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Canyonlands National Park is located at the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers in southeastern Utah. Years of river erosion, combined with wind, rain, frost, and snow, have carved sandstone towers and canyons, making it one of the world's most renowned erosional landscapes, renowned for its rugged peaks and craggy rocks. Officially established as a park on September 12, 1964, it covers 1,366 square kilometers. With no roads and only accessible trails for off-road vehicles, it is considered one of the most inaccessible areas.
The park is divided into three sections. The northernmost section, near the entrance to Moab, is called the Islands in the Sky; the southernmost section is called the Needles; and the westernmost section is called the Labyrinth. This vast expanse of wilderness offers a vast and expansive landscape. The park features mesas and canyons named for their shapes, colors, and various features, such as Golden Stairs, Elephant Gap, Devil's Puff, Fairy Island, Doll Rock, Tapestry Rock, and Horseshoe Gulch, as well as Spectacular Terrace and Stonehenge. Animals include deer, foxes, and coyotes.
temperate continental climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Those entering on foot, by bicycle, or by motorcycle are charged $5 per person (valid for 7 days), and those entering by vehicle are charged $10 per person (valid for 7 days). Local scenic area passes are $25 per person (valid for 1 year) and include access to the four major scenic areas of Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep, and Natural Bridges.
Company group tours are charged based on the number of people. Vehicles with 1-6 people are charged a vehicle fee of USD 25 and a ticket fee of USD 5 per person. Vehicles with 7-25 people are charged a vehicle fee of USD 40. Vehicles with more than 26 people are charged a vehicle fee of USD 100.
Canyonlands National Park is open year-round;
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and from late December to February of the following year).
The Needles Visitor Center is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Thanksgiving Day and from early December to February of the following year).
The Maze Visitor Center is open from 8:00 to 16:30 (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day).
Canyonlands National Park, established in 1964 in southeastern Utah, protects a vast area of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. It is significant for its geological formations, archeological sites, and diverse ecosystems.
The park is located near Moab, Utah. Access is by car via US Highway 191 and state roads. There is no public metro; shuttles from Moab may be available seasonally. Walking is primarily for trail exploration within the park.
Open 24 hours, year-round. The visitor centers typically operate 8 AM–5 PM. The best times to visit are spring and fall for mild temperatures and reduced summer crowds.
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days) or $15 per individual on foot/bike/motorcycle. Fees can be paid at entrance stations; online reservations are generally not required.
Advance booking is not typically required for general park entry, but permits are needed for certain backcountry areas, which can be reserved online weeks in advance.
2–5 days are recommended to explore major districts (Island in the Sky, Needles, Maze) and enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and river activities.
Guided tours are available through private operators, mostly in English. Park rangers offer talks and hikes; audio guides may be available in English through apps or visitor centers.
Start at Island in the Sky for panoramic views, spend a day in the Needles District for hiking and rock formations, and if experienced, explore parts of the Maze with backcountry permits. Use scenic drives between districts.
Night visits for stargazing are allowed; no formal light shows exist. Ranger-led night programs may be offered seasonally.
Spring and fall weekdays are less crowded. Summer weekends near Moab can be busy. Early mornings are ideal for solitude and photography.
Visitor centers offer restrooms, information, and water. Picnic areas are scattered; there are no full-service restaurants inside the park, so bring food and water.
Main viewpoints like Mesa Arch and Grand View Point are wheelchair-accessible. Trails vary in difficulty; some are strenuous for children or elderly.
Entrance fees and park stores accept credit/debit cards; cash is optional but useful for small vendors or emergencies.
No restaurants inside the park. Nearby Moab has multiple cafes, diners, and fast food options.
Yes, Moab offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants; halal options may be limited and require planning.
Moab has a wide range of hotels, motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals within 30–40 minutes drive to park entrances.
Visitor centers and Moab shops offer maps, apparel, jewelry, postcards, and local crafts.
Private car or rental is recommended. Shuttle services may operate seasonally. Visitors can continue to Arches National Park or Moab attractions easily by road.
