Canyonlands National Park, UT Travel Guide
Canyonlands National Park, UT Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Canyonlands National Park?
The Island in the Sky district, just outside Moab, Utah, sits on a mesa 1,000 feet above the surrounding canyon country, with views stretching fifty miles in every direction.
From ancient petroglyphs to a road carved straight down a cliff face, this district packs some of Utah's most dramatic scenery into one manageable drive.
Top Things to Do
1. Drive Island in the Sky's main road—A scenic route connecting nearly every major overlook in this district of Canyonlands.
2. Watch sunrise at Mesa Arch—One of the most photographed spots in the entire National Park System.
3. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park—See the mesa where legend says cowboys once trapped wild mustangs.
4. Drive the Shafer Trail switchbacks—2,000 feet of hairpin turns down the mesa face on a route built as a cattle trail in 1917.
5. Hike to Upheaval Dome—A mysterious 3-mile-wide crater formed by a meteorite impact 60 million years ago.
6. See Grand View Point—Roughly 100 miles of canyon country visible in every direction.
7. Visit Moab Giants—A dinosaur museum and outdoor exhibit near the park entrance.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour covering 23 stops. Most visitors spend 4 to 6 hours exploring the full route with stops.
Free Things to Do
1. Grand View Point—A free overlook at the southernmost tip of Island in the Sky.
2. Mesa Arch—Free to visit, with an easy half-mile round-trip walk.
3. Candlestick Tower Overlook—A free roadside overlook.
4. Island in the Sky Visitor Center—Free exhibits on the park's geology and history.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Canyonlands National Park Entrance—Standard National Park Service entrance fee applies.
2. Dead Horse Point State Park—About $10 per vehicle, separate from the national park fee.
3. Moab Giants—About $25 for adults.
Food!
Milt's Stop & Eat
Moab's oldest diner, serving burgers and shakes since the 1950s.
Jailhouse Cafe
A beloved breakfast and brunch spot in a building that once served as the county courthouse.
Moab Brewery
A local microbrewery and restaurant with pub food and house-brewed beer.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Under Canvas Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge—luxury glamping and riverside lodging just outside Moab. Roughly $250–$450/night.
Moderate
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab—one of the closest hotels to the park entrance. Roughly $180–$280/night.
Budget
Aarchway Inn, Comfort Suites Moab—a short drive from the park entrance. Roughly $110–$180/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take the Island in the Sky Driving Tour, starting near Moab Giants.
Afternoon: Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park, the Shafer Trail overlook, and Mesa Arch.
Evening: Finish at Grand View Point, then head back into Moab for dinner.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Add a second day for the hike to Upheaval Dome, more time in Moab, or a visit to nearby Arches National Park.
FAQ's
1. What is Canyonlands National Park best known for?
Canyonlands is best known for its dramatic mesa-top views, deep river canyons, and the Island in the Sky district's sweeping overlooks.
2. Is there a park entrance fee?
Yes, a standard National Park Service entrance fee applies, and Dead Horse Point State Park charges a separate fee.
3. Is Canyonlands good for a day trip from Moab?
Yes, Island in the Sky is just a short drive from downtown Moab, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip.
4. Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No for the main Island in the Sky road, which is fully paved. Some side roads require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
5. Is Canyonlands family-friendly?
Yes, most viewpoints are easy walks from parking areas, with optional longer hikes for more adventurous visitors.
6. What's the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer the mildest temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, especially on exposed trails.
7. How does Island in the Sky compare to the Needles district?
Island in the Sky is more about drive-up overlooks and sweeping views, while the Needles district focuses more on backcountry hiking.
8. How much time should I plan for Island in the Sky?
A half to full day covers the main overlooks; two days lets you add hikes like Upheaval Dome.
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