Canyonlands National Park is a stunning and vast region of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, hoodoos and arches spanning across the red-rock Moab region. These are the things to know before visiting Canyonlands National Park to make it the best visit possible.
Canyonlands Is Made Up of Four Very Different Sections
The most-visited section is Island in the Sky. This is where the famous Mesa Arch is located and stunning deep canyon overlooks, trails and drives. The Needles is the next most-popular and has some really incredible formations, within the park boundaries. The Maze is the most rugged section of the park and it is recommended that people do a fair amount of research before tackling this area. The fourth is a really small section called Horseshoe Canyon. At the bottom of this canyon is an impressive expanse of petroglyphs known as the Great Gallery.
These Sections Are Not Connected and Have a Lot of Distance Between Them
Not only are these separate sections of the park, none of them are geographically connected. There are hours of driving between some of these sections. So be sure to plan your adventure appropriately and look into the many amazing things around each of those four sections.
It’s an International Dark Sky Park
Canyonlands National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s a truly an incredible place to star-gaze. If you’re lucky enough to be there during a new or tiny moon, you’ll see the Milky Way with extreme ease. If you’re looking to stargaze, I highly recommend getting a red light flashlight or headlamp (red light won’t affect your eye-adjustment to the dark). If you’re not hiking to a destination, I also recommend bringing a camp chair to sit in. It’s easier to stare up at the sky when you’re seated. If you’re looking to the star photos, definitely invest in a tripod whether you’re using an iPhone or a DSLR.
Mesa Arch is Insanely Busy at Sunrise
Mesa Arch is the most popular spot for sunrise in all of the sections of Canyonlands National Park because as it rises over the canyon and under Mesa Arch. The arch makes a perfect frame for the sunrise. Just know you’ll be experiencing this beautiful moment with about 50 of your newest friends.
To Drive Shafer Trail, You Need an Appropriate Vehicle
Shafer Trail is a stunning high-clearance, dirt road that descends or ascends over 1000 feet depending on the direction of travel. A 4WD vehicle recommended, but we’ve successfully driven on it in our AWD Subaru Outback with no issues – granted it was dry conditions and know some parts were pretty rough. I will say, my grandparents attempted this in their Prius about 10 years ago – god bless them – and shockingly, they did not make it more than a couple of miles. Haha.
Pets Are Not Permitted on Trails in Canyonlands National Parks
Like most other national parks in the US, pets are not permitted on trails. They’re also not permitted to stay in your car or tied outside a car – nor would this be super safe.
Overnight Hiking Trips Require Permits
Overnight hiking trips require permits and permits for the designated campgrounds within Canyonlands National Park are pretty coveted. So be sure to book those out as soon as you can if you’re planning to tent camp in this national park.
There are Some Really Amazing Cultural Sites in Canyonlands National Park
I know I briefly mentioned the petroglyphs in Horseshoe Canyon above, and while that’s absolutely one of the most significant cultural sites within this park, there are several other sites and petroglyphs. There is evidence of Native Americans dating back 2000+ years and human history of the early settlers that were in Canyonlands.
Download Offline Maps for Your Adventures Here
Cell service is even spotty in Moab in general, but I think Canyonlands has the worst cell service of them all. So, I would definitely download offline maps so you can have an easy way to track your path while driving or even on foot.
It’s Close to Arches National Park – Don’t Miss Out on An Adventure There
Canyonalnds National Park is super close to Arches National Park (especially Island in the Sky) and it’s one of my very favorite national parks that I’ve ever visited. It’s so worth the visit. Don’t know what to do there? We have the ultimate, jam-packed one day itinerary of how I’d spend one day in Arches National Park!
You Can See a Lot of Beauty from Your Car and Overlooks
While I do think the true beauty of this park is best experienced on foot, the drives in this park are exquisite. There are dirt roads that make you feel like you’re an explorer (be sure to have an AWD or 4WD vehicles for these) and paved roads between trailheads and with overlooks that offer some picturesque vantage points of this gorgeous park. So, even if you’re not a huge hiker, I believe you can still truly enjoy a trip to Canyonlands National Park.
Gear We Recommend for an Adventure in Canyonlands National Park
Being prepared for a trip into the national parks is such an important part of any trip. These are things we use and recommend specifically for a trip to Canyonlands.
Things We Use for Safety – I have a Garmin InReach Mini 2 that just helps me feel so safe and secure in the wilderness. I don’t take it on every adventure, but if I’m going somewhere truly remote, I definitely have it with me. A first aid kit is imperative for backcountry or remote hiking. I like to have a basic first aid kit with me.
Footwear – Matt and I both love our Merrell hiking boots. Regardless of which brand works best and fits best for your foot, we recommend a boot with ankle support. I know that you can do it with trail runners, but for me, I just am so obsessed with that ankle support. If I don’t wear boots and am doing a shorter hike, I am wearing my Teva sandals. I love how easily they go from water to land, they make great campsite shoes and still have a lot of support for hiking.
Daypack – If I’m doing a quick day hike, I’m obsessed with my Osprey Daylite. It’s the perfect size to cram water and snacks for the hike. Plus, if I have a light layer, it fits in the pack as well. If I’m doing a more intense hike I’m obsessed with my Deuter 28L pack that holds a little more without being monstrous, but will hold more water, more layers and more snacks.
What’s in My Pack? – Water is always the very first thing that goes into my daypack and I love using these Nalgene water bottles because the wide mouth on the bottle makes it really easy to clean. Some snacks that you can almost always find in my backpack are beef jerky tender bites, peanut butter & honey crackers, peanut m&ms, trail mix and dehydrated fruit strips. If I’m going to have a long hiking day, or I’m hiking somewhere that I know I’m going to sit and hang out for a while, I am obsessed with my little mini camp chair – it only fits in my Deuter pack, though, not the Osprey.
Do You Want to Track Your National Park Adventures? – I authored this National Park Journal and I’m really proud of it! This is the perfect guided journal with fun facts and simple tips to help you make the most of your trip and curate your memories! I’d be honored to be part of your national park adventures!
If You Go to the Needles, Don’t Miss Newspaper Rock
Newspaper Rock is an absolutely incredible example of petroglyphs because there are so many on this one massive rock. It’s theorized that this was meant to be a spot that passed on news as ancient Native Americans passed through. It is literally right off the road that leads into the park, so don’t miss pulling over to check this out!
Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Moab for Your Canyonlands Adventure
Canyonlands National Park is a really special park that has so much to offer its visitors. Whether you’re hoping to find peace and space in the Maze, catch some of the best examples pictographs in Horseshoe Canyon, drive atop an island in the sky or see the spectacular Druid Arch in the Needles, this park has something for every type of adventurer.
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