The Best Canyonlands Hikes

With so many awesome Canyonlands hikes in Canyonlands National Park, knowing where to start can be hard. Hiking in Canyonlands is so worth it though! I really believe it’s one of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park.

In my view, Canyonlands National Park is an awesome place to go hiking and (being from the UK) I’d never heard of it until we visited Canyonlands and Arches during our America road trip.

Canyonlands Utah is less than an hour away from Arches National Park and is every bit as beautiful, if not more so.

It’s one of Mighty 5 Utah National Parks that includes Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Parks and the scenery is hugely different from just a few miles away at Arches; something which impressed both me and my husband.

If yure looking for the best Canyonlands hikes, you’re in the right place.

Below, I’ve broken down these hikes in Canyonlands National Park into districts so you can see which area to visit for hikes that meet your ability, fitness, and the types of views you’re looking for.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

Overview of the Canyonlands Districts

Canyonlands National Park is a huge national park in the state of Utah. With the park’s boundaries covering over 300,000 acres of desert landscapes, canyons, and picturesque arches, it’s well worth exploring if you’re planning a trip to Moab Utah.

The park is divided into five distinct regions: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, the Rivers District formed by Colorado and Green Rivers, and the later addition of Horseshoe Canyon in 1971.

• Island in the Sky: Island in the Sky is the easiest part of Canyonlands Park to get to and so is the busiest part of the park too. It’s here you’ll find the Canyonlands scenic drive near Moab with views from grand canyon overlooks as well as easy hikes like the Mesa Arch hike.
• The Needles: Named after its unique, vividly-striped rock spires this is a quieter area of the park known for hard day hikes and multi-day backpacking routes, this area offers an immersive journey through colorful desert landscapes.
• The Maze: A remote and rugged desert region of Canyonlands, perfect for experienced backcountry hikers and backpackers who are looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• The Rivers District: Formed by the Colorado and Green Rivers this area is a green oasis in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. This is a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting.
• Horseshoe Canyon: Separated from the main park this district is where you’ll find the Great Gallery, known for its impressive collection of indigenous rock art and one of the best hikes Canyonlands National Park has to offer.

Hiking at the Island in the Sky district at Canyonlands

Being the closest to Moab and Arches National Park, the Island in the Sky district tends to be the busiest. However, compared to hiking in Arches National Park and especially on trails like Delicate Arch, Canyonlands is overall much quieter.

The Island in the Sky district is divided into two main parts: the Mesa Top, situated atop the canyon near Dead Horse State Point Park, and the trails winding along the White Rim Road towards the bottom of the canyon.

To get to the White Rim Road trails you’ll need to hike down or travel in a 4×4.

The White Rim Road, a 100-mile-long track looping below the Island in the Sky mesa top, usually takes 2-3 days by car or 3-4 days by mountain bike. You’ll need both overnight and day-use permits to drive this road which you get from the visitor center or reserve them online in advance.

Canyonlands National Park map for hiking

Below is a Canyonlands map of the trailheads for all of the hikes I’ve mentioned below which should help you to get your bearings when planning your trip to Canyonlands.

However, when actually in the park I recommend having AllTrails+. You can then download offline maps so you can navigate with GPS while on the trail when you’re exploring.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Best easy hikes to do in Canyonlands

Mesa Arch Canyonlands

• Distance: 1.1 km / 0.7 miles
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 27 m / 89 ft
• Trail map

This short and easy hike leads to one of the most recognizable features in Canyonlands; Mesa Arch.

This distinctive Utah arch perches right on the edge of the canyon’s rim, acting as a window into the landscape below.

It’s even positioned in such a way that at sunrise the first rays of the day shine through the underside of the arch and give off a really cool light ray.

When you add the light rays, the cool rock shape, and the panoramic views of the surrounding desert. and canyon below, you’ve got a super cool view off the back of a really easy hike.

Despite this spot being one of the busiest in the park, it’s worth braving the crowd for.

White Rim Overlook

• Distance: 2.9 km / 1.8 miles
• Duration: 45 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 49 m / 161 ft
• Trail map

The White Rim Overlook trail is another easy hike in Canyonlands National Park that I highly recommend.

With incredible views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and the (sometimes) snowy caps of the La Sal Mountains, this hike gives you a unique look into the park and how the canyons came to be formed.

The trail itself is easy and accessible to almost everyone.

The overlook trail is best in the late afternoon when the sunlight lights up the depths of the canyon. So it’s perfect if you’ve visited Arches in the morning and then Canyonlands in the afternoon which I recommend in my guide to visiting Canyonlands and Arches in 1 day.

Grand View Point Canyonlands

• Distance: 2.9 km / 1.8 miles
• Duration: 45 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 49 m / 161 ft
• Trail map

Grand View Point trail is among one of the must do hikes in Canyonlands National Park.

Following the top of the canyon, it gives you panoramic views across the canyon below you.

From the trail, you’ll be able to see both the Colorado and Green Rivers which have carved the rocks all around you.

The trail to Grand View Point is easy with minimal elevation gain and portions accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

While the first overlook point offers stunning views, I highly recommend completing the entire trail for the most expansive and breathtaking views of the park.

It’s also a great hike in Canyonlands at sunset when the park can turn beautiful colors.

Buck Canyon Trail

• Distance: 0.2 km/ 0.1 miles
• Duration: 5 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 0 m / 0 ft
• Trail map

The Buck Canyon Overlook Trail is a fantastic option for those wanting a quick but scenic walk in Canyonlands National Park.

It’s the shortest trail in the park, making it a perfect choice for families or those seeking a less strenuous walk. The trail is fully paved so it’s accessible for wheelchair users and families with strollers.

Despite its short length, the trail offers a beautiful overlook of Buck Canyon, providing a delightful spot to watch the sunrise or sunset or enjoy a peaceful family picnic.

Shafer Canyon Overlook

• Distance: 0.5 km / 0.3 miles
• Duration: 15 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 15 m / 49 ft
• Trail map

Shafer Canyon Overlook trail is one of the easiest trails in Canyonlands National Park but that doesn’t mean the views are any less impressive.

From the overlook, you’ll get amazing views of the entire Shafer Canyon and be able to see the dusty roads that go down into the canyon floor.

We had fun watching the Jeeps and ATVs descend the canyon and navigate the twisty paths.

This is one of the easiest Canyonlands hikes Island in the Sky district has to offer and is super close to the visitor center just off the Great View Point Road scenic drive.

Cave Spring Trail

• Distance: 1 km / 0.8 miles
• Duration: 15 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 18 m / 59 ft
• Trail map

Head out on an easy adventure through time with the Cave Spring hike.

This trail provides a fantastic introduction to the Needles district of Canyonlands and takes you to some super cool rock formations and rock markings.

It’s super cool to see the ancient rock markings etched years and years ago.

The path also goes to a former cowboy camp, where you can get a look into the life of the rugged frontiersmen with original artifacts still intact.

The trail has some fun surprises in store like climbing two wooden ladders to reach the top!

Murphy Point Trail

• Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
• Duration: Easy
• Difficulty: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Elevation: 54 m / 177 ft
• Trail map

Murphy Point is a great Canyonlands hike that’s a bit longer than some of the others but is still easy due to minimal elevation.

The path takes you past a historical corral located on the dramatic canyon rim, giving you insight into the area’s past.

The real highlight of this hike, though, is the stunning view at the end.

As you reach the lookout point you’ll be amazed by the distinctive Candlestick Tower, the tranquil Green River, and the winding White Rim Road.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot 4×4 vehicles braving the road below.

Upheaval Dome (first overlook)

• Distance: 1.1 km / 0.7 miles
• Duration: 20 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 33 m / 108 ft
• Trail map

If you’re short on time but want to get some impressive views, the Upheaval Dome hike to First Overlook is the way to go.

This trail is under 1 mile long but descends steeply, leading to a clear vantage point over Upheaval Dome, a massive crater in the park that’s rumored to have been formed by an ancient meteorite.

Best moderate Canyonlands hikes

Chocolate Drops Trail

• Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 283 m / 929 ft
• Trail map

If you’re looking for a quieter trail then the Chocolate Drops trail is a good option.

Though quite a long hike with a challenging 4×4 drive taking several hours to get to the trailhead, if you put the effort in you’ll be rewarded.

As you hike the flat ridge, you’ll come out to 4 sandstone formations that give the trail its name.

Despite their ‘chocolate’ moniker, they don’t resemble anything edible, but their sheer size and structure are impressive nonetheless.

Whale Rock

• Distance: 1.3 km / 0.8 miles
• Duration: 30 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 40 m / 131 ft
• Trail map

Take a quick hike on the Whale Rock trail to an amazing viewpoint in Canyonlands.

This Canyonlands hike offers an easy climb up the side of a unique sandstone dome that looks a bit like a giant whale.

Despite being a short hike, it packs in some exciting terrain with a mild scramble before you reach the top. Don’t worry, though; there are well-maintained handrails to help you.

When you get to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, with the Colorado and Green Rivers providing a beautiful backdrop.

 Aztec Butte

• Distance: 2.6 km / 1.6 mile
• Duration: 45 mins
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 76 m / 249 ft
• Trail map

For a slightly more challenging Canyonlands hike, check out the Aztec Butte trail.

This trail isn’t the longest, but its demanding terrain calls for some hiking experience as much of the route involves scrambling over rocks, with fairly rapid elevation gain.

As you conquer the climb, you’re rewarded with ancient granaries and cave-like structures from Puebloan times and views of Taylor Canyon.

Neck Spring

• Distance: 8.9 km / 5.5 miles
• Duration: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 210 m / 689 m
• Trail map

For a unique adventure choose the Neck Spring trail.

This loop trail takes you down past historic ranching landmarks and past two springs, once visited by cowboys to water their cattle.

There are lots of juniper trees for shade along the way with just one very steep and strenuous part of the trail about half way through.

Slickrock Foot Trail Canyonlands

• Distance: 3.9 km / 2.4 miles
• Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 42 m / 138 ft
• Trail map

Whether you’re short on time or just want a taste of the Needles District, the Slickrock trail is an excellent choice.

This hour-long loop trail has 4 different viewpoints from where you can enjoy the views within the Needles.

Though there’s not a huge amount of elevation gain, there are some areas that are unmarked and usually some fallen trees you’ll need to clamber over too.

Best difficult Canyonlands National Park hikes

Gooseberry Trail

• Distance: 6.8 km / 4.2
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 482 m / 1581 ft
• Trail map

The Gooseberry trail is one of the steepest hikes in the Island in the Sky District Canyonlands. Sure, it’s not a super long hike, but it definitely packs a punch.

Its steep terrain features a mix of zig-zag paths, sheer cliffs, and scree slopes. At the bottom, you’ll feel like you’re in some other world.

At the far end of this hike, there’s a great view of White Rim Bench which truly makes the effort worthwhile.

Make sure you avoid doing this hike in the middle of the day in summer as it’ll just get too hot for most people.

Syncline Loop

• Distance: 12.7 km / 7.9 miles
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 496 m / 1627 ft
• Trail map

The Syncline Loop is one of the hardest trails in the Island in the Sky region of Canyonlands National Park and is one that’s best saved for fit and experienced backcountry hikers.

This route circles the intriguing Upheaval Dome, taking you through steep switchbacks and scrambly boulder fields. It’s a hike that demands stamina and determination as you climb more than 1,500 feet.

However, the payoff is a sense of peace and quiet that’s hard to find in Utah’s National Parks.

Confluence Overlook

• Distance: 16.1 km / 10 miles
• Duration: 4 – 5 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 418 m / 1 371 ft
• Trail map

The Confluence Overlook Trail is named after its final, dramatic viewpoint – where the Green River and Colorado River merge. It’s a super cool spot to see as the two rivers have distinct colors and then they merge into one.

Starting at the Big Spring Canyon Trailhead, the path takes you along the northern edge of the geological fault that shaped The Needles.

However, it’s not just the rivers’ confluence that is impressive, the whole trail has beautiful sights along the way.

Lathrop Trail Canyonlands

• Distance: 18.3 km / 11.4 miles
• Duration: 5 – 6 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 755 m / 2477 ft
• Trail map

If you’re up for a tough but worthwhile hike in Canyonlands, the Lathrop trail leading all the way down to the Colorado River is a must.

This is often done as an overnight hike but can also be done in a day if you’re shorter on time.

Along the way, you’ll get cool views of the La Sal Mountains and various sandstone rock features.

Druid Arch Trail

• Distance: 15.6 km / 9.7 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 441 m / 1447 ft
• Trail map

The Druid Arch Trai is one of the best Canyonlands hikes in the Needles district where you’ll find some of the best views

This hike goes straight through the district, the trail features diverse terrain, including deep sand and loose rock that requires scrambling, and a ladder.

The endpoint of this trail is Druid Arch, a sandstone structure over 150 feet tall! When it comes to Canyonlands Needles hikes, this is a must-do!

Chesler Park Loop Trail

• Distance: 16.4 km / 10.2 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 547 m / 1794 ft
• Trail map

The Chesler Park trail is an off-the-beaten-path experience that calls for good hiking boots and a sense of adventure.

Starting from the Elephant Hill trailhead, the route takes you over an exciting trail of boulders, stairs, and sand-bottomed slot canyons.

The trail has lots of great views of Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District too.

Hiking counter-clockwise is recommended so the heat is at your back and not in your face. And, be sure to pack several liters of water per person.

Great Gallery Trail

• Distance: 17.1 km / 10.6 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 502 m / 1647 ft
• Trail map

This is one of those extra special Canyonlands National Park hiking trails.

The Great Gallery Trail is in the Horseshoe Canyon part of Canyonlands National Park Utah and is the best hike in Canyonlands for seeing rock art.

It’s a tricky trail that has a decent amount of elevation gain and is quite long and remote. It leads you out to an area with some well-preserved rock art and super cool sandstone rock formations.

It’s fun to figure out what the paintings depict and think about just how ancient they are!

Maze overlook

• Distance: 12.9 km / 8 miles
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation: 294 m / 965 ft
• Trail map

Starting at Hans Flat Ranger Station, the Maze Overlook trail offers a challenging hike that rewards you with a mesmerizing view of the entire district.

It’s a popular mountain biking route as well which my husband loves to do!

On this trail, you’ll find slick rock, slot canyons, sand, and peculiar rock formations known as hoodoos.

You’ll need a 4×4 to navigate the challenging terrain beyond the ranger station and there’s a bit of mild scrambling with ledges and footholds.

What to pack for exploring the hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park

Below are some of the most important things to pack for hiking in Canyonlands National Park. I have a more detailed list of what to pack for visiting Canyonlands too.

• Water: Pack at least half a liter of water per hour of hiking. In the desert heat, hydration is crucial. I recommend at least 4 liters per person in the heat of the day during summer
• Food: High-energy snacks and a packed lunch if you plan on staying out for the day.
• Hiking Gear: Good quality, hiking boots, or trail running shoes, a map of the area, and a compass or GPS.
• Clothing: Dress in layers as temperatures can vary significantly. Pack a sunhat and sunglasses for sun protection. Check out my guide to what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Sunscreen: Apply and bring extra for reapplication as the sun can be intense.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, and any personal medication.
• Multi-tool: Useful for various situations from preparing food to emergency repairs.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: In case you get caught out after sunset.
• The Ten Essentials: These are essential hiking items including navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire starter, repair kit and tools, nutrition, hydration, and an emergency shelter.
• Backcountry Permit: If you plan on doing overnight hiking, you’ll need a backcountry permit.
• National Park Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple parks, consider getting an “America the Beautiful” pass for $80 for an entire year at all parks vs $30 for a week at one park.
• Trash Bags: Pack out all your rubbish as per the “leave no trace” principle.

Canyonlands National Park camping information

Camping at Canyonlands National Park, Utah can be an exciting adventure! The park is a bit wild and untouched, so camping here is a chance to connect with nature and the dark skies mean you can see sooo many stars!

Canyonlands has a couple of campgrounds that require “backcountry camping”, which means you’re camping in the wilderness. To do this, you’ll need a special permit that you can get online or at the visitor center.

However, if you prefer more structured campgrounds, Canyonlands has two main ones: one in the Island in the Sky district and another in The Needles district.

If you don’t want to camp, I recommend checking out this guide to Moab hotels.

Willow Flat Campground, Island in the Sky

Willow Flat Campground has 12 camping spots. They don’t take reservations, so it’s based on whoever gets there first. It’s open all year round. The best part? You’ll be very close to the stunning Green River Overlook.

The cost for each campsite is $15. The campground has toilets and picnic tables, but there’s no water available, so be sure to bring your own.

Squaw Flat Campground, The Needles

The Needles Campground has 26 camping spots and costs $20 per spot.

In the spring and fall, you can reserve some spots ahead of time. At other times, like Willow Flat, it’s first come, first served.

Tips for the Best Hiking in Canyonlands National Park

This Canyonlands hiking guide wouldn’t be complete without some hiking tips for your safety and fun!

• Start Early: Arrive shortly after sunrise to start your hike. This will help you avoid the midday heat and find parking more easily, especially at popular trailheads like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch. Plus, the early morning light makes the canyon look stunning!
• Visit in Spring or Fall: These months have milder temperatures, making them the best times to explore the park.
• Hydrate: Due to the dry climate and moderate elevation, you should pack at least 0.5 liters of water per person per hour when hiking Canyonlands National Park. Even if it’s a cool day, you need to drink plenty of water.
• Pack the Ten Essentials: Given the arid and remote nature of Canyonlands, make sure to bring the ten hiking essentials for safety.
• Dress in Layers: As temperatures can fluctuate from freezing overnight to warm during the day, wear several layers like breathable long-sleeved tops, a fleece jacket, and a down jacket.
• Consider a National Park Pass: If you plan on visiting several national parks in Utah, the America the Beautiful pass could save you money. It costs $80, lasts 12 months, and covers entrance to 63 national parks. If not, the entrance fee to Canyonlands is $30.
• Overnight Hike Permit: For overnight hikes, purchase a Canyonlands backcountry permit at the Island in the Sky visitor center or online.
• Water is Essential: Aim to drink at least 1 gallon of water a day – you are in the desert, after all.
• No Phone Signal: Don’t count on having a phone signal. It’s generally nonexistent.
• Follow the Cairns: These small piles of rocks will help guide your way.
• Protect Your Skin: Always wear sunscreen and consider a hat as there is very little shade in the park. The weather tends to be hot and dry.
• Leave No Trace: Take all your rubbish with you, and don’t disturb the plants, rocks, and artifacts. Always stay on the trails to avoid damaging the environment.

FAQs on the best Canyonlands National Park trails

Final thoughts on the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park

This guide to the best hikes Canyonlands has to offer takes you on some of the extraordinary Canyonlands trails in multiple districts.

Prepared to be amazed by Canyonlands hiking trails which give you scenic overlooks, take you deep into the canyon, or take you to some of the best arches near Moab.

This list of the Canyonlands National Park best hikes features trails that are usually quieter than the best Arches National Park hikes and no less impressive.

If you’re continuing your Utah road trip, be sure to check out the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park and these Zion hiking trails too! these Utah National Parks were some of my best memories from our North American trip!

Last Updated on July 18, 2023 by Hannah