Canyonlands National Park Guide

Use this Canyonlands National Park guide to help you plan the most amazing vacation! If you’re looking for Utah National Parks vacation ideas, keep reading to find out all there is to know about visiting Canyonlands.

Canyonlands National Park is a stunning landscape located in southeastern Utah. It is known for its deep canyons, mesas, rivers, and rock formations that have been carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

We live only a few hours away from Canyonlands so we’ve had the opportunity to visit many times during every season. The tips we share below are based on our experiences visiting Canyonlands throughout the years.

You’ll find resources to plan your trip to Canyonlands: best time to visit, things to do, hiking trails, scenic drives, and photography spots. Plus we share Canyonlands National Park itineraries based on the time you have to visit the park!

Our biggest tip is to be prepared for the temperatures and weather so you’re able to enjoy the outdoor activities you want to do at Canyonlands! 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!

Canyonlands Travel Guides to Plan Your Trip

Use the following resources to assist you in planning the perfect Canyonlands National Park vacation. If you plan to extend your trip by visiting other Utah National Parks, we’ve got you covered there as well!

• Canyonlands National Park Itinerary
• Canyonlands National Park in One Day
• Two Days at Canyonlands National Park
• Three Days at Canyonlands National Park
• Canyonlands National Park Vacation Ideas
• Visiting Canyonlands National Park
• Canyonlands National Park With Kids
• Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky Travel Guide
• Needles Canyonlands Travel Guide
• One Day at Needles Canyonlands National Park
• Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles
• Arches National Park and Canyonlands in One Day
• Arches or Canyonlands National Park

Best Times to Visit Canyonlands

There are important things to know about visiting the park during the different seasons of the year. You’ll need to be aware of the road conditions and closures. And there are times of the year when park services are closed. Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip during a specific season or month so you know in advance what to expect.

• Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park
• Best Month to Visit Canyonlands National Park
• Canyonlands National Park Weather

Visiting Canyonlands By Season

• Canyonlands National Park in the Spring
• Canyonlands National Park in the Summer
• Canyonlands National Park in the Fall
• Canyonlands National Park in the Winter

Visiting Canyonlands By Month

• Canyonlands National Park in January
• Canyonlands National Park in February
• Canyonlands National Park in March
• Canyonlands National Park in April 
• Canyonlands National Park in May
• Canyonlands National Park in June
• Canyonlands National Park in July
• Canyonlands National Park in August
• Canyonlands National Park in September
• Canyonlands National Park in October
• Canyonlands National Park in November
• Canyonlands National Park in December

Canyonlands Activities and Things to Do

Here’s a list of things to do, see and photograph at Canyonlands. You can plan your own itinerary to see the attractions in the park, or you can find a fun tour to explore the points of interest.

Canyonlands Activities and Tours

• Canyonlands National Park Activities
• Canyonlands National Park Spring Activities
• Canyonlands National Park Summer Activities
• Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities
• Canyonlands Winter Activities
• Canyonlands National Park Tours
• Things to Do at Canyonlands National Park
• Things To Do Near Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands Hikes

• Canyonlands Hikes
• Easy Hikes at Canyonlands
• Day Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
• Canyonlands National Park Spring Hikes
• Canyonlands National Park Summer Hikes
• Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
• Canyonlands National Park Winter Hikes

Island in the Sky Activities and Hikes

• Things to do at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
• Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky
• Canyonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center
• Island in the Sky Hikes
• Island in the Sky Scenic Drive

Needles Canyonlands Activities and Hikes

• Things to Do at Needles Canyonlands
• Canyonlands Needles Hikes

Canyonlands Photography

• Canyonlands National Park Photography at Island in the Sky
• Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
• Canyonlands Sunrise photo spots at Island in the Sky
• Canyonlands Sunset photo spots at Island in the Sky
• Canyonlands National Park Photos
• Arches and Canyonlands Photography Guide

We recommend the Canyonlands GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands

There are no lodging facilities in the park, but there are campgrounds. Most people stay in nearby Moab, Utah.

• Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
• Canyonlands National Park Lodging
• Canyonlands National Park Camping
• Canyonlands Winter Camping
• Island in the Sky Campgrounds
• Needles Canyonlands Camping
• Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park
• RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park
• Glamping near Canyonlands National Park
• Cabins near Canyonlands National Park

Moab Hotels Near Canyonlands

•  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).

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Packing List for Canyonlands National Park

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!