Canyonlands National Park
Overview
Canyonlands National Park is a big mix of beautifully colorful canyons, rugged buttes and mesas, all of which hug the mighty Colorado River and it surrounding tributaries. In fact the Colorado divides the national park into four separate and distinct districts. The four districts are the Island in the Sky, the Maze, the Needles, and the different rivers themselves. These four sections, while having similarities, also have many differences that make them interesting and unique.
Located southwest of the famous Moab, Utah, Canyonlands National Park has unparalleled geologic formations. These formations include deep canyons with towering majestic plateaus that are continually being carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. Canyonlands is really one of the most interesting and diverse national parks in all of the United States.
Besides the awesome vistas that Canyonlands has, it is also home to some of the most fun and exciting 4x4 trails and whitewater rapids in all of the world. You can bike, hike, camp, as well as many other things at this truly unique national park. No matter what you're interested in, Canyonlands National Park has something to offer you!
Map & Directions
For the most part visitors to the southeastern section of Utah head to Moab and use it as a home base to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. When heading to Canyonlands, most visitors check out the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts. You cannot reach Horseshoe Canyon or the Maze District from Moab, Utah.
- Horseshoe Canyon:
The most reliable way to get to Horseshoe Canyon is from a dirt road that travels east from Highway 24. There are plenty of signs to help you stay on track. The turnoff is south of Goblin Valley turnoff, just north of Hanksville. Access should be fine all year long, but just be prepared for any inclement weather that may come up.
- Island in the Sky:
You can enter the Island in the Sky District from Utah Highway 313. If you are coming from Moab you will want to drive north on US 191 about 10 miles to the junction with Highway 313. You will then need to drive west on Highway 313 toward Dead Horse Point State Park. Just follow the signs that guide you to Canyonlands as opposed to following the signs that direct you into the state park.
- Maze District:
This area is very remote and should only be explored with someone who knows how to read a map real well. You can access the trail via the Flint Trail, or you can also access the trail from Highway 95 by Lake Powell, or from Highway 24 from Hans Flat near Hanksville, Utah. More than anything just be sure that you know what you're doing before entering this extremely remote area of Canyonlands National Park.
- Needles District:
The Needles District is accessed from Route 211, which intersects Highway 191 about 38 miles south of Moab, Utah. Then turn west onto Route 211 and take that until you reach the park.
Passes & Fees
The most economical pass if you're going to visit more than one park a year, is the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass gets you into any national park or federal recreational land, and costs only $80. You can [purchase it online].
If you walk in, use a motorcycle, or a bicycle to enter the park, the fee is $5.00 per person for a 7 day pass, which may not exceed $25.00 per family. However if you enter in a vehicle, all of the vehicles occupants get in for $10.00 and can stay for up to 7 days.
There is also another option called the Local Passport which is $25.00 and gains you access to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, as well as Hovenweep and Natural Bridges.
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the park boundaries, as well as any climbing excursions where you will be on the wall overnight. These also include any canyons that include rappelling. You can get your permits at the visitors center one day before you hike or you can get them the day of. Costs are as follows:
- $10.00 – 1-2 people
- $15.00 – 3-7 people
- $20.00 – 8-12 people