Moab, Utah · San Juan County
Canyonlands is a wilderness of canyons, buttes, and spires carved by the Colorado River and Green River. The park is divided into four distinct districts; no roads join them together. The districts share similar desert ecosystems, but each one provides unique opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Canyonlands is a wilderness of canyons, buttes, and spires carved by the Colorado River and Green River. The park is divided into four distinct districts; no roads join them together. The districts share similar desert ecosystems, but each one provides unique opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Canyonlands National Park is cut into three land districts by the Green and Colorado rivers. Island in the Sky, in the north of the park, is about 40 minutes from Moab, UT via UT 313. The Needles district is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands, about 90 minutes from Moab or an hour from Monticello, UT via UT 211. The Maze district, in the west of the park, is the most remote and challenging; its ranger station is down 46 miles of dirt road from UT 24. All roads in The Maze require high-clearance 4WD.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Heading to Canyonlands National Park? A few things to know before you go:
Photo: Sergei AkulichUtah's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykSteep is hard. These are the ten Utah trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Sergei AkulichTen gentle, well-marked Utah trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Tobias MrzykUtah's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoFederal parks and recreation areas in Utah ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleUtah's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.