Canyon Lands National Park -  Utah

There is no lodging available within the Canyonlands National Park, close motel, hotel or condo accommodation near Canyonlands National Park are in Moab and Monticello.  Click here for room availabilities in Moab.

Canyonlands National Park Overview

Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Located in southeast Utah, the park sits in the heart of a vast basin bordered by sheer cliffs of Wingate Sandstone.

The Colorado and Green rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While the districts share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration and the study of natural and cultural history. There are no roads that directly link the districts. Although they may appear close on a map, traveling between them requires two to six hours by car. Most people find it impractical to visit more than one area in a single trip.

ISLAND IN THE SKY
This section of the park sits atop a massive 1500 foot mesa - quite literally an Island in the Sky. 20 miles of paved roads lead to many of the most spectacular views in Canyon Country. From these lofty viewpoints visitors can see nearly 100 miles in any given direction, resulting in panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country. Take a short day-hike or spend a relaxing late afternoon enjoying the sunset. Whether you have a few hours to spend or a few days, the Island in the Sky provides an unforgettable Canyon Country experience.

THE NEEDLES
A ten mile paved scenic drive gives visitors a wonderful taste of what The Needles was named after - beautiful sandstone spires that jut out the ground creating an unforgettable spectacle. For those willing to venture off the paved roads, however, this section offers an amazing diversity of terrain. Arches, canyons, grabens, and beautiful sculpted rock formations await hikers, backpackers and 4WD enthusiasts. The scenic drive can be done in an hour or two, however hikers and 4 wheel drive enthusiasts will need at least a day or two to get a good taste of this section.

THE MAZE
Definitely considered the wildest district in Canyonlands National Park , The Maze ranks as one of the most remote and inaccessible sections in the United States. There is, in The Maze itself, a perplexing jumble of canyons that has been described as a "30 square mile puzzle in sandstone". If you crave solitude and are ready for some serious backcountry travel and hiking, The Maze may be just what you're looking for.

Exploration 
Exploration of Canyonlands National Park is as varied as the multiple districts of the park. Visitors just passing through the area can get a great introduction to the park in just a few hours. Those wanting to experience some of the park's hiking trails can easily spend a full day or more. Multi-day visitors can explore the huge assortment of varied terrain in the park's backcountry.

Destinations in the Canyonlands National Park

1. Island in the Sky

2. White Rim Road

3. Needles

4. Maze

5. Orange Cliffs

6. Horseshoe Canyon

7. Green River

8. Colorado River

9. Cataract Canyon

10. Lake Powell

DOWNLOAD:
Canyonlands Trip-planning map  [530k PDF file]
Full park map shows backcountry roads, trails campsites,
zones and mileages.

Location

Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah, approximately 30 miles southwest of the town of Moab.  There are two paved entrances into Canyonlands: Highway 313 leads to the Island in the Sky District and is 10 miles north of Moab; Highway 211 leads to the Needles District and is 40 miles south of Moab. Roads to the Maze District are a mixture of graded dirt and 4WD roads that may become impassable when wet. 

Park Hours 

The park is open year round. Visitor centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm, with extended hours spring through fall. Visitor centers are closed December 25th and January 1st. Many roads and trails are impassable during winter months.

Park Contact Information:

Canyonlands National Park
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532-3298
Website:  www.nps.gov/cany
Email:  canyinfo@nps.gov

-  General Information: (435) 719-2313
-  Backcountry Trip Planning Information: (435) 259-4351
-  Fax: (435) 719-2300

Above Information obtained from Moab Area Travel Council and National Parks Service.

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River Canyon Lodge
71 West 200 North, Moab, Utah (UT)   84532
Tel: (435) 259-8838  .   Fax: (435) 259-0519  Reservation Toll Free: 1 (866) 486-6738
Email: rivercanyonlodge@yahoo.com    Website: www.rivercanyonlodge.com