Visiting Canyonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center
Canyonlands Island in the Sky is located on the northern edge of Canyonlands National Park in Utah, offering spectacular views from 1,000 feet above sea level.
This Canyonlands National Park guide details all the resources and services available at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.
This breathtaking visitor center provides visitors with an opportunity to explore interactive exhibits about the geology and ecology of the region as well as learn more about its history and culture through interpretive programs.
Remember that Canyonlands is divided into districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, and the Maze. Island in the Sky and Needles both have visitor centers. Check out our article explaining Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles!
NOTE: It’s always recommended to visit the park website for current information about closures, hours and services available!
Use our Canyonlands Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Canyonlands National Park
Take a visual tour through Canyonlands National Park (and Dead Horse Point) to see the stunning landscape in the parks!
Visiting Canyonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center
Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is a remote and rugged place. There is no lodging (except several campgrounds), food, or gas services available in the park. However, you can find a range of full services in several nearby towns, like Moab.
It’s always important to pack everything you’ll need for your visit to Canyonlands since water is only available at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center (except during the winter).
Extremely limited cell phone service is also available within the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, at scenic drive locations where the La Sal Mountains are visible, along the east side of the White Rim Road, and along the Orange Cliffs Mesa where the La Sal Mountains are visible.
How to Get to Island in the Sky Visitor Center
To get to Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, drive 10 miles north of Moab or 22 miles south of I-70 on US 191. Turn onto UT 313, and then drive southwest 22 miles.
Driving time to the visitor center from Moab is about 40 minutes.
Island in the Sky Visitor Center Hours and Services
The visitor center at Island in the Sky is open seven days a week during spring through fall. When visiting Canyonlands National Park in the winter, it is only open five days a week. Hours vary by season.
Check the website for “today’s hours”, “standard hours” and “closures & seasonal exceptions” so you’re prepared in advance.
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center offers these services:
- exhibits
- book & map sales
- backcountry permits
- general information
- park orientation video
- public, unsecured Wi-Fi
- vault toilets
- picnic area
- park rangers on duty
Drinking water is available inside (during open hours) or outside (24 hours a day).
There are NO electric outlets to use at the Visitor Center!
Ranger Programs at Island in the Sky
Canyonlands Ranger-led Programs are available at Island in the Sky every day from spring to fall.
These programs include discussions about the trails and the overlooks, stargazing, and other events. Check the current schedule for the dates you’ll be visiting the park.
Geology Talk
- 20 minutes; Grand View Point
- Free; all ages welcome. No advance reservation.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Patio Talk
- 20 minutes; Island in the Sky Visitor Center patio
- Free; all ages welcome. No advance reservation.
Evening Program
- 30 minutes; Green River Overlook
- Free; all ages welcome. No advance reservation.
- Bring a flashlight and consider bringing a camp chair for comfort.
Full Moon Hikes/Canyonlands Stargazing
- Hikes up to 1 hour on/around full moon evenings.
- Astronomy events on/near new moon evenings.
- Free; all ages welcome. Sign-up at the Visitor Center required.
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps
More Things to Do at Island in the Sky
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
There are no lodging facilities in the park, but there are campgrounds:
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Canyonlands.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Townhomes south of Moab – we really like the townhomes in Spanish Valley with kitchen, washer and dryer in the unit and a swimming pool/hot tub (just a 5 minute drive south of Moab).
Canyonlands Itineraries
Check out our done-for-you 1, 2, and 3-day Canyonlands Itineraries to help you plan your vacation based on the time you have to spend at the park:
- Canyonlands National Park One Day Itinerary
- Two Days at Canyonlands National Park
- Three Days at Canyonlands National Park
- One Day at Needles Canyonlands National Park
