From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Canyonlands National Park is a
located in southeastern
near the town of . It preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries. Legislation creating the park was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on September 12, 1964.
The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character. Two large river canyons are carved into the
and . Author , a frequent visitor, described the Canyonlands as "the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth—there is nothing else like it anywhere."
Canyonlands is a popular recreational destination. On average 440,039 people visit the park each year. The geography of the park is well suited to a number of different recreational uses. , , , and
all enjoy traveling the rugged, remote trails within the Park.
float the calm stretches of the
above the . Below the Confluence,
contains powerful whitewater rapids, similar to those found in the . However, since there is no large impoundment on the Colorado River above Canyonlands National Park, river flow through the Confluence is determined by snowmelt, not management. As a result, and in combination with Cataract Canyon's unique
geology, this stretch of river offers the largest whitewater in North America in heavy snow years.
The Island in the Sky district, with its proximity to the
area, attracts the majority (59 percent) of park users. The Needles district is the second most visited, drawing 35 percent of visitors. The rivers within the park and the remote Maze district each only account for 3 percent of park visitation.
Political compromise at the time of the park's creation limited the protected area to an arbitrary portion of the Canyonlands basin. Conservationists hope to complete the park by bringing the boundaries up to the high sandstone rims that form the natural border of the Canyonlands landscape.
combine within the park, dividing it into four distinct districts. Below the confluence, the Colorado River flows through .
The Island in the Sky district is a broad and level
to the north of the park between Colorado and Green river with many overlooks from the White Rim, a sandstone bench 1,200 feet (366 m) below the Island, and the rivers, which are another 1,000 feet (305 m) below the White Rim.
The Island in the Sky mesa/district of Canyonlands National Park, as seen from the Needles district
The Needles district is located east of the Colorado River and is named after the red and white banded
which dominate it, but various other forms of naturally sculptured rock such as canyons, , potholes, and a number of arches similar to the ones of the nearby
can be found as well. Unlike Arches National Park, where many arches are accessible by short to moderate hikes or even by car, most of the arches in the Needles district lie in back country canyons and require long hikes or
trips to reach them.
The area was once home of the , of which many traces can be found. Although the items and tools they used have been largely taken away by looters, some of their stone and mud dwellings are well-preserved. The Ancestral Puebloans also left traces in the form of , most notably on the so-called
near the Visitor Center at the entrance of this district.
The Maze district is located west of the Colorado and Green rivers is the least accessible section of the park, and one of the most remote and inaccessible areas of the United States.
A geographically detached section of the park located west-northwest of the main unit,
Unit, contains panels of rock art made by hunter-gatherers from the Late Archaic Period ( BC) pre-dating the Ancestral Puebloans. Originally called Barrier Canyon, Horseshoe's artifacts, dwellings, pictographs, and murals are some of the oldest in America. It is believed that the images depicting horses date from after 1540 AD, after the Spanish re-introduced horses to America.
has maintained two cooperative weather stations in the park since June 1965. Official data documents the desert climate with less than 10 inches (250 millimetres) of annual rainfall, as well as very warm, mostly dry summers and cold, occasionally wet winters. Snowfall is generally light during the winter.
Butte in Canyonlands,
The station in The Neck region reports average January temperatures ranging from a high of 37.0 °F (2.8 °C) to a low of 20.7 °F (-6.3 °C). Average July temperatures range from a high of 90.7 °F (32.6 °C) to a low of 65.8 °F (18.8 °C). There are an average of 43.3 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 124.3 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The highest recorded temperature was 105 °F (41 °C) on July 15, 2005, and the lowest recorded temperature was -13 °F (-25 °C) on February 6, 1989. Average annual precipitation is 9.07 inches (230 mm). There are an average of 59 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1984, with 13.66 in (347 mm), and the driest year was 1989, with 4.63 in (118 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 5.19 in (132 mm) in October 2006. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 1.76 in (45 mm) on April 9, 1978. Average annual snowfall is 22.9 in (58 cm). The most snowfall in one year was 47.4 in (120 cm) in 1975, and the most snowfall in one month was 27.0 in (69 cm) in January 1978.
4-second video of lightning striking near the Island in the Sky
The station in The Needles region reports average January temperatures ranging from a high of 41.2 °F (5.1 °C) to a low of 16.6 °F (-8.6 °C). Average July temperatures range from a high of 95.4 °F (35.2 °C) to a low of 62.4 °F (16.9 °C). There are an average of 75.4 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 143.6 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The highest recorded temperature was 107 °F (42 °C) on July 13, 1971, and the lowest recorded temperature was -16 °F (-27 °C) on January 16, 1971. Average annual precipitation is 8.49 in (216 mm). There are an average of 56 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1969, with 11.19 in (284 mm), and the driest year was 1989, with 4.25 in (108 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 4.43 in (113 mm) in October 1972. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 1.56 in (40 mm) on September 17, 1999. Average annual snowfall is 14.4 in (37 cm). The most snowfall in one year was 39.3 in (100 cm) in 1975, and the most snowfall in one month was 24.0 in (61 cm) in March 1985.
Main article:
A subsiding
and nearby uplifting
(the ) existed in the area in
time. Seawater trapped in the subsiding basin created thick
deposits by Mid Pennsylvanian. This, along with eroded material from the nearby mountain range, become the Paradox Formation, itself a part of the Hermosa Group. Paradox salt beds started to flow later in the Pennsylvanian and probably continued to move until the end of the . Some scientists believe
was created from Paradox salt bed movement, creating a , but more modern studies show that the
theory is more likely to be correct.
A warm shallow sea again flooded the region near the end of the Pennsylvanian. -rich , , and
of the gray-colored Honaker Trail Formation resulted. A period of
then ensued, creating a break in the geologic record called an . Early in the
an advancing sea laid down the . Coastal lowlands later returned to the area, forming the .
filled the basin where it met the , creating the
of -rich arkose sandstone. Underwater
on the coast inter-fingered with the red beds and later became the white-colored cliff-forming . Brightly colored
muds were then deposited, forming the Organ Rock Shale. Coastal sand dunes and marine sand bars once again became dominant, creating the .
Rock formations in the Needles district
A second unconformity was created after the Permian sea retreated. Flood plains on an expansive lowland covered the eroded surface and mud built up in tidal flats, creating the . Erosion returned, forming a third unconformity. The
was then laid down on top of this eroded surface.
Increasingly dry climates dominated the Triassic. Therefore, sand in the form of sand dunes invaded and became the . For a time climatic conditions became wetter and streams cut channels through the sand dunes, forming the Kayenta Formation. Arid conditions returned to the reg a large
spread over much of western
and later became the Navajo Sandstone. A fourth unconformity was created by a period of erosion.
Mud flats returned, forming the
was laid down next. A long period of erosion stripped away most of the San Rafael Group in the area along with any formations that may have been laid down in the
started to uplift the
70 million years ago and with it the Canyonlands region. Erosion intensified and when the Colorado River Canyon reached the salt beds of the Paradox Formation the overlying strata extended toward the river canyon, forming features such as The Grabens. Increased precipitation during the
quickened the rate of canyon excavation along with other erosion. Similar types of erosion are ongoing, but occur at a slower rate.
Windgate Sandstone cliffs in Canyonlands National Park
The White Rim Sandstone
Canyonlands at daybreak.
in background
stone circle
Petroglyphs, Horse Canyon, The Maze. 1962 photo
The Great Gallery,
The White Rim in Canyonlands National Park
at sunrise, Island in the Sky district
The view from the Island In The Sky overlooking the
Arch in the Needles district
Raft in the Big Drop Rapids, Cataract Canyon
A view from Grand View Point Overlook toward Monument Basin
Harris, Ann C. (1998). Geology of National Parks. Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.  .
Zwinger, Ann (1986). Wind in the Rock. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press.  .
Johnson, David (1989). Canyonlands: The Story Behind the Scenery. Las Vegas, NV: KC Publications.  .
. National Park Service.
. Land Resource Division, National Park Service.
. National Park Service.
. National Park Service 2014.
. National Park Service.
Abbey, Edward (2006). Postcards from Ed: Dispatches and Salvos from an American Iconoclast. Milkweed Press. p. 175.  .
. National Park Service.
Keiter, Robert B.; Stephen Trimble (). . University of Utah.
. National Park Service.
. National Park Service.
. Explore Nature. National Park Service.
Geib, Phil R.; Michael R. Robins. . National Park Service.
Hitchman, Robert. . Apogee Photo Magazine. Archived from
. National Park Service.
. Western Regional Climate Center.
. Western Regional Climate Center.
Harris, Ann C. (1998). Geology of National Parks. Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.  .
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Canyonlands National Park
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: Hidden categories:Canyonlands National Park
& Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park covers a vast area of rock wilderness in southeast Utah, centered around the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. Over millions of years, the rivers and their small tributaries have carved the flat sandstone rock layers into many amazing forms with a wide range of colors. The 530 square miles of the park contain countless canyons, arches, spires, buttes, mesas and a myriad of other spectacular rock formations. The
may be deeper and more dramatic at first sight, but Canyonlands National Park has greater variety, both in the types of geological formations and the possibilities to explore them. It is certainly much easier to find solitude and isolation.
The Canyonlands area was only designated a national park in 1964; before this most of the terrain was unvisited, and also largely unvisitable. Much still is, since although there are paved roads, the only satisfactory way to see most of the park is by overnight hikes or by 4WD vehicle and even then the tracks are often very rough, and huge areas have no roads at all. As a result, far fewer tourists come to this national park than to others in Utah, although visitation is steadily increasing.
The sheer unbridgeable canyons of the Green and Colorado rivers divide Canyonlands into three distinct sections (see ) - ,
and The Maze - which differ in the types of landscape found there, the number of visitors and the available facilities. Travel between these three is necessarily difficult, requiring several hours driving. Also quite remote, the separate
unit of the park contains many fine Indian pictographs.
Island in the SkyThe northernmost district, , is a high, wide plateau with commanding views across many miles of deep red rock canyons to the west, south and east. There are many overlooks, either beside the road or along short paths, and a good select some lead to places on the mesa top, while others descend the cliffs and reach the Green and Colorado rivers.
Featured Island in the Sky Trails
★★★★★1 miles, 200 feetAnasazi granaries and views of nearby canyons
★★★★★4 miles, 1480 feetSteep path down to the White Rim, followed by an off-trail hike to Monument Basin
★★★★★1 miles, levelWalk to the southernmost tip of the plateau, which offers a 270& panorama over the White Rim
★★★★★5.5 miles, 1600 feetS a tributary of the Green River that forms 600 feet of pretty, light-colored, medium depth passageways
★★★★★0.6 miles, levelA short, easy route through pine-juniper woodland to a sandstone arch, perched on the east rim of the plateau
★★★★★1.7 miles, levelLittle visited viewpoint to the west, reached by an old vehicle track, now for foot travel only
★★★★★5 miles, 260 feetLoop trail around canyon tributaries, also passing Cabin Spring and various old cattle ranching relics
★★★★★1 miles, 200 feetEasy trail leads to two viewpoints along the rim of an unusual metamorphic crater
★★★★★0.9 miles, 140 feetGood, elevated views of the White Rim, Monument Basin and Gooseberry Canyon.
★★★★★5 miles, 1600 feetA long trail to the White Rim Road, close to the Green River
The NeedlesThe second most popular section of the national park is , lower in elevation and with shallower canyons than the Island in the Sky but exposing a greater variety of rock formations. The Needles offers many opportunities for exploring and camping, and away from the entrance road, the area is little visited.
Featured Needles Trails
★★★★★3 miles, 1,200 feet (overall)This path passes varied terrain, across Elephant Canyon to the edge of Chesler Park. One of several other routes radiating from the park is the Joint Trail, which winds southwards through cool, narrow passages
★★★★★5.5 miles, 200 feetThis excellent hike crosses several shallow canyons then traverses more open country, ending at a viewpoint of the junction of the Green and Colorado Rivers
★★★★★5.4 miles, 650 feetThe double span of Druid Arch is a popular hiking destination, and is reached by the southernmost trail in the Needles, starting like several others from Elephant Hill
★★★★★5 miles, 500 feetCross country route down a scenic canyon to a viewpoint of the Colorado River - initially along the streambed, then on a bench on the south side
★★★★★5 miles, 800 feetNarrow, deepening canyon that provides a route to the Colorado R hike is along the Confluence Trail for a mile, then down the streambed, and finally across sloping terrain to a viewpoint high above the river
★★★★★9.5 miles, 1600 feetThe only direct route to the Colorado River in the Needles is along Lower Red Lake Canyon, 2 miles south of the confluence with the Green River
The MazeThe Maze section of Canyonlands, west of the rivers, is the wildest and remotest section of the national park, and possibly of all Utah. It is reached by first driving 50 miles along dusty unpaved roads starting from UT 24 between Hanksville and Green River, across relatively flat and completely uninhabited terrain to Hans Flat Ranger Station (as described in the route to the
slot canyon). Beyond here, the roads deteriorate as
the Maze sits at the foot of the Orange Cliffs, which present quite a barrier to cross-country travel, but there is one entrance route (the Flint Trail), which is for 4WD vehicles only. The Maze itself is a jumble of six steep inhospitable canyons plus countless smaller ravines, centered on a vast area of convoluted fins and pinnacles known as Land of the Standing Rocks. The most popular trails (all unmaintained) are along Jasper Canyon, Shot Canyon, Water Canyon and several forks of Horse Canyon. Surrounding the Maze are other remote areas of rock with yet more canyons and arches, buttes and domes, especially to the southwest, on land which is part of .
Horseshoe Canyon is a detached unit of Canyonlands National Park, northwest of the Maze on the west side of the Green River, and contains a five mile section of the deep box canyon of Barrier Creek, where many Indian pictographs were painted on rock walls around 3,000 years ago.
Canyonlands HotelsThe best choice of accommodation when visiting Canyonlands is in . Other nearby towns with hotels include
in the north,
in the east.
Huge area of remote and spectacular canyon country, mostly roadless. Centered on the confluence of the Green and C three district sections, each with many trails and viewpoints
(Needles visitor center),
(Island in the Sky visitor center)
All year, though this region is very hot in summer. Some tracks will be inaccessible in winter or after rain
Canyonlands National Park - Regions and Trails
- isolated plateau between the Green and Colorado rivers
Trails on the Island in the S level walks to viewspoints at the edge of the plateau, and strenuous hikes down towards the rivers
- lower elevation region of cliffs, canyons, arches and pinnacles
Trails in the Needles, along canyons, over ridges an Chesler Park is the main location
- deep ravine with pictographs
- large, intricate panel of ancient petroglyphs
Canyonlands National Park - Photography
QTVR Panoramas:
Nearby places
- thousands of arches in red Entrada sandstone
- elevated viewpoints of the Colorado River canyons
Similar places
- even larger region of spectacular cliffs and canyons
Please enable JavaScript to view commentsCanyonlands National Park - Plan your trip to Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky
The largest national park in Utah, with diversity that staggers the imagination.
Take a short hike to this spectacular view of Mesa Arch. The arch provides a natural frame for the La Sal Mountains and Washer Woman Arch.
The La Sal Mountains appear to float on a layer of clouds as seen from the Island in the Sky.
Walk out to Grand View Point to see sandstone monoliths in Monument Basin, two thousand feet below.
20 miles of paved roads will take you to all of the major viewpoints and trailheads within the park.
Look out over thousands of square miles of rugged canyon country from Grand View Point.
Indian Paintbrush is just one of the many wildflowers that populate the Island in the Sky in the Spring.
Ride the 100 mile White Rim Trail around the Island in the Sky. This multi-day mountain biking ride is a classic Moab mountain bike tour.
The crater-like Upheaval Dome is thought to have been caused by a meteor impact.
The Island in the Sky is located just 32 miles from downtown Moab.
Canyonlands National Park is a showcase of geology. Visitors can see the remarkable effects of millions of years of erosion on a landscape of sedimentary rock.
Distance from Moab
miles (51.5 km)
Directions from Moab
Highway 191 10 miles (16 km) north to Highway 313, and then drive southwest 22
miles (35 km).& Driving time to the visitor
center from Moab is roughly 40 minutes.
Park Hours
year-round, 24 hours/day
Entrance Fee
$10/vehicle - Good for 7 days (Subject to change)
Visitor Center & Hours
Canyonlands is open
year-round, 24 hours a day. Visitor center operating hours vary depending on
the season. &The visitor center is closed
on December 25th and January 1st. (435) 719-2313
Canyonlands is the largest
national park in Utah, and its diversity staggers the imagination.& The easiest way to see the park is with a
visit to the Island in the Sky district, only 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab.& The Island in the Sky offers many pullouts
with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive.& Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads
access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips.
The Island in the Sky sits
atop a massive 1500 foot mesa, quite literally an Island in the Sky.& Twenty miles (32.2 km) of paved roads lead to
many of the most spectacular views in Canyon Country.& From these lofty viewpoints visitors can often
see over 100 miles (161 km) in any given direction, resulting in panoramic
views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country.&& Take a short day-hike or spend a relaxing
late afternoon enjoying the sunset. Whether you have a few hours to spend or a
few days, the Island in the Sky provides an unforgettable Canyon Country
experience for the entire family.&
The La Sal Mountains appear to float on a layer of clouds as seen from the Island in the Sky.
Suggested Activities
AVAILABLE TIME
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
A Few Hours
Drive the park&s 20
miles (32.2 km) of paved roads and enjoy the spectacular views.& Sunrise
and sunset are particularly beautiful times of day to enjoy these lofty
panoramic views of canyon country.&
Drive the paved
scenic drive and hike some of the shorter trails, such as the Mesa Arch or Upheaval
Dome Trails.& A recent theory suggests that Upheaval Dome was created by a
meteor impact.
Drive the paved
scenic drive and hike some of the longer trails in the park, such as the 5 mile
(8 km) round trip Neck Spring Trail.& Those with high clearance/4WD
vehicles can drive down the Shafer Trail to the White Rim and explore Musselman
Arch, or drive all the way down to the Colorado River via Lathrop Canyon.
Several Days
Backpackers can
experience the solitude of Canyonlands by hiking some of the trails from the mesa top to the White
(steep & strenuous) and spend the night in the
backcountry.& 4-wheel drive enthusiasts or mountain bikers may want to travel the
100 mile &White Rim Trail& which loops below the Island in the Sky
mesa.& Reservations for White Rim campsites and backcountry permits are
required.& (435) 259-4351
Island in the Sky offers a wide variety of hiking trails ranging from short
30 minute walks on the mesa top, to overnight expeditions all the way down
to the Colorado River.
Trails are marked with cairns (small rock piles).
Please do not disturb existing cairns or build new ones. Signs are located
at trailheads and intersections. All trails leading below the Mesa Top
are carry and know how to use a topographic map. No
potable water is available along any of the hiking trails. During the warmest months always carry at least one gallon of water per person, per day.
Round Trip Distance
Round Trip
Elevation Change
Mesa Arch&&&
0.5mi / 0.8km&
30 minutes
100ft / 30m
Mornings are best - Beautiful Arch on cliff edge.
Murphy Point&&&
1.3mi / 1.9km&
100ft / 30m
Panoramic view with Henry Mountains.
White Rim Overlook&&&
1.5mi / 2.0km
View of potholes &
Grand View Point&&&
2.0mi / 3.0km
50ft / 15m&
Panoramic view along cliff edge.
Round Trip Distance
Round Trip
Elevation Change
Neck Spring&&&
5.0mi / 8.0km
3 - 4 hours
300ft / 91m
Springs - Evidence of ranching.
Aztec Butte&&
2.0mi / 3.0km
225ft / 69m&
Steep slickrock to top - Granaries.
Whale Rock&&&
1.0mi / 1.5km
100ft / 30m&
Bare slickrock - Good views.
Upheaval Dome
to main overlook&
1.0mi / 1.5km
30 minutes&
50ft / 15m&
View into crater
Upheaval Dome
to second overlook&&
2.0mi / 3.0km&
45 minutes&
200ft / 61m
View of crater &
upheaval canyon.
Round Trip Distance
Round Trip
Elevation Change
to White Rim Road&&&
10mi / 16km
5- 7 hours&
1600ft / 488m
Views of Colorado River & La Sal Mountains
to Colorado River&&&&
17mi / 27km
2000ft / 610m
River access - Cottonwoods
Murphy Loop&
9mi / 14km&
5 - 7 hours&
1400ft / 427m&
Panoramic view from hogback.
Gooseberry&&&
6mi / 10km
4 - 6 hours&
1400ft / 427m
Views of cliffs &
La Sal Mountains.
Wilhite&&&
10mi / 16km&
6 - 8 hours
1600ft / 488m
Slot canyon across White Rim Road.
Alcove Spring&&
10mi / 16km
&6 - 7 hours&
1300ft / 396m
Large alcove, views of Taylor Canyon.
Syncline Loop&
8mi / 13km&
5 - 7 hours&
1300ft / 396m
Canyon hiking - some shade.
Syncline Loop:
Upheaval Crater Spur&&&
350ft / 107m
Some scrambling over rocks.
Syncline Loop:
Upheaval Canyon Spur&&&&
6mi / 10km
2 - 3 hours
400ft / 122m
Sandy hike along wash bottom.
Mountain Biking on the White Rim Trail
Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, particularly for
the 100-mile White Rim Road at the Island in the Sky. The Maze also offers
some multi-day trip possibilities, though the logistics and roads are more
difficult (for the support vehicles, not the bikes). Many of the roads
in the Needles travel up wash bottoms and are unsuitable for bikes due
to deep sand and water. Permits are required for all overnight trips in
the backcountry. Permits are not required for day rides. During the spring
and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If
you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, especially to camp along
the White Rim Road, it is recommended that you make reservations well in
advance. These permits can be reserved starting the second Monday in July
for the next calendar year.
The Rivers
The Colorado and Green rivers wind through the heart of Canyonlands, cutting
through layered sandstone to form two deep canyons. Both rivers are calm
upstream of the Confluence, ideal for canoes, kayaks and other shallow
water craft. Below the Confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills
down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class
stretch of white water.
Photography
Canyonlands is a paradise for photographers. Under conditions
of constantly changing light, the varicolored landscape provides limitless
photographic opportunities. Often, the difference between an average photograph
and an exceptional photograph is good lighting. Low sun angles at sunrise
and sunset can add brilliant color to the rock. Scattered clouds can also
add depth to an image and a passing storm can provide extremely dramatic
Willow Flat Campground - Located at the Island in the Sky, the Willow Flat Campground is a short walk from one of the finest sunset spots in the park: Green River Overlook. Twelve sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites include picnic tables, fire grates and vault toilets. No water. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Fee is $10 per night. Willow Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October.
Backcountry Camping - Primitive backcountry campsites and at-large backpacking zones exist in each district of Canyonlands. These sites may be accessed by foot, 4WD vehicle or boat. Permits are required for all overnight trips and may be reserved in advance.
Park Publications
The following National Park Service publications are identical to the ones that you will receive at the entrance station to the park.
Canyonlands
Canyonlands
Park Updates
Park Highlights
Green River Overlook
The Green River meanders
beneath the Island in the Sky, as seen from the Green River Overlook. A paved walkway leads right up to the overlook.
A great hike for families with small children, the .5 mi (.8 km) round trip hike to Mesa Arch rewards visitors with a naturally framed view of canyon country.
Shafer Trail
The Shafer Trail descends from the Island in the Sky to the White Rim.
A high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
For current conditions check at the visitor center or call 435-259-4351.
Cataract Canyon
Located in Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon contains fourteen miles of rapids ranging in difficulty up to Class V.
Spring Wildflowers
Indian Paintbrush are just one of the many wildflowers that populate the Island in the Sky in the Spring (April-June).
Canyonlands National Park, which contains some of the darkest night skies in North America, is a popular destination for stargazers.
for the latest sunrise/sunset and moon phase information for Moab.
Park Contact Information
Mailing Address
Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532
General Info
(435) 719-2313
Backcountry Information
(435) 259-4351
Where to Stay
No lodging is available within the park. The closest lodging is
located within the town of Moab, just 5 miles south of the entrance to
hotels & motels, bed & breakfasts,
resorts and a large variety of
guest houses
and condos. Several
property management companies can even take the hassle out of finding the right accommodations.
for a complete list of all the lodging options available in the Moab area.
Nearby Campgrounds
In addition to the campground located within the park, there is a great selection of additional campgrounds in the surrounding area. Moab has many
commercial campgrounds with RV hookups in addition to a huge assortment of BLM public campgrounds in extremely scenic locations.
for a complete list of all the camping options available in the Moab area.
Request our Free Travel Guide
Explore everything that the Moab area has to offer. Our Moab Activities Planner also includes complete listings of Moab lodging, campgrounds, guides, outfitters and services.
to request your free copy today!
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