Explore Canyonlands National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your Canyonlands National Park vacation?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to Utah’s least visited national park.

Whether you need to know what to do when you get to the park or where’s the best place to go hiking, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places and experiences that I’ve personally had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

Canyonlands at a glance

  • Located in eastern Utah north of Moab

  • Has 3 different districts, each with its own entrance and activities

  • Best known for Mesa Arch and sweeping canyon views

  • Near to Arches National Park

Start here.

Canyonlands National Park with Kids: A Complete Guide

If you only read one of my Canyonlands guides, make it this one.

This Canyonlands with kids guide shares everything you could possibly think about when planning a vacation here from how to get to the park to where to pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.

The Districts of Canyonlands

  • ISLAND IN THE SKY DISTRICT

    Island in the Sky is so named for the soaring mesas, plateaus, and overlooks along the Green River. This district is located southwest of Moab and has an entrance off of Highway 313.

    It is bordered by the Green River and Colorado River.

    It has the most infrastructure including a staffed visitors center, paved scenic roads, 2 campgrounds, and well marked trails.

  • THE NEEDLES DISTRICT

    The Needles is best known for its hoodoo formations and slickrock hiking trails.

    This district is located more directly west from Moab with entrance access closer to Monticello, Utah. It is bordered by the Colorado River.

    The Needles does have a ranger station, and 2 campgrounds, but limited infrastructure beyond that.

  • THE MAZE DISTRICT

    The Maze is incredibly remote with zero infrastructure. There is no paved entrance road, ranger station, or restrooms.

    To access it, you’ll need to travel nearly 5 hours from Moab via Hanksville with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle through the Glen Canyon Recreation Area or get dropped off via a boat on the Colorado River.

    Because of the lack of amenities and difficulty in accessing this section of the park, I do not recommend taking children to this part of Canyonlands without a guide or serious pre-planning.

Complete Itineraries

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms. These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, dining, and activities for the entire family.

How to Visit Arches and Canyonlands in One Day
3 Days in Moab, Utah: What to See, Do, and Eat

Where to Camp

We’ve enjoyed staying at this campground so much that we just keep going back!

It’s very convenient to both Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

It has RV and tent camping spots as well as adorable casitas and cabins for a glamping experience.

Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway: Campground Review and Photos

Canyonlands Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the Arches and Canyonlands GuideAlong audio tour bundle to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    Canyonlands National Park has some incredible hiking, so you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your family has the proper footwear.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, which are great for those long, hot summer days in Utah.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to Canyonlands National Park without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    This part of Utah doesn’t always have great cell reception, but you can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    There’s no public transportation within Canyonlands National Park, and you’re going to want the flexibility of your own vehicle while exploring the park.

    Check for the best rates at RentalCars.com with convenient pick-up options at the Moab, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City airports.

  • Travel Insurance

    Visiting the Utah Mighty 5 national parks can be the trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Other Helpful Resources

  • Best Utah Hikes for Kids: A Complete Guide

    Click Here

  • Arches vs. Canyonlands: Which is Better?

    Read more

  • Utah Mighty Five National Park with Kids: Itinerary and Tips

    Read more

  • Best RV Camping at the Utah National Parks: A Guide

    Read more

  • 11 Best National Parks to Visit in Fall

    Click Here

  • Hiking Arches National Park in the Summer: A Guide

    Read more

  • The Ultimate Utah to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

    Click Here