Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Top Spots in and near Canyonlands National Park
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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 -
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 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 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 -
Moab, Utah
Mesa Arch
4.50.74 mi / 164 ft gainThis is an easy 0.6 mile loop. The hike takes you out to Mesa Arch, which is one of the most famous structures of Canyonlands National Park. If you're out with your camera, you can get amazing shots of the arch with the rugged canyon as your backdrop. Some of the best photos of the arch are at s...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Backpack the Lathrop Canyon Trail in Canyonlands
18 mi / 2130 ft gainAccess to this trailhead is a few miles south of the Islands in the Sky Visitor Center in Canyonlands National Park. An easy drive from Moab or Interstate 70. Remember to get permits and check in with the rangers if camping. If just doing a day hike then no permits are needed. REMINDER: There is ...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Upheaval Dome Overlook
4.01.21 mi / 200 ft gainUpheaval Dome is a geologic structure whose origins have remained hotly debated for years. Some scientists say it is the site of a meteorite impact while others theorize it is nothing more than a naturally occurring salt dome. No matter what the true answer is, there is no question that this shor...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP
5.07.87 mi / 1955 ft gainBe advised, the NPS signs and maps that warn of a very difficult hike ahead are not hyperbole, as I thought at first. This hike is a loop around the famous Upheaval Dome on an unmaintained trail that leads you down over 1500 feet into the canyon, close to the Green River, then climbs back up 1500...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Hike the Neck Spring Trail
5.8 mi / 260 ft gainWith minor changes in elevation, a couple easy scrambles and the opportunity to find your route by cairns, the Neck Spring Trail is the perfect way to get acquainted with Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park.Starting at the Shafer Canyon Overlook parking lot, the Neck Spring trail ...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Climbing Moses in Canyonlands
Moses offers some fantastic crack climbing. It is in the Island in the Sky area near the Taylor Canyon Campsite. The climbing is difficult but the rock is a really solid wingate sandstone. With one of the best summits in the world, this tower isn't one to miss.To get more information on the route...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Mountain Bike Moab's White Rim Trail
5.0100 miThis trip can be done with an outfit or independently. The outfit Escape Adventures is highly recommended. They send two guides - one drives a pickup behind with all the camping gear. If you don't have the money or interest, however, it is possible to simply use panniers or a backpack to carry ev...Read more -
Moab, Utah
Mountain Bike the Shafer Trail in Moab
5.05 miThe best way to ride the Shafer Trail is to bring a support vehicle (one with 4WD and decently high clearance). If you're into a sufferfest, by all means climb your way out of there. You can also include it on a much, much longer ride like the White Rim Trail. But if you just want to experience t...Read more -
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
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Canyonlands National Park
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
Horsethief Group Sites
Overview
The five reservable Horsethief Group Sites are ideal for smaller gatherings (10-20 people & 6 sedans/trucks/vans only---no t...
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...
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...