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National Park

Canyonlands National Park

CautionJun 30, 2026

Wildfire Smoke Impacts

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Park ClosureJun 30, 2026

Temporary Closure of The Needles District

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CautionJun 26, 2026

No Wood or Charcoal Fires Allowed - Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect

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a broad stone arch with rock pinnacles in the distance

Mesa Arch, at Island in the Sky, is a great spot for photographers.

Photo: NPS/Neal Herbert

About

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.

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingClimbingRock ClimbingGuided ToursBoat TourHikingHorse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Whitewater Rafting
Junior Ranger Program
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

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.

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Weather

Canyonlands is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.

News

Canyonlands National Park Temporarily Closes Needles District Due to Babylon Fire
Jun 28, 2026

Canyonlands National Park Temporarily Closes Needles District Due to Babylon Fire

Effective immediately, Canyonlands National Park has temporarily closed The Needles district until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, UT. The Babylon Fire is located within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning within Canyonlands National Park. 

Fire Restrictions Increase in Southeast Utah Group Parks
Jun 23, 2026

Fire Restrictions Increase in Southeast Utah Group Parks

Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. On Friday June 26, 2026, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.

Canyonlands National Park to Resume Grand View Point Parking Lot Enhancement Project to Improve Vehicle and Visitor Safety
May 22, 2026

Canyonlands National Park to Resume Grand View Point Parking Lot Enhancement Project to Improve Vehicle and Visitor Safety

From July 27 through October 1, 2026, the Grand View Point area of Canyonlands National Park will be closed from 6 a.m. Mondays to 4 p.m. Thursdays to complete Phase Three of a multi-year project to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00