As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands National Park is a mecca encompassing over 337,000 acres of colorful canyons, spires, arches, buttes, and mesas. This unique Western landscape is so massive and diverse that it’s divided into four districts.
The Island in the Sky is the most accessible district, overlooking sheer sandstone cliffs. The Needles in the southeast corner of the park is a majestic setting filled with colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone that dot the region. The Maze is the most remote area of the park but is an enchanting landscape filled with orange cliffs and jagged rock formations unlike anywhere else in the county. The Rivers is where the heart of the Colorado and Green rivers converge amidst high canyons and sunny desert, making it the perfect space for aquatic adventure.
With warm, dry summers and wet winters, Canyonlands National Park offers spectacular natural splendor no matter what time of year you visit. From hiking, biking, and horseback riding to kayaking, climbing, and stargazing, Canyonlands offers seemingly endless possibilities to get away from it all in the serenity of raw wilderness.
The park is home to a diverse habitat of plants and animals that can survive in this rugged landscape from cacti and desert wildflowers to mule deer and lizards. You can learn all about the natural history and diversity of the park at any of the three visitor centers located in separate districts.
The Canyonlands has tons of amazing natural attractions just waiting to be discovered on your next RV getaway. Take a thrilling sunrise hike to the Mesa Arch, or snap photos of the gigantic Druid Arch. Enjoy climbing the cliff walls at Indian Creek, or soak in the panoramic canyon views at the Grand View Point Overlook. Families exploring the park can take advantage of the many programs and activities for children as well.
While each district offers many different nature trails for all ability levels, you won’t want to miss a chance to strike out from your camper for a short hike to White Rim Overlook. Here, you can take in jaw-dropping views of the La Sal Mountains, Monument Basin, and the Colorado River. While you're in the area, be sure to visit nearby Arches National Park.
The park offers two campgrounds with sites for RV camping. The Island in the Sky Campground at Willow Flat offers 12 sites that are open year-round. Guests at this campground have access to public Wi-Fi at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. The Needles Campground features 27 individual campsites and three group camping sites suitable for RVs. Sites are open for reservations in the spring and fall but operate first come, first served in the summer and winter. Both campgrounds offer access to restrooms and grated fire pits and are pet-friendly.
Elephant Hill 4WD road in Needles district is temporarily closed past SOB Hill due to damage related to recent flooding. Visitors with permits may still access the road up to that point but must turn around there and exit. Hikers are permitted access.
Grand View Point Overlook, Grand View Point Trail, and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) of park road will close 6 am Mondays to 4 pm Thursdays for a total of eight weeks. The closure applies to all uses, including vehicles, tour buses, motorcycles, bikes, & hikers.
Between March and November, particularly on busy holiday weekends, you may experience long lines at the entrance road. Parking lots at popular trailheads and viewpoints will fill early. Pack your patience and arrive early to avoid crowds.
Hite Ramp is closed. The North Wash take-out is a primitive, unimproved dirt take-out. You will not be able to back a trailer down the dirt slope. Recent washouts have further deteriorated conditions.
Daily high temperatures in the park are reaching or exceeding 95°F (35°C). Trails have little to no shade. Avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day (10 am to 6 pm), and carry and drink water throughout your visit.
Canyonlands National Park is easy to get to by car or RV near the town of Moab, Utah off US 191. You’ll have to drive to each district of the park separately since they are not connected by roads or bridges. The Island in the Sky district is the easiest to access for drivers and RVs by traveling along the 100-mile White Rim Road. The other districts require hiking, four-wheel driving, or boating to access all of the attractions. The Maze district is the least accessible. The use of large vehicles like RVs and trailers is not recommended in the Maze due to the severity of the roads.
Parking is limited and depends on which district of the park you are visiting. At Islands in the Sky, you can park at the Visitor Center and the Island in the Sky Campground, which is restricted to vehicles up to 28 feet in length. In the Needles district, you can park at the Visitor Center or The Needles Campground, which is also limited to vehicles up to 28 feet in length. The Maze is the least accessible district, although there is parking at the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
There is no public transportation available to the park, but there is Greyhound bus access to the nearby town of Moab, Utah, and Amtrak train stations in Grand Junction and Green River, Colorado, where you can rent an RV or trailer or take private van service to Moab. You can enjoy plenty of other modes of transportation at the park including biking, horseback riding, and boating. Private tours are available for guided access to remote areas of the park like the Maze and the Rivers districts. The Rivers District of the park is remote, with access available by boat from launch locations on the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Located in the Needles District, this campground provides 27 individual sites and three group sites scattered around the area. In the spring and fall, you can reserve 14 individual campsites up to six months in advance. Group sites can be reserved from mid-March to mid-November. You will have access to restrooms, trash collection, potable water, and use of the amphitheater. You can roast marshmallows or have a barbeque with wood fires in grates. Staff are on site seasonally. This campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 28 feet in length.
Located in the Island in the Sky district, this campground offers 12 sites that are open year-round. You will have access to restrooms and can relax by a grated fire. Each site comes with a picnic table. Trash service is provided. You can bring your pets as long as they are on a leash, and you can use public wi-fi at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. RVs and trailers up to 28 feet in length are permitted at the campground.
During the summer and winter, the individual sites at the Needles Campground are first-come-first-served. You’ll enjoy easy access to restrooms, potable water, and use of the amphitheater. You can relax by the fire or enjoy a picnic in the quiet serenity of this Canyonlands campground. Trailers and RVs are permitted as long as they are under 28 feet in length.
There are numerous private campgrounds located outside of the park, especially near the town of Moab, Utah. Whether you are looking for an RV resort experience or a spot overlooking the river, there are many campgrounds to choose from. Many of these options provide modern conveniences including internet access, cable TV, and full hookups.
If you are seeking a more intimate experience, to get away from the RV and into the enchanting nature of the Canyonlands, this national park is a mecca for backcountry camping. Each district provides a unique experience for backpackers to take overnight trips where you can gaze up at the starry night sky and see amazing sights beyond the overlook points. The Island in the Sky or the Maze are the most popular district for backcountry camping. You must get a permit if you plan on backcountry camping overnight in the Canyonlands.
This 1.8-mile easy hike is one you won’t want to miss. As one of the most popular trails in the park, it is safe for visitors of varying ages and experience levels. The route will take you through the natural landscape as you take in breathtaking views of the Colorado River, La Sal Mountains, and the Monument Basin. You’ll hike through native desert fauna and catch glimpses of local wildlife as you experience some of the most amazing views in the park.
Fall is a great time of year to get out those binoculars and discover the diverse natural habitat of the Canyonlands National Park. With over 270 bird species that call this amazing landscape home, you can catch a glimpse of turkey vultures and canyon wrens. You will love the incredible views of desert cottontail, kangaroo rats, and lizards that live in this one-of-a-kind wilderness.
If you want to venture into the Maze, which is the most remote district of the park, you can take a ranger-led hiking tour of Horseshoe Canyon. The amazing setting features some of the most magnificent rock art in the country. You’ll hike through beautiful wildflowers, sheer sandstone walls, and cottonwood groves, so make sure you bring your camera.
With mild temperatures, autumn is a perfect time to trail ride in the Canyonlands. Horseback riding in the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park means you can get an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience among jaw-dropping canyon views and incredible rock spirals and arches. There are many local private companies that offer horseback riding tours for all ages.
If you have always wanted to be a cave explorer, you’ll be in for a treat when you head out from your camper for a hike to Cave Springs. Once you venture the short, .5-mile hike and climb ladders to get to your final destination, you will be greeted with a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric petroglyphs. The inside of the cave is a sight to be seen with colorful walls, mosses, and streams. Get the camera ready!
This 34-mile roundtrip scenic driving route is paved and accessible by both car and RV. The road begins in the Island in the Sky district and winds through the remaining four districts of the park. Enjoy views of the canyons from 1,000 feet above the canyon floor and stop at one of the many overlook areas. Plan on spending at least an hour on the drive to give you time to enjoy the sites and take the adjacent drive to Grand View Point.
If you want to hear the first-hand accounts of experienced park rangers and learn about the rich natural and cultural history of Canyonlands National Park you’ll want to stop at a Geology or Patio talk at either the Island in the Sky Visitor Center or Grand View Point. You’ll discover the amazing ecological background of the natural formations and the history and lives of the cowboys that all combine to add to the incredible story of the park.
The majestic Colorado and Green Rivers are a perfect place to get both some shade and some sun while you cruise down the aisles of mother nature. There are several private companies open for hire for whitewater rafting tours through the canyons. Peak rafting season on the Green River last from April through October with the best water flowing from late May through early June. Take advantage of over 60 sections of Class I - Class III rapids. The Colorado River offers a wide variety of rafting experiences as well for everyone from families with small children to experienced rafters.
This quick, easy hike up to Upheaval Dome is a must on a visit to Canyonlands. The leftovers of an impact crater, Upheaval Dome is so unique it can even be seen from the International Space Station! You’ll be blown away by majestic views of mysterious rock formations.
The trail to the first overlook is a moderate one-mile trek. If you hike up to the second overlook, you can get even more amazing views from a higher vantage point. If you are an experienced hike up for a challenge, you can hike around the canyons on the 8.3-mile Syncline Loop. Be warned, however, the terrain can be very treacherous in places, and most park rescues take place on this trail.
If you want to beat the heat, but still enjoy incredible views of the Canyonlands, you will love a scenic drive along the 100-mile White Rim Road. Located in the Island of the Sky district, you can enjoy panoramic views of the colorful spires, rock formations, and fins that dot the landscape. It’s suggested to take your tow vehicle or a rental car for this trip since it requires high clearance and four-wheel drive.
Imagine a summer’s night sky offering a show of over 2,500 stars and a crystal-clear view of the Milky Way. This extraordinary sight is yours at Canyonlands National Park. Get out of the RV, get your telescope ready, and sign up for a stargazing program at either Island in the Sky or the Needles for an unforgettable night.
The younger visitors on your RV vacation can dive into all that Canyonlands National Park has to offer by joining the Junior Ranger program. Junior Ranger booklets can be picked up at any of the park visitor centers or printed off online before you arrive. Each booklet is filled with activities and suggestions for making the most of your time in the park. After completing the activities in the booklet, children can receive a Junior Ranger badge and signed certificate at the visitor center.
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky district are a mecca for rock climbers around the world. You can conquer some of the most majestic rock pinnacles and formations in a beautiful landscape, surrounded by colorful panoramic views. You can also hire private tours to take a guided rock climb through an unforgettable setting.
Imagine traveling down the ancient waters of the Colorado or Green River while enjoying cool breezes and the crystal-clear sky up above. Turn that dream into a reality on a kayak, canoe, or motorized boat trip in Canyonlands National Park. Whether you want to explore on your own or hire a private boat tour, you’ll enjoy an aquatic adventure unlike any other when you park the RV and hit the water. Be advised that all boat launch ramps are outside the park boundaries, but several private companies offer shuttle service to and from launches and park campgrounds.
A trip to Canyonlands National Park wouldn’t be complete without a hike to the Grand View Point. This easy two-mile hike along the canyon edge will take you to truly breathtaking views of canyons, spires, and mountains that are unlike any other place on Earth. The sandy and rustic colors of this desert landscape are unforgettable.
Canyonlands National Park is a haven for bikers, so put your camper in park and get ready to cycle. Located in the Needles district, the Elephant Hill Road is a perfect destination for serious bikers. You’ll be challenged by steep grades and loose rock. The gorgeous views of white and dark brown cliffs and pinnacles is well worth the trip. Bring your own bike or rent bicycles and equipment at one of the many private rental services outside of the park.
Spring is the perfect time to discover this vast, rugged oasis in a personal way. Park your rig and head out on foot for the day or for an overnight backpacking trip through the Canyonlands. While permits are required for overnight trips, you can hike and camp in the Island of the Sky, the Needles, or the Maze. Each district has unique sites and panoramic views that you won’t get to experience in any other way.
At both the Island in the Sky and The Needles visitor centers, children can check out an explorer pack for the day. In the pack, you'll find binoculars, a magnifying glass, a guide to the natural landscape, plants, and wildlife, and more. Make your RV camping trip to Canyonlands National Park educational and entertaining.
If you’re an experienced backpacker, you might be up for the challenge of getting out of your rig and conquering the Canyonlands backcountry in the winter. Since park services are more limited in the winter you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of gear and water, but you can take day hikes or overnight backpacking trips to get one-of-a-kind views in various areas of the park that are unlike those at any other time of year.
The winter is a magical time in Canyonlands National Park when light snow glistens in the sun against the colorful backdrop of rocky spirals and majestic cliffs. On warmer days, you can hire a private company to take a winter horseback riding tour. On horseback, you’ll see a unique side to the park that most miss.
If you take your RV to the park in November or December you can learn about the amazing history and geology of Canyonlands National Park. You can watch a 15-minute orientation video to get the big-picture introduction to this incredible canyon oasis. You’ll love the detailed exhibits and displays where you can experience a behind-the-scenes look at the natural history that makes this part of Utah so unique.
Located just outside the of the park, the Gold Basin Trail is a wonderful way to experience a winter wonderland in the Canyonlands. You can criss-cross through the snow to get amazing panoramic views of the Canyonlands National Park and the La Sal Mountains covered in light snowfall.
The popular short hike to Mesa Arch in the Island in the Sky district is a perfect way to start your winter day. You can take majestic sunrise photos as the colors of the sun illuminate this incredible stone arch and enjoy panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains and rock spires in the distance.
From the visitor center in the Needles District guests can enjoy 6.5 miles of paved road easily navigable by RV with scenic views. The route ends at Big Spring Canyon Overlook, passing pullouts for natural viewpoints, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Connecting gravel roads provide access to Cave Spring and Elephant Hill.
