Things to do in Canyonlands National Park
A vast southeast Utah canyon park divided by the Green and Colorado Rivers into Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and river districts.
Best months: April, May, September, October
What is worth your time in Canyonlands National Park
Grand View Point OverlookDo not miss
The overlook surveys the White Rim, Monument Basin, and distant Needles from the end of the mesa road.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr4.9
Mesa ArchDo not miss
The short trail reaches the iconic rim arch framing canyons and the La Sal Mountains, especially famous at sunrise.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.9
Chesler Park Loop TrailDo not miss
The loop reaches the Needles district signature grassland basin ringed by colorful sandstone spires.
Hike · 6 hr4.8
Green River OverlookDo not miss
This drive-up overlook is one of the best places to understand the Green River canyons and layered desert distance.
Viewpoint · 53 min4.8
Island in the Sky Scenic DriveDo not miss
The mesa-top drive links the most accessible overlooks in the park and works well for heat, storms, or limited mobility.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr4.7
Confluence Overlook Trail
The long trail reaches a view over the meeting of the Green and Colorado Rivers from the Needles side.
Hike · 7 hr5
Druid Arch Trail
This demanding hike reaches one of Canyonlands most impressive arches deep in Elephant Canyon.
Hike · 7 hr5
Maze Overlook
The remote overlook peers into one of the most isolated canyon landscapes in the contiguous United States.
Viewpoint · 10 hr5
Whale Rock
A short slickrock climb gives families a quick summit-like view without committing to a long trail.
Hike · 45 min5
Shafer Trail Road
The steep switchback road drops from the mesa toward the White Rim for a dramatic high-clearance drive.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr4.8
Cave Spring Trail
This short loop combines a historic cowboy camp, spring alcove, ladders, and Needles sandstone scenery.
Hike · 1 hr4.7
Island in the Sky Visitor Center
The visitor center is the best indoor stop for water, maps, road conditions, exhibits, and ranger advice.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Slickrock Foot Trail
The easy loop gives sweeping views into canyons and toward the Needles without a long backpacking-style hike.
Hike · 2 hr4.7
Upheaval Dome
A short climb reaches a mysterious crater-like formation with one of the most unusual geology stories in the park.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.7
And 3 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Canyonlands is famous for Mesa Arch sunrise, sweeping Island in the Sky overlooks, the White Rim, Needles sandstone spires, remote Maze country, and Cataract Canyon.