Canyonlands National Park

Before you go

• The districts are Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze. Driving between them takes two to six hours, so most visitors choose one or two.
• Bring everything you need. The park describes itself as remote with few services. Timed entry reservations are not required.
• Backcountry roads require a high-clearance, low-range 4WD vehicle. ATVs and OHVs are not allowed. A motorhome is not suited to them.

Planning

The Green and Colorado rivers divide the park into Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze, and no road connects them inside the park. Plan one base per district. The park is open 24 hours a day all year, though some facilities close seasonally in winter. Weather changes quickly and varies a lot. A park entrance fee applies, but timed entry reservations are not required.

Camping

All backcountry camping requires a permit, which can be reserved on Recreation.gov up to four months ahead. Rules include no wood fires, packing out all waste including toilet paper, and secure food storage. Camping is not allowed within 300 feet (about 90 m) of archaeological or historic sites or water sources. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. For the developed campgrounds in the districts, check the park's camping page.

Getting around

Driving from one district to another takes two to six hours. Backcountry roads are for high-clearance, low-range four-wheel-drive vehicles, with speeds under 7 mph (about 11 km/h) expected. Motorhomes and large trailers should stay on paved park roads. Fill up fuel and water outside the park, since the park lists few services.

FAQs