Canyonlands National Park: planning guide
Wide canyon country where the Green and Colorado rivers meet. Big overlooks, rough roads, and sparse water.
Canyonlands National Park is in UT, United States. The nearest town is Moab — roughly 33 mi (53.1 km) out, about 1 hr 9 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then October through November. Shoulder season: February and early December.
Summer highs regularly clear 100 °F / 38 °C. Winter is pleasant by day but nights drop below freezing at elevation.
Summer heat is the real hazard, not the crowds. Hike at dawn, skip exposed trails after mid-morning, and never rely on finding water.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Moab | 33 mi (53.1 km) | 1 hr 9 min |
| Monticello | 39.2 mi (63.1 km) | 1 hr 19 min |
| Blanding | 46.7 mi (75.2 km) | 1 hr 32 min |
| Ferron | 89.6 mi (144 km) | 2 hr 34 min |
| Castle Dale | 91.3 mi (147 km) | 2 hr 37 min |
| Orangeville | 93.3 mi (150 km) | 2 hr 40 min |
| Loa | 93.9 mi (151 km) | 2 hr 40 min |
| Huntington | 95.7 mi (154 km) | 2 hr 43 min |
Before you go
Canyonlands National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Canyonlands National Park Day Use Backcountry Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
| Canyonlands National Park Day Use River Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
| Canyonlands National Park Overnight Backcountry Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
| Canyonlands National Park Overnight River Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canyonlands National Park Needles District | Reservable | — |
| Canyonlands National Park Needles District GROUP Campsites | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canyonlands National Park Day Use Backcountry Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
| Canyonlands National Park Day Use River Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
| Canyonlands National Park Overnight Backcountry Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
| Canyonlands National Park Overnight River Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Canyonlands National Park sits
Official Canyonlands National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park sits close enough to Arches National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Arches National Park | 38.5 mi (61.9 km) | 1 hr 18 min |
| Capitol Reef National Park | 67.3 mi (108 km) | 2 hr 3 min |
| Mesa Verde National Park | 106 mi (170 km) | 2 hr 57 min |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park | 122 mi (197 km) | 3 hr 21 min |
Parks close by
- Arches National Park
Red sandstone fins and natural arches in the Utah desert. Easy to see a lot from short walks near the road.
- Capitol Reef National Park
A long wrinkle of colorful rock (the Waterpocket Fold) in Utah. Orchards, cliffs, and quieter than the famous Utah parks.
- Mesa Verde National Park
Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings on a Colorado mesa. Tours and overlooks explain the sites; stay on designated paths.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A steep, dark canyon cut by the Gunnison River in Colorado. Narrow rim views; the walls drop away fast.
Common questions
Where is Canyonlands National Park?
Canyonlands National Park sits in UT, United States. Moab, about 33 mi (53.1 km) away — roughly 1 hr 9 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park?
Generally March through May, then October through November, with February and early December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Canyonlands National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 2 campgrounds at Canyonlands National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.