1-2 Days.

If you’re only visiting Capitol Reef for a day or half a day, arrive as early as possible.

Half-Day Itinerary: explore the Island In The Sky district. After you enter the park and stop at the visitor center, pull off at both of the Shafer Canyon Overlooks. Then head to the Mesa Arch trailhead and do this easy, 0.6-mile round trip, 30-minute hike.

Next, continue on the park’s scenic drive towards Upheaval Dome. Drive to the end and turn around, stop at any pullouts that you can, and make the short drive to the Green River Overlook.

Then drive towards Grand View Point Overlook at the other end of the park. Stop at any pull-offs on your way to the end of the scenic drive. Park at the Grand View Point Overlook trailhead, and hike this trail out and back as far as time allows.

Full-Day Itinerary: hire a 4×4 vehicle and driver for a backroads tour of Canyonlands. This guided tour will include the Island In The Sky half-day itinerary as well as half a day exploring the backcountry where few visitors venture in Canyonlands.

If you have a second day in Canyonlands: do a guided flatwater trip down either the Colorado or Green River.

Canyonlands has many hotel, Airbnb, and glamping options in the nearby town of Moab, but not inside the park.

For camping, I highly recommend staying at the Island In The Sky campground inside the park. This campground is open year-round with toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. These sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early.

If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome and want a full hook-up, opt for the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, which is conveniently located for visiting Arches National Park as well.

Yes! Canyonlands is often overshadowed by Arches National Park, but it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Know Before You Go:

Canyonlands is open year-round, but some trails, facilities, and roads close because of ice in the winter.

Canyonlands has four districts, separated by the Green and Colorado rivers. Island In The Sky is closest to Moab, and it’s the most-visited district. The Needles is a farther drive, so it’s great for a day trip or backcountry hiking and backpacking. The Maze is the most remote and rugged district, requiring a 4×4, high-clearance vehicle. The fourth district is the two rivers which are perfect for float trips.

I highly recommend having a walking stick on every trail. Canyonlands’ trails can be steep, on cliff edges, and slippery with wet rocks, ice, or loose rocks.

There is no food in the park, so you’ll want to pack out your lunch and have snacks with you.

Cairns (small rock piles) mark routes, so don’t build your own because they could mislead other hikers.

Mesa Arch is VERY popular at sunrise because of its “catching fire” effect when the arch’s underside turns bright orange. So you need to get here early if you want to stake out a prime photography spot.

There is limited cell service inside the park, so download or screenshot maps and trail guides before you arrive. There is WiFi at the Island in the Sky and The Needles visitor centers.

Pets are only allowed on paved roads and in campgrounds, and they must be on a leash no more than six feet long.

Canyonlands is at a high altitude (around 7000 feet), so it’s easy to get “winded.” Take lots of breaks, sit down when you can, and always have plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks.

There is no gas inside the park, so make sure you have a full tank before getting to the park entrance.

In the winter, shoe traction devices are recommended on trails.

You need a permit for all overnight trips in the backcountry. You also need a day-use permit for a four-wheel-drive, motorcycle, mountain bike, or e-bike trip for the Lavender Canyon, Horse Canyon/Peekaboo, White Rim, and Elephant Hill roads.

No. Canyonlands does not have a reservation or timed entry system for visiting the park.