Visiting Canyonlands National Park in November
Canyonlands has become a popular Utah National Park for outdoor enthusiasts. Canyonlands National Park in November is a great time to go to enjoy the outdoors because the weather is pretty much perfect!
Use this Canyonlands National Park guide that includes everything you need to know to plan your November vacation.
We share things to do, what to pack. and where to stay during your trip to Canyonlands in November.
Check out these done-for-you 1, 2, and 3-day Canyonlands Itineraries to help you plan your vacation:
- 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
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
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 in November
The weather at Canyonlands in November is a great time to explore at Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky or Needles Canyonlands because it’s not too hot or too cold.
But the Utah National Parks in the fall will be crowded, especially the Canyonlands, Arches and Moab area in general. In November you may still find lines to get into the park, especially on the weekends. The points of interest and hiking trails at Canyonlands may be busy.
Canyonlands Weather in November
The weather at Canyonlands National Park in November begins to really cool down. You’ll find cold mornings and evenings, and daytime temperatures are a bit cool.
The average highs are around 56 degrees with the lows around 30 in November. And if a rain storm rolls in the weather can be unpredictable. We recommend you have a fleece jacket, winter hat and gloves when visiting in November.
Check the NPS website for current conditions.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Canyonlands?
November may not be best time to visit Canyonlands National Park for everyone. The weather is pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, but just about perfect during the day.
You’ll enjoy a FREE National Park entrance day on Veterans Day in November!
Things to Do at Canyonlands in November
Here’s a list of things to do at Canyonlands National Park: hiking trails, scenic drives, stunning viewpoints and photo spots!
Canyonlands Visitor Center in November
The Canyonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center and Needles Visitor Center should be your first stop! Check the NPS website for operating hours in November.
Take time to talk to the park ranger to get information about things you are interested in seeing and doing. Get tips and ideas on other things to do as well!
You’ll find exhibits, book and map sales, backcountry permits, picnic area, and general information. Water is available year-round.
Canyonlands Scenic Drives in November
Due to the elevation at Island in the Sky atop a mesa, the views along the Island in the Sky scenic drive are spectacular!! We recommend you visit all 10 viewpoints.
Be sure to stop at all the pullouts along the main road through Needles Canyonlands to enjoy the diverse beauty of the stone spires in this part of the park.
Canyonlands Hiking in November
Exploring the Canyonlands hikes in November is awesome because the sun is out and it’s not overly hot. Even though the temperatures are cool, it’s still important to carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack.
Most of the Island in the Sky hikes and Canyonlands Needles hikes are fully exposed to the sun, which is perfect for your visit in November since you aren’t really worrying about finding shade!
Some of our favorite hikes include Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Aztec Butte and Upheaval Dome at Island in the Sky and Roadside Ruin, Pothole Point and Cave Spring at Needles.
- What to Bring on a Day Hike
- Hiking Gear and Tips for Kids
- Winter Clothing for Hiking
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Best Cameras for Hiking
Photography at Canyonlands in November
It’s no surprise that sunrise and sunset are the best times for Canyonlands National Park photography. Island in the Sky is where we focus most of our photography time. Good sunrise spots are Grand View Point and Mesa Arch and for sunset we like the Colorado River Overlook.
Mesa Arch at sunrise is the most popular photo spot in Canyonlands. Keep in mind that in November, you won’t have this location to yourself so be patient.
PHOTO TIP: The glow on the bottom side of Mesa Arch lasts a long time. We like to wait for all the sunrise photographers to get their shots and leave, then we usually have the place to ourselves!
CHECK OUT our Arches & Canyonlands Photography Guide and 3-day itinerary to capture amazing images at both parks, no matter what type of camera you use!
Stargazing at Canyonlands in November
Canyonlands National Park is an International Dark Sky Park so it’s one of the best places for stargazing! The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” encourages visiting at night to simply Look up! On a clear night, the sky is literally filled with stars.
Canyonlands 4×4 Trails in November
November is one of the best times to enjoy off-roading at Canyonlands. If you want to experience a thrill of a lifetime, drive the Shafer Trail! It’s a challenging, unpaved backcountry road in Island in the Sky that connects with Moab.
And check out the 4×4 trails at Needles Canyonlands too. Some of them require a permit so check in advance for the trail you want to drive.
High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required on all off-road trails in Canyonlands. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.
These trails should not be attempted by inexperienced drivers since there is a high risk of vehicle damage that could lead to towing costs in excess of $1,000!
More Canyonlands Activities
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps:
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).
Things To Do Near Canyonlands
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Arches National Park Travel Guide
- Things To Do in Moab
- TOURS Near Canyonlands
