Canyonlands National Park Visitors Guide
Welcome to the Canyonlands National Park Visitors Guide.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
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Canyonlands National Park Visitors Information
Accessibility
National parks are set aside for the enjoyment of all. Because of the rugged nature of many of the nation's treasures, it has been difficult to provide access for everyone who might have special needs. The National Park Service has been making strides to furnish facilities that allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the great outdoors.
Visitors will find that this is true at Canyonlands as well. You will find:
Squaw Flat Campground and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Visitor Center and restrooms at Island in the Sky and Needles are wheelchair accessible.
Designated parking and access curbs at Buck Canyon and Grand Point Overlooks. Other points of interest in the district are accessible with some assistance. Woodenshoe Overlook is wheelchair accessible in Needles.
Hearing Impairments
A variety of publications may be obtained at the district visitor centers. Wayside exhibits with illustrations and text on natural and cultural features are situated throughout the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts and in the visitor centers.
Backcountry Camping / Hiking
Canyonlands has become an increasingly popular backcountry destination. Permits are required for all overnight travel in the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for backpacking and four-wheel-drive permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands National Park during peak season, it is recommended that you make reservations well in advance.
See this link for more detailed information on Backcountry Camping.
Backpacking
Follow this link for more detailed information on Backpacking.
Biking
Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, especially for the White Rim Road in the Island in the Sky District. Mountain bikes must remain on established roads; they are not allowed on hiking trails.
Many four-wheel-drive roads in the park travel up wash bottoms and are unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand. Overnight trips require backcountry permits, and bicycle parties must use designated campsites. Reservations are highly recommended for permits to camp along the 100 mile White Rim Road, as sites often fill many months in advance. A support vehicle is recommended for all multi-day bike trips.
Follow this link for more detailed information on Biking
Boating
The Colorado River is famous for its rapids and the challenging Cataract Canyon is located within the park. Above the Confluence, the calm waters of both the Green and Colorado rivers attract boaters seeking a more peaceful journey. Permits are required for all overnight river trips, and for day trips through Cataract Canyon. Guided trips are also available.
Follow this link for more detailed information on Boating
Camping and Fires
Camping is allowed in campgrounds and at designated backcountry sites with a fee permit. Campfires are only permitted along the river corridors in Canyonlands National Park. Charcoal or camp stoves are recommended for cooking. All fires must be contained in a fire pan, which may be as simple as a metal garbage can lid or an oil pan.
For Campground information, Click Here.
Climbing
The massive sandstone towers of the Island in the Sky District attract the most rock climbers. Little climbing is done in the rest of the park due to the poor quality of the rock and a lack of established routes. Permits are not required for technical rock climbing unless it involves an overnight stay in the backcountry.
Follow this link for more detailed information on Climbing
Entrance Fees
| Private Non-commercial Vehicle | $ 10.00 (7 Day Pass) |
| Individual Entry | $ 5.00 (7 Day Pass) |
| Gold Access Pass (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) | Free (Lifetime - good in all natl parks) |
| Golden Age Pass (1 time fee - for those 62+ years young) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all natl parks) |
| National Park Pass | $ 50.00 (Good in all natl parks) |
| Golden Eagle Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) | $ 15.00 (good in all natl forests) |
National Park Pass Information
The National Parks Pass is an annual pass that provides admission to any national park charging an entrance fee. The Pass costs $ 50.00 and is valid for 12 months (ending the last day of the purchase month, one year later). More than 80% of the proceeds from the sales of National Park Passes go directly into supporting priority projects in national parks.
Where a "Per Vehicle" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee and accompanying passengers in a single, private*, non-commercial vehicle. Where a "Per Person" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Pass is nontransferable and does not cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours and concessions.
Golden Eagle Pass
For an additional $ 15.00, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle holograms are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The Golden Eagle admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Eagle admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Golden Eagle is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. It is valid for entrance fees only. The Golden Eagle hologram is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.
Golden Age Pass
If you are age 62 or older, you qualify for a Golden Age Passport. The Golden Age Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older. The Golden Age Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.
The Golden Age Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. A Golden Age Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. There is a one-time $ 10.00 processing charge to obtain the Golden Age Pass. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. You must show proof of age, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.
Golden Access Pass
If you have a permanent disability, you may qualify for a Golden Access Passport. The Golden Access Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.
The Golden Access Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. A Golden Access Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Pass by showing proof of medically determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.
* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.
The National Parks Pass may be purchased at any National Park office or entry station.
To purchase a pass Online, click on this Link, or to purchase via phone, call: 1-888-467-2757.
Fees and Permits
| Type | Fee | Period | Description |
| 4WD Day Use | $ 5.00 | 1 day | Required for 4WD day trips into Horse/Salt and Lavender Canyons in the Needles. | 4WD / Mountain Bike Camping | $ 30.00 | 14 days | Required for overnight trips along backcountry 4WD roads. Reservations recommended. | Backpacking | $ 15.00 | 14 days | Required for overnight trips in the backcountry. Reservations recommended. | Boating - Flat Water | $ 20.00 | 14 days | Required for overnight trips on the Colorado and Green Rivers above the Confluence. | Boating - White Water | $ 30.00 | 14 days | Required for overnight trips through Cataract Canyon. This permit includes the Flat Water sections. Reservations recommended. |
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. This includes backpacking, four-wheel drive or bicycle camping, flat water river trips on the Green or Colorado to the Confluence, and Cataract Canyon river trips. Permits are also required for day use by vehicles, horses and bikes in Salt Creek/Horse and Lavender canyons in the Needles District.
Follow this link for more detailed information on Permits
Fishing
Within Canyonlands National Park, only the muddy waters of the Green and Colorado rivers contain fish. About 99 percent of these fish are exotic species, predominantly carp, catfish, sand shiners, red shiners and fathead minnows. While no special use permit is required to fish in the park, visitors must have a valid Utah State fishing license and must comply with all state fishing regulations.
Small populations of native fish still exist in the park. Due to resource development, competition with non-native species and a variety of other factors, native populations have declined and continue to struggle in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Colorado squawfish, razorback sucker, humpback and bonytail chub are endangered and may be found in the park's waters. Visitors should become familiar with these endangered fish and the proper techniques for releasing them unharmed. If you are unable to identify a fish, please release it back into the water alive.
Food and Supplies
There are no restaurants or snack bars in Canyonlands National Park. At the Needles Outpost, 1.5 miles from the Needles Visitor Center, there is gasoline, food and limited supplies available and all services are available in the local communities.
Four Wheeling
There are hundreds of miles of four-wheel-drive roads in Canyonlands, ranging in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical. Pets may not accompany groups on four-wheel-drive roads, even in a vehicle. Follow this link for more detailed information on Four Wheeling.
Garbage / Waste
Everything you carry in, including garbage and if possible, waste. Toilet paper will not decompose in this dry climate and must be carried out. Never burn or bury it! The burning of toilet paper can cause serious brush fires in the desert. You are going to love this - Consider using natural alternatives to toilet paper such as smooth rocks or twigs or bring washable reusable toilet paper! Always leave it better than you found it.
Horseback Riding
If you bring your horses with you, you may take them on all backcountry roads. A permit is required for both day and overnight use, and special pack and saddle stock regulations apply. Pets may not accompany groups into the backcountry. There are no commercial horse trips in Canyonlands National Park.
Day use with pack and saddle stock is allowed on the west side hiking trail in Horseshoe Canyon and on all backcountry roads. A free day use permit is required for horse access into Horseshoe Canyon: please contact the Hans Flat Ranger Station at: 435-259-2652 to obtain this permit.
Permits are required for all overnight trips with pack and saddle stock, and also for day use in Salt Creek / Horse and Lavender canyons in the Needles District. Visitors camping with pack or saddle stock must stay at the designated backcountry vehicle campsites. Horses, mules and burros are the only animals considered pack and saddle stock. Other domestic animals are prohibited in the backcountry.
Stock must be fed pelletized feed for 48 hours in advance of and during a trip in order to prevent the spread of exotic plant species. Animals may not be left unattended and must be staked at least 300 feet away from water sources and away from vegetation where possible. Grazing and browsing are not allowed.
All manure and feed must be removed from the backcountry and packed out. The group size limit for overnight use is seven people and ten horses for the Needles and Island in the Sky, and five people and eight horses for the Maze and Orange Cliffs.
On the Orange Cliffs mesa top, above 6,000 feet, cross country travel and at-large overnight camping with saddle and pack stock is allowed. The pelletized feed policy still applies. Day use requires a free permit, while overnight trips require an at-large backpacking permit, which costs $ 10.00. Both permits may be obtained at the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
Lodging
Lodging in Canyonlands National Park consists of two campgrounds Squaw Flat and Willow Flat Campgrounds. Squaw Flat and Willow Flat campgrounds are open year round, and operate on a first come first serve basis. See the Camping Page for details. There is no other lodging or restaurants in the park.
See the Lodging Page for more information.
Pet Information
Pets are not recommended in the park. If you must or want to bring your pets with you, be aware that they must be on a leash and under control at all times, they are Not Permitted in the backcountry (even in a vehicle) or on any park trails.
Pets are not allowed in the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park. This includes all four-wheel-drive roads and hiking trails. Pets may accompany visitors in frontcountry areas, which include overlooks, paved and two-wheel-drive dirt roads, and the Squaw Flat and Willow Flat campgrounds, but must be leashed when outside a vehicle. Pets may not be left unattended, tied or physically confined in the frontcountry to facilitate backcountry travel.
Because bringing pets severely limits your options for exploring the backcountry of Canyonlands, it is recommended that you leave them at home or place them in kennels in nearby towns. A list of kennels is available from the park. Guide dogs and hearing-assistance dogs are not considered pets. Pets are allowed in the Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon NRA but must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle.
Restrictions on pets have generated many comments from park visitors. The following explains some of the reasons their presence is regulated in the park:
Dogs, the most common traveling companion, are natural predators that may harass or even kill native wildlife which is protected within the park's boundaries.
Pets are generally hard to control, even on a leash, within the confines of the park's often narrow trails, and may trample or dig up fragile desert vegetation.
Your pet may be threatening to other park visitors.
Many of the trails in the park cross steep slickrock grades, climb ladders or are in other ways unsuitable for pets.
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are located in the two campground areas and at Upheaval Dome, Grandview, just past Pothole Point and Elephant Hill. These areas have tables, fireplaces and pit toilets.
Programs and Activities
Join a National Park Service ranger to explore Canyonlands' natural and cultural history. Join a ranger to learn about the forces that once shaped this landscape - and continue to do so, see the Calendar Page. Ranger / Naturalist programs include interpretive programs in summer. These include geology talks, campfire programs and guided walks and hikes on a variety of topics. Staffing may permit spring and fall programs. Schedules for Ranger activities are available at the Visitor Centers. These are just some of the ways to discover the diversity of the scenic, natural and historic wonders that comprise Canyonlands National Park.
See the Calendar Page for more information.
River Rafting
The Colorado River is famous for its rapids and the challenging Cataract Canyon is located within the park. Above the Confluence, the calm waters of both the Green and Colorado rivers attract boaters seeking a more peaceful journey. Permits are required for all overnight river trips, and for day trips through Cataract Canyon. Guided trips are also available.
Follow this link for more detailed information on Boating
Visitor Centers
Park Headquarters is located in Moab, Utah and is open year round.
| Facility | Open | Hours | Location | Available Facilities |
| Island in the Sky | All Year (Except New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days) | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Daily Extended hours in Spring through Fall |
North end of park in the Island of the Sky District on Stateroad 313 | No water is available in the District, bring your own water! Bottled water is available for sale at the visitor center. Exhibits are on display, and maps, publications, programs and information are available. |
| Han Flat Ranger Station | All Year (Except New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days) | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Daily Extended hours in Spring through Fall |
Western area of park in the Maze District on unpaved dirt road | No water is available in the District, bring your own water! Bottled water is available for sale at the visitor center. Exhibits are on display, and maps, publications, programs and information are available. |
| Needles Visitor Center | All Year (Except New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days) | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Daily Extended hours in Spring through Fall |
Eastern area of park in the Needles District on Stateroad 211 | No water is available in the District, bring your own water! Bottled water is available for sale at the visitor center. Exhibits are on display, and maps, publications, programs and information are available. |
See the Calendar Page for more information.
Weather
During spring and fall, the daytime highs average 60° to 80° F and lows average 20° to 50° F. Crowds are largest and campsites and backcountry permits are most difficult to obtain during holiday weekends such as Easter and spring break.
Summer temperatures approach 100° F, and discourage crowds and tend to make strenuous exercise difficult. Most precipitation falls in late summer and early autumn thunderstorms. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30° to 50° F, and lows averaging 0° to 20° F. Though large snowfalls are uncommon in the park, even small amounts of snow or ice can make trails and roads impassible. Many four-wheel-drive roads are closed in winter.
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
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