Visiting Canyonlands National Park in September
We’ve put together a travel guide with everything you need to know to visit Canyonlands National Park in September. Canyonlands is located in southeast Utah with a stunning landscape of canyons, mesas, buttes, and rivers.
Canyonlands National Park in the fall is a popular season so expect crowds! There will be more people on the trails, busy campsites, and crowded scenic viewpoints with photographers.
Use this Canyonlands National Park guide to plan your September vacation: things to do, what to pack, where to stay, and more! Living only a few hours away from Canyonlands, we’ve had the opportunity to visit many times during every season. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting Canyonlands National Park throughout the years, and specifically for the month of September.
Canyonlands National Park is a vast expanse of red rock canyons, mesas and buttes that will take your breath away. September is one of the best months to visit Canyonlands National Park to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and more!
Our number on tip: be prepared for the weather and temperatures 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 in September! 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 National Park in September
All five Utah National Parks are crowded during the fall months. Canyonlands, Arches and the Moab area in general are popular destinations. We recommend getting into Canyonlands early to avoid the line of cars at the gate.
Canyonlands is subdivided, along the Green and Colorado Rivers, into four unique districts: Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, Needles Canyonlands, The Maze, and The Rivers.
Of all the districts in Canyonlands National Park, we recommend visiting Island in the Sky because it’s the most accessible and offers fantastic, panoramic views of the park along the scenic drive.
Take a short side trip to visit Dead Horse Point State Park near the entrance to Island in the Sky. It is a must-see location!
In contrast, when you visit The Needles Canyonlands, you’ll experience a remote, backcountry experience with an assortment of natural geologic formations that can only be reached by using one of the many Canyonlands hiking trails or four-wheel driving trails.
Canyonlands Weather in September
The Canyonlands National Park weather in September isn’t as hot as the summer months. The average highs are 88 and the lows are 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The morning temperatures are just right for hiking, biking and exploring the park!
Sun protection and hydration are crucial in September:
If you’re not used to Utah’s dry air, you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
Is September a Good Time to Visit Canyonlands?
When deciding the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park, it all depends on the type of activities you’ll do. September is a good time for outdoor activities if you avoid the hottest part of the day. It’s a good time for milky way photography!
You can beat the crowds into the park by going in the morning, or even later in the afternoon.
The times are sunrise and sunset provide the best light for taking Canyonlands National Park photos anyway!! It’s a win/win to avoid the crowds and get stunning pictures!
Things to Do at Canyonlands in September
Here’s a list of Canyonlands National Park fall activities, with tips for visiting in September!
There are fun ways to get everyone excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:
- Canyonlands National Park Facts
- National Park Activity Pack (FREE PRINTABLE)
- National Park Activity Books for Kids
Canyonlands Ranger-Led Programs in September
Definitely stop at the visitor centers in both districts:
They are open every day in the September. Talk to the park ranger about things you are interested in seeing and doing, and get tips and ideas from them as well.
You’ll find exhibits, book and map sales, backcountry permits, picnic area, and general information. Water is available here year-round.
There are fun and interactive Canyonlands ranger-led programs where you’ll learn about the natural and cultural resources at the park. Join a ranger for a talk, hike, or evening program. Check the website for the most updated schedule of events.
If you’re visiting Canyonlands National Park with kids, be sure to grab the Junior Ranger booklet so they can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!
Canyonlands Scenic Drives in September
The Island in the Sky scenic drive is a nice activity in September to enjoy the AC in your vehicle as you stop at the various overlooks. There are 10 viewpoints from atop the mesa to see and photograph the canyons and landscape at this park!
Remember it will take 1.5 hours from Moab to reach Needles Canyonlands. The views there are quite a bit different from Island in the Sky. Stop at all pullouts to enjoy the diverse beauty at the various points of interest.
Check out these two scenic drives to see different views of Island in the Sky and Needles!
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.
Hiking at Canyonlands in September
Exploring the Canyonlands National Park fall hikes is a great way to appreciate this park. You’ll find hundreds of miles of easy, moderate and strenuous trails to choose from.
In September it’s important to stay hydrated and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack. Remember the trails are fully exposed to the sun so use sun protection like a sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Island in the Sky hikes we recommend: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Aztec Butte and Upheaval Dome.
- Canyonlands Needles hikes we like: Roadside Ruin, Pothole Point and Cave Spring.
Check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions. Canyonlands backcountry permits are required for hiking these trails.
Photography in September at Canyonlands
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for Canyonlands National Park photography. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.
We do most of our sunrise and sunset photography at Island in the Sky. To photograph Canyonlands sunrise at Island in the Sky we like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch.
And for Canyonlands sunset photo spots at Island in the Sky we like the Colorado River Overlook as well as nearby Dead Horse Point State Park.
If you’re serious about photography, check out our Arches & Canyonlands Photography Guide and Itinerary. We share the best photography spots at each park for sunrise, sunset and even night time…and give you our favorite 3 day itinerary!
Stargazing at Canyonlands in September
Canyonlands has the slogan: “Half the Park is After Dark”. Take the time spend one evening after the sun sets and LOOK UP!
In September you can see the milky way from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Canyonlands is a popular destination for astrophotographers because it’s internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing due to the remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.
Canyonlands is a popular destination for astrophotographers so you won’t be alone in the park at night. Be sure to use a headlamp with a red light so you don’t disturb other photographers in the area.
Drive 4×4 Trails in September at Canyonlands
September is a great time to explore the 4×4 trails at Canyonlands. We LOVE driving the Shafer Trail! It’s a challenging, unpaved backcountry road in Island in the Sky that connects with Moab. It’s got steep drop-offs so it might not be good for those with a fear of heights!
There are also a few 4×4 trails at Needles Canyonlands, but check to see if you’ll need a permit for the trail you want to drive.
At Canyonlands, high-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required on all off-road trails – no ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are allowed inside the park.
You can rent Jeeps in Moab, but these trails should not be attempted by inexperienced drivers. There is a high risk of vehicle damage on many trails in Canyonlands that could lead to towing costs in excess of $1,000!
You might consider taking a guided 4×4 tour instead:
Canyonlands Tours in September
One of the best ways to get to know the park is booking a Canyonlands National Park tour! Whether you’re looking for a half-day or full-day excursion, there are plenty of Canyonlands tours available to fit your needs: guided hikes, canyoneering, photography, and river rafting!
- All-Day Hiking Tour at Canyonlands National Park
- 3-Day Backpacking Tour in Canyonlands National Park
- Sunrise Photography: Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point
- Mountain Bike Tour in Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands Cataract Canyon Rafting Tour
Biking in September at Canyonlands
You can ride on any public roadway at The Needles and Island in the Sky. You must ride single file. There are no road shoulders or bike lanes.
You’ll find hundreds of miles of roads for mountain biking for day trips and overnight trips:
- Overnight Trips: must have a Canyonlands overnight backcountry permit. Reservations for White Rim campsites are very competitive so plan to make a reservation up to four months in advance.
- Day Trips: must have a Canyonlands day-use permit for White Rim, Elephant Hill, Lavender Canyon, and Peekaboo/Horse Canyon roads.
If you’ll be riding on 4WD roads, there are no shoulders or bike lanes so be aware of passing vehicles.
Canyonlands River Rafting in September
The Colorado and Green Rivers can be explored with canoes, kayaks, rafts, and shallow-water boats. In September the water level is pretty low so you probably won’t find many sections for whitewater river rafting near Canyonlands!
Canyonlands river permit: required for all private river trips through the park. You may reserve overnight permits up to four months before the following seasons and reservations close two days prior to a launch date. Day use permits are available year round.
Guided Canyonlands river rafting trips: local outfitters in Moab offer half-day to week-long guided trips with several nights of camping.
Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour: another fun way to enjoy the Colorado River!
Canyonlands Camping in September
September is a great time for Canyonlands National Park camping:
- Island in the Sky Campground is a small campground with 12 sites. It is fully operational all-year-round, but the sites fill quickly.
- Needles Canyonlands camping you’ll find 26 individual camping sites and three group sites around the Needles district.
Canyonlands Lodging in September
If you’re not a fan of camping, or you can’t get a camp site in the park, there are more lodging options near Canyonlands:
- Hotels near Canyonlands National Park
- RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park
- Glamping near Canyonlands National Park
- Cabins near Canyonlands National Park
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps
Things To Do Near Canyonlands in September
- Things To Do Near Canyonlands National Park
- Arches National Park in September
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Moab in September
- Visiting Hovenweep National Monument
- Visiting Natural Bridges National Monument
- Visiting Bears Ears National Monument
Canyonlands Itineraries
We’ve created some done-for-you itineraries for visiting Canyonlands depending on the time you have to spend at the park. Click the graphic below to get a free travel bundle that includes printable daily itineraries. Or click the links below to see detailed itineraries of the best things to do at Canyonlands!
- 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
Click the graphic below to get your free Canyonlands Travel Bundle to help you plan your vacation based on the number of days you have to spend at the park!
