Canyonlands National Park Vacation Ideas to Plan the Perfect Trip
If you’re looking for Canyonlands National Park vacation ideas, this is it!
Use this Canyonlands National Park guide to plan your trip: things to do, what to pack, where to stay, and more!
You’ll find Canyonlands travel guides, hiking guides, photography guides, scenic drive information to help you plan the most amazing vacation!
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Canyonlands National Park Packing List
→ DOWNLOAD: Canyonlands Packing List
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Sun protection – sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- UV sunglasses are good for summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Canyonlands guide books and maps
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear
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 Park Hours and Services
Canyonlands National Park is normally open year-round, 24 hours a day. Each district has its own visitor center with operating hours that change with the seasons. Some facilities close in the winter. Reference these travel guides for planning your trip to Canyonlands.
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center
- Visiting Canyonlands National Park
- Needles Canyonlands
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park
While there isn’t a bad time to explore Canyonlands, some seasons make visiting more enjoyable than others since most of your time will be outdoors. It’s important to know what the Canyonlands National Park weather will be like for the time you plan to visit the park.
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
Canyonlands National Park Vacation Ideas
The Best Things To Do In Canyonlands National Park That Aren’t Hiking
Activities you can do to explore Canyonlands without hiking!
One Day at Canyonlands National Park Itinerary: Spectacular Mesas and Grand Viewpoints
Itinerary for visiting Canyonlands: one day Island in the Sky and one day at Needles!
Camping in Canyonlands is a bit of a challenge since the districts spaced out and front-country camping is only offered in Island of the Sky and the Needles.
Canyonlands Island in the Sky
Canyonlands National Park photo tips, a list of best photo spots and the camera gear you’ll need to take pictures at Canyonlands!
An Expert Guide to Island in the Sky, Canyonlands Things to Do and More
When it comes to visiting Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District, you’ll want to be in the know. Make the most of your time and skip the crowds, with this mega-epic guide.
There are 10 overlooks and viewpoints along the Island in the Sky scenic drive to enjoy the vast and spectacular landscape at this park!
Information about Canyonlands Island in the Sky hikes, including Mesa Arch.
Canyonlands Needles
Here’s a list of fun outdoor activities to do at Needles Canyonlands, plus tips for where to stay and what to pack!
A detailed 4-day guide to backpacking and camping at Needles Canyonlands!
One of the best trails in Canyonlands National Park is the Chesler Park Loop Trail. This stunning 11-mile long loop features, colorful spires, mushroom-like formations, caves, and boulders. The hike is one of a kind that will keep you mesmerized throughout the trail.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR CANYONLANDS
There are no lodging facilities in the park, but there are campgrounds:
Lists of places to stay 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 town – 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).
- Rent an RV – have it dropped off at your vacation destination!
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps:
