Travel Guide
Everything you need to know β hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
Utah's largest national park, divided by the Colorado and Green rivers into separate districts. Most visitors explore Island in the Sky, about 40 minutes from Moab, for sweeping overlooks like Grand View Point and the sunrise view through Mesa Arch.
Insider Knowledge
Arrive at Mesa Arch about 30 minutes before sunrise to claim a spot along the rim.
Nearby
utah-mighty-5Just outside Moab, Arches holds more than 2,000 natural stone arches, including the free-standing Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and the Windows. It is compact and easy to tour by car, but it is extremely popular and uses a timed-entry reservation system in its busy season.
utah-mighty-5A series of natural amphitheaters packed with orange and pink hoodoos, best seen from the rim at Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points. At 8,000-9,000 feet it is much cooler than the desert parks and has some of the darkest night skies in the country.
utah-mighty-5Utah's largest national park, divided by the Colorado and Green rivers into separate districts. Most visitors explore Island in the Sky, about 40 minutes from Moab, for sweeping overlooks like Grand View Point and the sunrise view through Mesa Arch.
utah-mighty-5The quietest of the Mighty 5, built around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth's crust. Highlights include the Scenic Drive, Fremont petroglyphs, Hickman Bridge and the historic Fruita orchards, where you can pick fruit in season and buy pies at the Gifford Homestead.
utah-mighty-5A Utah state park on the road to Canyonlands, with a famous overlook 2,000 feet above a gooseneck bend of the Colorado River. It is one of the best sunset spots near Moab and is easy to combine with Island in the Sky on the same day.
Utah's most visited park, a deep sandstone canyon cut by the Virgin River with towering walls, hanging gardens and famous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. The main canyon is explored by free shuttle from Springdale for most of the year.
Walk the Grand View Point trail (about 2 miles round trip) for the park's biggest panorama.
There is no gas or food in Island in the Sky, so fill up and pack lunch in Moab.
The Needles district is a separate 1.5-hour drive from Moab and best saved for a longer stay.
Common Questions
No. Unlike Arches, Canyonlands does not use timed entry, though backcountry camping and some roads need permits.
Districts are not connected by roads inside the park, so pick one district per day.
The Southeast Utah Parks pass also covers Canyonlands; check nps.gov for current fees.
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