Epic
Canyonlands National Park
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Trip length
- 4–7 days
- Budget
- $250–$900
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
HikingBackpacking
Park entrance: $30 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
Canyonlands is a wilderness of canyons, buttes, and spires carved by the Colorado River and Green River. The park is divided into four distinct districts; no roads join them together. The districts share similar desert ecosystems, but each one provides unique opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Highlights
- Island in the Sky mesas
- The Needles district
- Confluence of two rivers
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (8)· Easy
- View →White Rim RoadRepresentative15.9 mi0 ft gainEasy~5.3 h
- View →Horse Canyon TrailRepresentative14.8 mi0 ft gainEasy~4.9 h
- View →Colorado River Overlook 4x4 RoadRepresentative7.1 mi0 ft gainEasy~2.4 h
- View →South Fork Horse Canyon RouteRepresentative12 mi0 ft gainEasy~4 h
- View →White Crack RoadRepresentative1.4 mi0 ft gainEasy~0.5 h
- View →Shot Canyon RouteRepresentative5 mi0 ft gainEasy~1.7 h
- View →Chesler Park TrailRepresentative4.6 mi0 ft gainEasy~1.5 h
- View →Lower Red Lake Canyon TrailRepresentative4.6 mi0 ft gainEasy~1.5 h
Getting there
- CNY Canyonlands Field (Moab) · 36 mi
- GJT Grand Junction Regional · 95 mi
- MTJ Montrose Regional · 109 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Reservation required
Backcountry permit for overnight; some day-use permits for vehicle routes — carry ample water — confirm current rules on the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026