground.

Island in the Sky Backcountry Zones: Backpackers can camp off-trail with a permit.

The Needles Backcountry Zones: Permitted at-large zones for backcountry camping.

The Maze and Rivers: Remote camping for experienced adventurers with permits .

Permits and Safety

Permits are required for backcountry travel, river trips, and some other activities. The park is a desert environment with extreme heat in summer and rugged terrain. Visitors should carry plenty of water and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions .

Animals

Canyonlands is home to many desert-adapted animals that thrive in its arid environment. These include:

Desert Bighorn Sheep: Agile climbers seen on rocky cliffs and remote canyons.

Kangaroo Rats: Nocturnal rodents adapted to desert life.

Lizards: Various species, including collared lizards and side-blotched lizards, bask on sunlit rocks.

Ravens: Highly intelligent birds commonly seen soaring above the canyons.

Coyotes: Opportunistic predators that roam the park, especially at dawn and dusk.

Birds of Prey: Red-tailed hawks and golden eagles patrol the canyon skies.

Spiders and Scorpions: Adapted to the harsh desert, these invertebrates are mostly active at night.

The park’s fauna have adapted to survive with limited water and extreme temperature fluctuations, making Canyonlands a fascinating place for wildlife observation .

Plants

The plant life in Canyonlands reflects its harsh desert environment, with species adapted to conserve water and survive intense sun. Key plants include:

Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma): These hardy trees anchor on rocky slopes and mesas, providing shade and shelter.

Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis): Scattered with junipers, these drought-resistant pines are a vital part of the higher elevation woodlands.

Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): A tough shrub common in arid soils throughout the park.

Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis): A spindly shrub with medicinal roots, thriving in sandy soils.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): Blossoming with bright flowers in spring, these cacti store water and withstand drought.

Yucca (Yucca spp.): Known for their striking flower spikes, yuccas dot the park’s open areas.

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): A cheerful yellow wildflower seen in open stretches during blooming season.

These plants create resilient ecosystems that support animal life and contribute to the scenic beauty of Canyonlands. They thrive in soils shaped by ancient seas and erosion, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the terrain .