Visit Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is the ultimate get away for a family adventure. Whitewater rafting along the colorado river, hiking in the la sal mountains, mountain biking in moab, sight seeing at dead horse point, or riding horses along the green river are all options. Canyonlands National Park extends as far as the eye can see. Views thousands of feet down to the Green and Colorado Rivers, or thousands of feet up to red rock pinnacles, cliffs and spires create the incredible beauty of Utah's largest national park. The Green and Colorado rivers have sliced Canyonlands National Park into three districts, each named according to its distinctive landscape: The Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze.
The Island in the Sky district lies to the north between the rivers and serves as Canyonlands' observation tower, offering spectacular views of the park's other districts. It is even possible to see beyond the park--half of the state of Utah can be seen from this point, from the La Sal mountains in the east to the Henry Mountains to the west, several hundred miles apart!
The Needles district lies east of the confluence (where the Green and Colorado Rivers join) and is accessible 76 miles/122 kilometers southwest of the town of Moab. The area is best known for the Needles themselves, rock pinnacles banded in orange and white. The Needles district features densely-concentrated arches, rock spires, grabens, canyons, potholes, prehistoric Native American ruins and pictographs (rock art).
The Maze is the most remote part of the park, containing maze-like canyons, tall standing rocks, and fins of colorful sandstone. The Maze lies west of the rivers and is accessible from the Hans Flat Station, 81 miles/130 kilometers south of the town of Green River.
This rugged national park is world-renowned for its four-wheel driving, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and hiking. The White Rim Trail, a 100 mile long and relatively flat graded road is a very popular mountain biking experience. Permits and reservations are required for many of these activities. Often, the best way to experience the park is with a qualified guide.
Major entrances to the park are 35 miles northwest of Moab and 80 miles southwest of Moab. Note: this park is very large. It is not possible to visit all areas in a single day! Visitor centers, in the Island in the Sky and Needles districts are open year-round with reduced hours in winter. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and learn how to visit the park with minimum impact to the fragile desert environment. Here you will find maps, brochures, and books to help you enjoy your visit. There are two established campgrounds. Park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle or $5 per person. Annual individual passes are available for $25. A reservation office open Mon.-Fri. accepts reservations for backpacking permits, four-wheel drive campsites, same day use in the Needles District and group campsites. Call 435-259-4351. Fees are charged. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
The Colorado River
Moab, located less then 45 minutes away from Canyonlands National Park, offers a myriad of options for the vacation planner.