Canyonlands National Park is wild, remote, inhospitable and terribly beautiful. It is home to an immense expanse of deep orange-red canyons and a wonderful array of superlative red rock formations. In addition to being a feast for the eyes, it provides great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, 4WD adventuring and whitewater rafting.
Canyonlands is effectively split into three distinct "districts" by the Colorado and Green rivers. Since there are no bridges across the rivers, one must drive great distances to visit more than one area. Canyonlands should therefore be thought of as three distinct parks -- the Island in the Sky, the Needles (accessible through Blanding or Monticello) and the Maze. Each offers the visitor something a bit different. The Island in the Sky is best known for its spectacular views and overlooks and is readily traveled by a 34-mile scenic route. While the Island is for looking, the Needles is for foot exploration and the park's longest and most strenuous hikes are here. The Maze District is free admission, but can only be accessed by rough roads. Butch Cassidy used to hide here and it remains impressively untouched even today.
Canyonlands is located about 68 miles from Moab and 63 miles from Arches National Park. Keep in mind that because of remote nature of the roads, travel time may be longer than you expect.
To learn more about Canyonlands National Park, select a topic of interest from the left-hand column.
Entrance Fees
1-7 Day Vehicle Pass - $10
1-7 Day Individual Permit - $5 per person
Local Passport - $25 (Good for one year)
Good for entrance to Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges.
** Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free. **