18 Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park Utah

The best things to do in Canyonlands National Park are quite varied and include scenic drives, hiking, biking, and camping.

Perhaps that’s not surprising that these Canyonlands things to do are so varied since the park itself is absolutely huge covering over 330,000 acres of canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires in the heart of Utah’s desert.

If you’re visiting Utah, Arches National Park, or Moab, make sure you stop by Canyonlands National Park. And, when you do, use this guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park.

The most important thing to know about Canyonlands National Park is that it’s split into 5 different districts. You can’t cross between districts within the park itself due to the rivers – you have to drive outside the park to get to and from them. And, for some of these districts, you’ll need a 4×4.

The most popular district in terms of visitors is the Island in the Sky as it’s the easiest to get to from Moab. Though an increasing number of people are also visiting the needles district too.

Below, I’ve included some of the best things to do in most of the districts, but with a focus on the Island in the Sky district.

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About Canyonlands National Park

With over 300,000 acres of Utah’s surreal desert landscapes, monumental canyons, and charming arches, Canyonlands National Park is a must-visit for any adventurer planning a trip to Utah.

This Utah National Park is split into five unique regions: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, the Rivers District where the Colorado and Green Rivers merge, and Horseshoe Canyon – the newest addition since 1971.

• Island in the Sky: The most accessible and busiest part of the park, Island in the Sky gives you the chance to experience the beautiful scenic drive near Moab through the park and enjoy the canyon overlooks.
• The Needles: Characterized by its distinctive, vibrantly striped rock spires, The Needles is a quieter area of the park. It’s best known for its challenging day hikes and multiple-day backpacking routes.
• The Maze: If you’re an experienced backpacker seeking off-grid experiences, The Maze, a remote and rugged desert region, should be on your list.
• The Rivers District: This surprisingly green oasis, created by the Colorado and Green Rivers is great for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting adventures.
• Horseshoe Canyon: Set apart from the main park, this district is home to the Great Gallery where you’ll find some amazing Indigenous rock art and one of the park’s best hiking trails.

Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park

Below you’ll find plenty of things to add to your Canyonlands National Park itinerary. This is one of the best National Parks Utah has to offer, making up one of the Mighty 5 and I loved exploring this desert landscape.

Canyonlands National Park map

1. Watch the sunrise at Mesa Arch

One of the best things to do in Canyonlands is to visit Mesa Arch for sunrise. This easy hike in Canyonlands is a must-do!

This is one of the most famous arches in Utah and one of the most popular places in Canyonlands so don’t expect it to be empty, in fact, there will likely be a lot of people at Mesa Arch for sunrise.

Still, when the 27 ft long arch captures the sunlight through the center of it with views of the La Sal Mountains in the back, you’ll forget about the crowds and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

However, you don’t have to visit it at sunrise. We were there around midday and still found it a super cool spot.

2. Visit Green River Overlook

The beauty of Canyonlands extends far beyond Mesa Arch to the popular Green River Overlook.

This awesome Canyonlands view point trail will treat you to sweeping views of the meandering Green River, carving its path through the canyon below.

It’s an easy walk from a parking lot to get to the viewpoint and both morning and late afternoon light blesses the landscape with a warm glow that photographers will adore.

3. Confluence Overlook

For the more daring explorers, the 11-mile round trip hike on the Confluence Overlook Trail offers a demanding but rewarding hiking trail in Canyonlands.

This challenging hike leads to a stunning view of the confluence, where the Green and Colorado Rivers merge mixing the waters’ colors together which is really cool to see.

4. Gaze out at Grand View Point

Prepare to have your breath taken away at Grand View Point, one of my Canyonlands must visits as it really shows you the scale of the desert landscape and the interesting rock features.

The overlook is at the end of Grand View Point Road and there’s a large, paved observation area. From here, you can see the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, and on a clear day, visibility can stretch for over 100 miles!

You can also opt to take an easy 2 mile hike along the canyon edge where you’ll get views of the canyons, buttes, and mesas carved out by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

5. Aztec Butte

Aztec Butte is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park and you can do it in just under an hour so it won’t even take up that much of your day.

The route is rugged and uneven at certain sections, challenging you to hike up and down rock-laden hills and stone steps so you’ll need to take care and make sure you’re well-equipped for your hike.

At the end, you’ll stand on top of the dome rock formation and see some incredible views. The hike also features rock formations known as granaries, which were used by Indigenous people as storage spaces for food and medicines.

6. Visit all of the Island in the Sky Overlooks

Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district is a must-visit for first-timers or those short on time.

It has a scenic drive that goes through this part of the park with several stopping points where you can park up and get out to enjoy the views.

At these viewpoints, or overlooks, you’ll be able to see the rivers, canyons, craters, and more.

Overlooks not to miss in Canyonlands include; the Visitor Center Viewpoint, Shafer Canyon Viewpoint, Buck Canyon Overlook, White Rim Overlook, and, of course, the famed Mesa Arch.

The Shafer trail viewpoint is particularly impressive as you can see the roads winding round and round below you.

7. Spend some time on the Green and Colorado Rivers

In the Rivers District, you can clearly see the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.

At this point where the rivers meet you can take kayaking and canoeing trips to see the canyon from below. It’s down here you can really get a sense of just how huge the canyon walls are and everything becomes even more impressive!

For more advanced paddlers (or those who love a thrill), there are tours where you can venture into Cataract Canyon. At this point on the river, the water gets wild reaching Class III to V rapids!

This fun rafting tour on the Colorado River also includes 4×4 drive. While another option is this more peaceful rafting tour which would be great for families or sightseers rather than thrillseekers.

8. Hire a 4×4 and drive the White Rim Road

For those who are proud owners of a 4×4, or interested in renting one, the White Rim Road should definitely be on your itinerary of things to do in Canyonlands National Park.

The road ventures down into the canyon so you’re deep into it but not quite by the river’s edge.

It’s definitely an exciting (and at times scary) drive!

The entire journey, covering a whopping 100 miles, typically spans about three days. It goes in a loop around the Island in the Sky canyon top (mesa) and there are camping places along the way. You’ll need to bring all your food and water with you and be experienced in travelling off-road terrain.

To drive the White Rim Road you’ll need a good 4×4 and a permit for both day trips and overnight stays. You can get the permit online in advance, or from the visitors center.

9. Scenic Drive on Grand View Road

The Grand View Point Road scenic drive is perfect for those with mobility concerns or those who prefer a more laid-back day in the park.

The road starts at the park’s visitor center and stretches across 19 miles, taking you through the heart of the Island in the Sky district.

Along the journey, you’ll have access to several popular overlooks and trailheads where hikes range from easy 10-minute walks to more strenuous hour-long treks.

On this drive, you’ll be able to see the beautiful overlooks including Shafer Canyon Road viewpoint, Orange Cliffs, Grand View, and more.

The Grand View Point Road is paved and suitable for all types of vehicles, making it an easy and relaxed way to experience the beauty of Canyonlands.

10. White Rim Road Mountain Biking

Mountain biking the White Rim Road is a popular way to view this part of the park too though it should not be done in summer as the temperatures are too extreme.

The biking route along White Rim Road is quite challenging and best suited for experienced riders with high fitness levels. The terrain is rough and rocky and there are several steep climbs and descents.

This area is remote, with no immediate access to water or other services, so you’ll need to take everything you need with you. You’ll also need a backcountry permit which you can get from either the park’s visitor center or online.

11. Spend a night in the park

The best way to see the park, in my opinion, is to go camping in Canyonlands National Park.

This way you can get the park (almost) to yourself as most visitors leave when the sun goes down.

Besides the backcountry campgrounds in Canyonlands, there are two more served camping areas that you can book in advance.

Willow Flat Campground in Island in the Sky, open all year round, offers 12 campsites at $15 each on a first-come, first-served basis with proximity to the Green River Overlook. It provides toilets and picnic tables, but no water.

The Needles Campground features 26 campsites costing $20 each, with some reservable in spring and fall, otherwise operating on a first-come, first-served principle like Willow Flat.

12. See the Ancient Rock Art at Horseshoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon is one of the best places to visit in Canyonlands National Park, you’ll need to hike to get there but it’s so worth it. It’s home to one of the unique things about Canyonlands National Park: the rock art!

Known as the Great Gallery, you’ll find life-sized figures and petroglyphs that have been incredibly well-preserved over centuries. Some of these artistic pieces are believed to be over a thousand years old!

The drive from Moab to get there takes about two and a half hours, with 30 to 47 miles of it being on a gravel road, depending on the route you choose. You’ll also need a high-clearance 4WD to get to this part of the park so it’s not easy and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re short on time.

13. Whale Rock

Whale Rock in the Island in the Sky district is another thing. to see in Canyonlands National Park.

As the name suggests, this rock formation looks like a whale, but only when viewed from a certain angle.

14. Do the Chesler Park Trail

Chesler Park is one of the best places to see in Canyonlands National Park thanks to the sandstone spires and cliffs that you can see there.

Reaching Chesler Park is a bit of an adventure in itself, as you’ll need a sturdy 4WD vehicle and a backcountry permit, plus you’ll have to do a hike with the Chesler Park loop trail being one of the most popular hikes in the area.

15. Upheaval Dome

The Upheaval Dome point in Canyonlands is a must-see feature where the dome in question is actually a sunken depression that may have been caused by a meteorite or a collapsed underground salt dome.

Whatever caused it, it’s cool to see and relatively easy to get to. You can see it by walking the Upheaval Dome Trail or the harder and longer Syncline Loop Trail.

If you have the time and enjoy hiking, I recommend the latter. That way you get lots of different perspectives of one of the top Canyonlands National Park attractions.

16. Witness the night sky

One of the best things to see in Canyonlands National Park is actually the sky.

Canyonlands, like many other U.S. National Parks, is renowned for its fantastic night sky. The park even received an International Dark Sky Park designation.

Whether you decide to camp in Canyonlands or stay in the park after sunset, on a clear night you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, spot countless stars, and see satellites or shooting stars!

Some of the best stargazing spots in Canyonlands National Park include Grand View Point and Green River Overlook.

The park also offers ranger-led stargazing programs and other events, where you can learn more about the night sky and observe the stars closely using telescopes and other equipment.

17. Visit The Maze District

The Maze is the least visited district of Canyonlands National Park since it’s pretty hard to get to.

To explore this district, you’ll need a 4×4, as it’s in a very remote area with rugged, unpaved roads. But the challenging journey makes the exploration more adventurous and exciting!

There are several places in Moab where you can rent a 4×4 if you don’t have one. The park rangers recommend setting aside anywhere from three days to a week or more to explore The Maze District and so you should be prepared for a backcountry trip, taking plenty of food and water with you.

There’s also this guided 4×4 tour in Canyonlands where you’ll be taken into the Island in the Sky District on the off-road trails with a guide.

18. Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park

Though not part of Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park is on the way if you’re traveling to Canyonlands from Moab. It’s just a 20-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.

Dead Horse Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in the park, and it’s easy to see why since you’ll get impressive views of the canyon and the Colorado River below.

19. Take a Canyonlands National Park helicopter tour

Experience Canyonlands from a vantage point like no other on a 45-minute scenic helicopter flight departing from Moab.

This tour will offer you a unique bird’s-eye perspective of iconic landmarks like Deadhorse Point, Thelma and Louise Point, the Colorado River, and the Behind the Rocks area.

You’ll also glide over the breathtaking backcountry arches such as Corona, Pritchett, Funnel Arch, and Halls Bridge.

From the intriguing resemblance of Corona Arch to the famous Rainbow Bridge to the sprawling views from the Grand View Point Overlook and the impressive Island in the Sky, this scenic helicopter flight promises an unmatched viewing experience complete with live narration and photo opportunities.

Things to do in Canyonlands in one day

If you’re short on time you can use the following guides to see what to do in Canyonlands in one day. I’ve provided information on what to see in Canyonlands in one day for both the Islands in the Sky district and The Needles since they’re the most popular districts to visit and much easier to get to than the others.

2 Hours in the Islands in the Sky

• Drive to Grand View Point or Green River Overlook
• Hike to Mesa Arch

4 Hours in the Islands in the Sky

• Drive to Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Upheaval Dome
• Hike the Grand View Point, Mesa Arch, and Upheaval Dome Overlook trails

1 day in Canyonlands

•  Visit every overlook in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands
• Hike several mesa top trails
• Hike one of the more strenuous trails into the White Rim Trail (see the best hikes to do in Canyonlands)
• Enjoy lunch whilst hiking, or have a picnic at one of the park’s picnic areas

2 Hours in the Needles

For things to do in Needles Canyonlands, check out these places:

• Drive to Big Spring Canyon Overlook
• Hike the Pothole Point trail
• Picnic with a view of The Needles

4 Hours in the Needles

• Explore the scenic drive
• Hike the Cave Spring, Pothole Point and Roadside Ruin trails or the longer Slickrock trail

1 day in Needles Canyonlands

• Drive the scenic drive in The Needles
• Hike to Chesler Park View point Overlook or hike around the Big Spring-Squaw Canyon loop

Where to stay when visiting Canyonlands National Park

There are no hotels in Canyonlands National Park and not much just outside of the park’s borders besides the hotels in Moab, Utah which is where I’d recommend you stay.

While you can go camping in Canyonlands, if you want a hotel, below are some of the best hotels in Moab and a glamping option that still feels luxurious!

Moab is a popular destination throughout the year. Even in late April, we found that nearly all accommodations were booked. Because of this, we recommend that you book your Moab accommodation well in advance.

Best Moab Hotels

• Radcliffe Moab: This 3-star accommodation features an outdoor pool, a communal lounge, and a restaurant. Some rooms come with city views or a terrace. You can also enjoy vegan and gluten-free breakfast options, as well as a hot tub for relaxation.
• The Gonzo Inn: The hotel boasts a seasonal outdoor pool and a terrace. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with handy amenities such as a coffee maker, fridge, and microwave. An assortment of breakfast choices are offered and an on-site restaurant serves American and Italian dishes.
• Red Cliffs Lodge: Situated along the Colorado River, this resort offers amenities like a horse corral, a Western film museum, and even a winery. Each suite is complemented with a private patio showcasing creek or river vistas.
• Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton: Renowned for its scenic location, comfortable rooms, and outstanding restaurant, this luxurious hotel promises an enjoyable stay. The rooms are modern and tranquil, featuring upscale bathrooms.
• Moab Springs Ranch: A 3-star accommodation with a garden, terrace, and an in-house restaurant. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchenette. The hotel also provides a hot tub, barbecue facilities, and opportunities for hiking.
• Under Canvas Moab: These unique tent lodgings offer breathtaking views, BBQ amenities, and a choice between basic tents with shared bathrooms or luxury tents with private bathrooms and lounges. Bicycle rentals are available for guests to explore the local desert trails.

FAQs about the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park

Final thoughts on these top Canyonlands National Park things to do

When it comes to what to see in Canyonlands National Park you’re spoiled for choice as there’s just so much.

From the beautiful viewpoints along the Canyonlands Island in the Sky scenic drive to the varied hiking trails which take you to more remote areas, there are beautiful sights all around and you won’t be short of ideas when it comes to what to do in Canyonlands National Park.

One of my favorite things to do in Canyonlands was to drive the scenic road, stopping off at all the viewpoints along the way and taking short walks. Staying in the park after sunset was a memory I’ll never forget either as the sky lit up with all the stars!

Be sure to check out my Canyonlands packing list so you don’t forget anything you’ll need for your trip!

If you’re staying in Utah, I also recommend checking out the best things to do in Arches National Park and ticking off more of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks by visiting Zion National Park and seeing the best things to do in Bryce Canyon which was probably my favorite of all the Utah parks we visited.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Hannah