Island in the Sky
This is the most popular and accessible area of Canyonlands, located about 45 minutes from Moab. It is a high plateau that offers spectacular views of the canyons below and the distant mountains. You can drive along the scenic road and stop at various overlooks, such as Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Mesa Arch. You can also hike some of the trails that range from easy to strenuous, such as Upheaval Dome, Grand View Point Trail, and Syncline Loop. If you are feeling adventurous, you can drive or bike along the White Rim Road, a 100-mile dirt road that circles the Island in the Sky mesa and descends to the river level. This road requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and a permit from the park.
The Needles
This area is named after the colorful sandstone spires that dot the landscape. It is located about 90 minutes from Moab and offers a more remote and rugged experience than Island in the Sky. You can explore the area by hiking some of the trails that take you through canyons, arches, and rock formations, such as Chesler Park Loop, Druid Arch Trail, and Big Spring Canyon Trail. You can also drive or bike along some of the dirt roads that access different parts of The Needles, such as Elephant Hill Road, Colorado Overlook Road, and Lockhart Basin Road. These roads also require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and a permit from the park.
The Maze
This is the most isolated and challenging area of Canyonlands, located about six hours from Moab. It is a labyrinth of canyons and mesas that requires expert navigation skills and self-reliance. You can explore The Maze by hiking some of the trails that take you to hidden gems like The Harvest Scene pictograph panel, The Chocolate Drops rock pinnacles, and The Doll House rock formations. You can also drive or bike along some of the dirt roads that access different parts of The Maze, such as Flint Trail, Maze Overlook Road, and Teapot Rock Road. These roads are extremely rough and require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with extra fuel and water, as well as a permit from the park.
The Rivers
The Colorado and Green Rivers are the lifeblood of Canyonlands, carving out the canyons and providing water for wildlife and plants. You can explore the rivers by rafting or kayaking along some of the sections that offer different levels of difficulty and scenery. The most popular section is Cataract Canyon, which runs for 100 miles from Moab to Lake Powell and features Class III-V rapids and stunning views of The Needles and Island in the Sky. Other sections include Labyrinth Canyon, which runs for 68 miles from Green River to Mineral Bottom and features Class I-II rapids and calm water; Stillwater Canyon, which runs for 52 miles from Mineral Bottom to The Confluence and features Class I rapids and scenic side canyons; and Meander Canyon, which runs for 47 miles from The Confluence to Hite Marina and features Class I rapids and flat water. You need a permit from the park to raft or kayak on any section of the rivers.
Horseshoe Canyon
This area is a detached unit of Canyonlands that preserves some of the most impressive rock art in North America. It is located about three hours from Moab and requires a four-mile hike to reach the canyon floor. There you can see four panels of ancient pictographs that date back to over 2000 years ago. The most famous panel is The Great Gallery, which features life-sized figures with intricate details and expressions. You do not need a permit to visit Horseshoe Canyon.
Tips for Visiting Canyonlands National Park
- The park is open year-round but some facilities may close or have reduced hours in winter.
- The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle or $15 per person for seven days.
- There are two campgrounds in Island in the Sky (Willow Flat)