National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Neal Herbert
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.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
0.6 mi · 56 ft gain · loop
Short hike to an iconic cliff-edge arch framing canyon views and the La Sal Mountains. One of Utah's most popular sunrise photography spots.
Starts at: Mesa Arch Trailhead
1.8 mi · 73 ft gain · out & back
Spectacular panoramic views along the canyon edge of the White Rim Road and distant features in The Maze and The Needles.
Starts at: Grand View Point
8.1 mi · 1,516 ft gain · loop
The most challenging trail in Island in the Sky, encircling Upheaval Dome with steep switchbacks and boulder-field scrambling.
Starts at: Upheaval Dome Trailhead
1.2 mi · 114 ft gain · out & back
Short but steep trail to two overlooks of the mysterious Upheaval Dome — a unique circular geologic formation.
Starts at: Upheaval Dome Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Geology Talk - Island in the Sky
Join a Park Ranger to explore the ancient landscapes that create the complex and exciting story that is Canyonlands.
Patio Talk - Island in the Sky District
Join a ranger to learn why Canyonlands is such a special place. Topics are posted outside at the visitor center daily.
Evening Program - Island in the Sky
Join a ranger to learn about the dark skies of Canyonlands, and how they have impacted humans, animals, and the ecology of Southeast Utah. Please consider bringing a chair for comfort, and red flashlight for night visibility. Program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, March, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Canyonlands is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.