Canyonlands, Utah
Top Spots in and near Canyonlands
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Monticello, Utah
Explore Big Spring Creek Overlook
This overlook is at the end of the scenic drive in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Once you step away from your vehicle the world sort of drops out below you into Big Spring Canyon. Just a short walk from the car takes you to some fantastic formations. Visitors can begin the hi...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Hike the Confluence Overlook
4.010.4 mi / 220 ft gainThe Green River starts in Wyoming and flows 730 miles before joining the Colorado River in Utah. Confluence Overlook Trail is located in the northern parts of the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. At the southwest edge of the parking area, you will see where the trail starts. The tra...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Hike Needle's Slickrock Foot Trail
2.4 mi / 200 ft gainThe trail weaves away from the highway following cairns. I did the loop counter-clockwise to hit all the viewpoints first. The first part of the trail offers stellar views of the Needles behind you.All the viewpoints are well marked by trail signs. The first viewpoint veers off to the right and t...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Hike the White Rim Overlook
3.01.8 mi / 160 ft gainIf you're entering Canyonlands from the north (Island in the Sky side), don't miss this quick hike! This hike is fairly level the entire way and not too long—perfect for kids. Follow Grand View Point Road down towards the middle of the park, then turn left at the sign for the White Rim Overlook. ...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Hike the Gooseberry Trail in Canyonlands
4.04.2 mi / 1548 ft gainThis hike will take your breath away—literally. You will experience stunning views of Canyonlands National Park while literally stepping down the side of a cliff. Once you get to the valley floor, continue on to the smaller cliffs of the White Rim. To get there, follow Grand View Point Road down ...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Hike Chesler Park and Joint Trails, Canyonlands NP
4.510 mi / 1755 ft gainThis world class hiking route circumnavigates Chesler Park by way of open meadows, slots, subterranean alcoves, stairways and slick rock.Begin at the Elephant Hill Trailhead and head south following signage for the Joint Trail / Chesler Park along the way. Once you arrive at Chesler Park turn lef...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Hiking Druid Arch
5.010.28 mi / 1594 ft gainImportant Note: Druid Arch is located on the eastern side of Canyonlands National Park in the Needles District. It is not located at the main entrance to the park. Stop by the Needles Visitor Center and pick up a map. Your starting point, Elephant Hill Trailhead is then located 6.3 miles west of ...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Camp at Squaw Flat Campground
3.0Squaw Flat campground is an easily-accessed area full of picturesque campsites in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. It is located in the Needles District, which is well known for its colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that cover the region. Campsite reservations must be made in advance at rec...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Backpack to Chesler Park, Canyonlands NP
5.013 mi / 600 ft gainThe first draw of this adventure is the roadtrip to the trailhead itself. Set out pre-dawn from Moab, UT and head 77 miles south and west to the Needles District Visitors Centre on Utah 211. En route you'll pass Newspaper Rock, a treasured collection of pictographs well worth the detour if you're...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Joint Trail in the Canyonlands Needles District
5.019.06 mi / 3028 ft gainA large part of the grandeur of Canyonlands National Park is the vast barren vista at Island in the Sky, but no visit to Canyonlands would be complete without the intimate and immersive desert experience that the Needles District offers. Drive two hours southwest of Moab away from cell phone rece...Read more -
Monticello, Utah
Hike Peekaboo Trail to Salt Creek Canyon
10 mi / -60 ft gainTrail Description This adventure starts at Squaw Flat Trailhead A in the Needles District of the Canyonlands. Get there early to claim a parking spot, as there are several trails in the area, and you will want to see the colors change in the rock formations as the sun rises in front of you on you...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Hike to Murphy Point
4.33.4 mi / 320 ft gainMurphy Point, found in the Island In The Sky district of Canyonlands NP, takes hikers on a mesa that ends at an overlook with sweeping vistas over Murphy Basin, the White Rim, and Green River. If you're looking to get away from the tourists, then head to this quiet and often overlooked trail.The ...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Catch a Sunset at Green River Overlook
4.5Turn right on Highway 313 after Mesa Arch Trailhead and follow the road past Willow Flat Campground to Green River Overlook. Park at the parking lot. Climb over the railing onto the rock edge. Sit and breathe in that desert wind and distant sun. Simple as that.I recommend camping at Willow Flat t...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Hike the Cave Spring Loop in the Needles District
4.00.6 mi / 35 ft gainThe Cave Spring Trail within Canyonlands National Park takes visitors past some well preserved pictographs and a cowboy camp complete with many original artifacts, all located in bluff "caves" below the overhanging cliffs of a low mesa. The path later climbs to the top via a pair of wooden ladde...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Hike the Aztec Butte Trail
4.52 mi / 500 ft gainThe Aztec Butte Trail is a two pronged out and back trail for a total of two miles. The trail is single track and easy to follow. After a third of a mile the trail splits. To the left, a trail takes you to the top of a small mesa. There is an informative sign marking the way. On the other side of...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Night Photography at Mesa Arch
5.0From the parking lot, the hike is a .6 mile loop (20-30 min hike round trip). It took 10 minutes to get to the Arch. I arrived at 2am and hiked to the Arch to get some Milky Way shots, definitely arrive earlier to shoot the stars. I explored around when I got to the Arch and came up with a bunch ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Canyonlands
Monticello, Utah
Indian Creek Falls Group Site
Overview
The Indian Creek Falls Group Site is ideal for groups wishing to recreate in the Indian Creek Corridor or to be close to Canyonl...
Moab, Utah
Creek Pasture Group Site
Overview
The Creek Pasture Group Site at Creek Pasture Campground is ideal for large groups wishing to recreate in the Indian Creek area,...
Moab, Utah
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Overview
The Needles Campground and group sites are located deep within the southern portion of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern...
Moab, Utah
The Ledge Group Sites
Overview
The Ledge Group Site and Ledge E Group Site are ideal for visitors looking to explore vehicle backcountry routes in the area. A...
Moab, Utah
The Ledge Campground
Five separate campgrounds with 105 sites are located in a scenic, red rock valley popular with ATV, UTV and 4WD users. Individual sites a...
Monticello, Utah
Windwhistle Group Site
Overview
The Windwhistle Group Site is ideal for small gatherings looking for a quiet retreat. The parking is limited and you must walk...