Canyonlands National Park

Year Established: 1964
Annual Visitors: 912,000
Size: 257,640 Acres
State: Utah

Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park

March to May, September to November

If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.

Best Experiences in Canyonlands National Park

  • Mesa Arch
  • Grand Viewpoint Overlook
  • Green River Overlook
  • Shafer Point Overlook

A Brief History

In southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park is recognized for its spectacular desert landscape, which was formed by the Colorado River. Here you can see Island in the Sky, a large mesa with a flat top and great views.

Other interesting places include the Needles, which are tall rock pinnacles, the Maze, which is a group of narrow canyons, and Horseshoe Canyon, which has Native American rock paintings. Rapids of water run through Cataract Canyon.

On September 12, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed a bill into law that made the park possible.

The park is split into four different areas: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado rivers, which together carved two big canyons into the Colorado Plateau.

Canyonlands RV Camping

If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Canyonlands National Park or in Utah, consider checking out our other post:

Visitor Information

Fees

Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Weekly Park Passes

$15.00 per person

$30.00 per vehicle

$25.00 per motorcycle

All passes are valid for up to 7 days.

Annual Park Passes

Southeast Utah Parks Pass – $55.00

The pass is good for Arches and Canyonlands national parks, as well as Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments.
It is valid for one year. It also gets in one vehicle or the pass holder and up to three adults.

America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass

You can also get an annual park pass to ALL National Parks in the United States for $80.
Keep in mind they have Senior, Military, and other discounts available!

Contacting Canyonlands National Park

Visitor Centers

Island in the Sky Visitor Center

The Cayonlands Island in the Sky Visitor Center is a simple place for people to go. There are places to use the bathroom and a small gift shop. There are maps, and the park rangers are happy to tell you about good hikes and places to see. When I go to a national park, I always stop at the visitor center. It helps me figure out what I want to do on that trip, and there are many ways to find out what will be a fun thing to do that day. You can also get a stamp for your National Parks Passport there.

Address

Grand View Point Rd,
Moab, UT 84532

Phone Number

(435) 259-4712

Hours of Operation

  • Sunday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Monday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures.

The Needles Visitor Center

There are usually exhibits, book and map sales, backcountry permits, information, a picnic area, and park rangers on duty at the Needles Visitor Center. The 15-minute park orientation movie is not playing right now. The water is always there. When the visitor center is closed in the winter, you must sign up for backcountry permits on your own at the entrance to the visitor center.

Address

UT-211,
Moab, UT 84532

Phone Number

(435) 259-4711

Hours of Operation

  • Sunday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Monday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Be sure to check for seasonal closures. Visitor center is typically closed from December 11 to February 12.