Canyonlands is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks. The other parks are Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Capitol Reef. This park is often overshadowed by Arches National Park, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. So I’ve created the ultimate itinerary for one day in Canyonlands National Park.

Tips for Visiting Popular National Parks

I recommend visiting Canyonlands as part of a “Might Five” road trip. The best place to stay is in or near Moab, Utah, to easily visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands.

Here’s the ultimate itinerary for one day in Canyonlands National Park!

When To Go

Canyonlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. But some facilities are closed or operate on reduced hours in the winter. Each of the park’s districts has its own visitor center with seasonal operating hours.

March to May and September to October are the peak travel seasons when the temperatures are most pleasant. During these months, be prepared for crowds and limited parking at the popular Island In The Sky trailheads and scenic overlooks. You can avoid some of the other visitors by going on weekdays and arriving early in the morning.

Daytime temperatures range from the 60s to 80s, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s to 30s, so you’ll want layers. Accommodations book up fast during the spring and fall months, so make your reservations as far in advance as possible.

The rainy months are July – September, with frequent thunderstorms that bring heavy rain, lightning, and flash flooding. So you’ll need to monitor the weather continuously and don’t start a hike or drive if flash flood warnings are in effect.

Summer is Canyonlands’ shoulder season, when temperatures are hot, usually getting into the 100s during the afternoons. If you visit during these months, you’ll want to start your hikes early in the morning and be back to your vehicle by early afternoon.

Winter is the off-season when you can have the park practically to yourself. Temperatures are cold, with highs averaging 30º to 50ºF and lows ranging from 0º to 20ºF. Snow is rare, but ice can close trails and roads.

What To Do

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.

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.

Where To Stay

Canyonlands has many accommodation options in the nearby town of Moab. So I’ve rounded up the best hotels, vacation homes, and glamping near Canyonlands.

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.

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This itinerary for one day in Canyonlands National Park is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this itinerary for one day in Canyonlands National Park are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this itinerary for one day in Canyonlands National Park.