So, you’re planning to get out and explore the majesty of mother nature. Well, Utah is a great place to start. The state has tons of amazing places to see including the most popular attractions like Zion National Park. But you should definitely consider Canyonlands National Park.
With over 330,000 acres of beautiful landscape to discover, Canyonlands is a magnificent place with jaw dropping views around every bend. But with so much to do in Canyonlands planning a trip can be overwhelming. This article is designed to help folks plan for an awesome outdoor adventure without the stress.
And it’s easy to combine a trip to Canyonlands with your Arches National Park itinerary along with Dead Horse Point State Park. All three parks are near the magnificent town of Moab Utah!
Here is our list of 12 best things to do in Canyonlands National Park.
12 Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
Island in the Sky Overlook
Island in the Sky is the most popular of all the districts in Canyonlands, and it’s no wonder why.
From the moment you enter the park at Island in the Sky you see it– the most magnificent view.
That’s right, as soon as you enter Canyonlands, you’ll park your car at the visitor center, and you’ll be met with the most gorgeous view.
You could call it quits and head home right after taking your Insta-ready selfie, but don’t. Island in the Sky has tons of overlooks that you just have to see.
Horseshoe Canyon
If you’re interested in seeing some of the best rock art in North America, then definitely add Horseshoe Canyon to your itinerary.
The hike will take you down to The Great Gallery which has some of the best-preserved, life-size paintings.
This hike is off the beaten path for sure, the trip begins with a 30 minute drive on a dirt and gravel road.
Once you arrive, the hiking starts with a steep 800 ft climb down into the canyon at the start (remember you’ll have to climb up at the end). Then the trail is relatively flat but sandy.
The National Park Service cautions that Horseshoe Canyon hike can get dangerously hot in summer – June through August. Therefore, it’s best to start the hike early in the morning so you can complete it before noon. But the best time of year to hike it is in spring and fall season.
Grand View Point Overlook
As you can probably guess from its name, Grand View Point Overlook has one of the most impressive vistas in all of Canyonlands.
As a hike, the Grand View Point Trail is on the easier side. It’s an out-and-back trail so the two-mile hike will bring you from the car park to the overlook and back again.
In total, it takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
You won’t be disappointed with Grand View Overlook as it’s super convenient with the reward of incredible views throughout the hike and especially when you reach the overlook.
Upheaval Dome
Upheaval Dome is a popular attraction at Canyonlands.
Even though it’s a short hike (only one mile), it’s strenuous because of the incline – much of the hike is pretty steep. But once you’ve made it, you’ll be rewarded with the view.
At the first viewpoint you’ll see a huge crater with pale peaks that contrast the red earth surrounding it. The crater is said to have been created by an ancient meteorite.
Continuing on, the second viewpoint gives a magnificent panoramic view of the park – no wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park.
Mesa Arch
Sunrise is the best time to see the Mesa Arch.
It’s absolutely incredible as the sun climbs above the horizon. As it’s only a short 30-minute hike to get there, you’ll be super happy you decided to come so early.
It’s a pretty popular spot, so you’ll likely be joined by others wanting to snap a shot of this beautiful mother nature moment.
If you can’t get to Mesa Arch first thing in the morning, don’t worry. This cliff-edge arch and the La Sal Mountains in the distance are stunning any time of day.
White Rim Overlook Trail
Hiking the White Rim Overlook is a good decision in so many ways.
As it’s a relatively easy hike and doesn’t take too long to complete – you can get it done in just about an hour.
A major plus is that the White Rim Overlook is not as popular as some of the other trails in Canyonlands like Grand View Point.
Instead, you can really enjoy mother nature without being shoulder to shoulder with other visitors.
The White Rim Overlook is incredible in the late afternoon. As it’s east facing, the sun shines on the canyon making it just gorgeous.
Shafer Trail
Ready for an adventure? Then definitely head to the Shafer Trail.
This drivable trail has the most amazing views and some of the craziest hairpin turns on a road you’ll ever see.
Designed originally for cattle and mining vehicles, it’ll get you up and down the canyon, but no shoulder and hairpin turns will definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
If you’d like to leave the driving up to a professional, consider joining a 4X4 tour. You can also check out the scene from the safe spot of the Shafer Trail Viewpoint.
Aztec Butte Trail
Aztec Butte Trail is a more moderate trail in Canyonlands.
Some sections include sandy trails and scrambling up to slick rocks and ledges. Even though the terrain on the tough side, you will definitely be rewarded.
The trail splits after a bit. Heading east you’ll climb up the Aztec Butte for gorgeous views.
If you go west at the fork, you’ll hike up a smaller butte and then down the rim where there are ancient Puebloan structures. Although you can’t enter or touch the historic site, it’s definitely cool to check out.
The Needles
Many people head straight for the Island in the Sky district. Yes, Island in the Sky is awesome. But where else can you go instead? Go to The Needles.
The Needles are just spectacular. The tall towers of striped rock set against the beautiful landscape is an incredible site.
Hikes in the district will bring you around the Needles giving you a perspective you’ll never forget.
Another awesome aspect of the Needles? The lack of crowds.
That’s right, you’ll leave them all behind in the more popular places like Island in the Sky. You’ll be happy you did.
Cave Spring Trail
The Cave Spring Trail is a great short hike with an awesome reward.
The trail is on the shorter side for Canyonlands, but it’s marked as an easy/moderate trail. Specifically, you’ll have to climb two ladders to do it all.
So, what’s so special about Cave Spring Trail? It brings you to a historic cowboy campsite and some pictographs – How cool is that?
Confluence Overlook Trail
The Confluence Overlook Trail is a long 10-mile hike through mostly flat, dry land. There are areas of scrambling and serious climbing giving it the strenuous label.
The trail ends at a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers – the place where the two rivers merge into one.
The view of the rivers coming into one is something you’ll never forget. The vistas of the landscape along the trail are just magnificent.
So, if you think you’re up for it, you should definitely do the Confluence Overlook Trail. Just remember to be prepared with all the essentials for hiking and it’s best to do this hike with a buddy rather than solo.
Chesler Park Loop Trail
Chesler Park Loop Trail has gorgeous views of the Needles, that’s why it just had to be on the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park list.
It is a moderate hike with scrambling, stairs, and climbing up rocky ridges. The trail starts at Elephant Hill Trailhead in Soda Spring.
Once you reach the Chesler Point Viewpoint you’ll be happy you made the trek. The view is breathtaking.
If you want to head back at this point (like many people do) the full hike is only 6 miles. But if you want to venture on, the Joint Trail will take you through Chesler Park, which is worth the extended hike – for 10.4 miles total distance.
Final Thoughts on Canyonlands National Park
It’s true, isn’t it? Canyonlands is absolutely incredible. With these 12 things to do in Canyonlands National Park you will not be disappointed. There’s so much to see and do that you should definitely make it a destination on your itinerary for your next trip to Utah.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands
The best time of year to visit Canyonlands is spring (April and May) or fall (September and October) when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Summer temps can get to above 100 degrees F, and in winter expect snow and icy conditions with fewer visitor services open in winter. As always, when you visit national parks in the US it’s best to check the official National Park website for current conditions and updated alerts beforehand.
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