Mesa Arch, at Island in the Sky, is a great spot for photographers. NPS/Neal Herbert
Overview
Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.
Entrance - Motorcycle: 25.00
Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.
Entrance - Per Person: 15.00
Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.
Map
Things To Do
Category
6 Results
Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah
Free
Description
Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. We do not see many climbers in the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes.
There are a few ways to become a junior ranger at Canyonlands. Free junior ranger booklets are available at park visitor centers, or you can download them from the park website. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Canyonlands to kids and parents alike. After completing certain exercises, you can earn a junior ranger badge and signed certificate.
Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both Island in the Sky and The Needles provide ample opportunities for short walks, day hikes and backpacking trips. Due to its remoteness, The Maze is primarily a backpacking destination.
What better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated campsites for overnight backcountry travel.
There is a non-refundable reservation fee for each Backcountry permit, whether they're reserved in advance, or in person at a visitor center. Activity Fee Island in the Sky Group Size Limit (Per Permit) The Needles Group Size Limit (Per Permit) The Maze Group Size Limit (Per Permit) Overnight Backpacking $36 Permit Reservation fee (includes $6 Recreation.gov fee) + $5 per person, per night 7 people 7 people 7 people You must pay a park entrance fee for Island in the Sky and The Needles at a park entrance station, visitor center, or online via pay.gov. Each vehicle, motorcycle, and individual entering the park by foot or bicycle must pay an entrance fee.
Time:1-14 Days
Experience the Shafer Trail
Free
Description
The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.
a broad stone arch with rock pinnacles in the distanceshallow pools with a double rainbow in the backgrounda rugged canyona long gravel road with cyclists on itpinnacles of horizontally striped sandstonea person rowing a dory on the Colorado River
