Canyonlands National Park
Spectacular views and outdoor adventure is what you’ll find when visiting Canyonlands National Park!
Canyonlands offers a colorful landscape of canyons, mesas, buttes and needles.
You can enjoy fun activities like hiking, biking, photography, exploring ancient ruins and stargazing!
And the vast landscape views are popular with photographers! We’ve shared our favorite viewpoints and photo spots below.
Use our Canyonlands National Park guide, packing checklists, tips and resources to plan your getaway!
It’s also helpful to know the best time to visit Canyonlands!
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WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO CANYONLANDS
DOWNLOAD: Canyonlands Packing List for spring, summer, fall and winter.
- The America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes
- Darn Tough socks
- Camelbak hydration packs or carry Hydroflask bottles in our packs.
- Healthy snacks
- Lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion
- Summer: wear light colored, loose fitting clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a wide brimmed hat and by generously applying sunscreen.
- Winter: wear the right winter clothing
- Spring and fall: it’s all about layers! The mornings and evenings will be cool so have a fleece jacket handy!
- Buff headbands
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First aid kit
- DOWNLOAD our Camera Gear Checklist!
But above all else, always make sure to carry enough food, water, and other essentials since Canyonlands is a remote park with few services and reliable sources of freshwater.
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).
- Rent an RV – have it dropped off at your vacation destination!
