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Canyonlands is one of my favorite national parks because of its views, off-roading, and relatively few crowds. I highly recommend visiting Canyonlands as part of a Utah “Mighty Five” road trip. So here are some of my favorite photos of Canyonlands National Park to inspire your travel plans!
The Ultimate Canyonlands National Park Guide
There are many incredible hotels, vacation homes, and glamping sites near Canyonlands for every budget and preference. If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, opt for the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, which is also conveniently located for visiting Arches National Park.
My top recommendations for Canyonlands are to explore the Island In The Sky district, pull off at both of the Shafer Canyon Overlooks, hike to Mesa Arch, walk to the Grand View Point Overlook, and go on a guided 4×4 tour of the backcountry.
Here are my best photos of Canyonlands National Park to inspire your next trip!
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Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Park Guides
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Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
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Photos of Canyonlands National Park To Inspire Your Trip
Recommended Tours in Canyonlands
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do in one day at Canyonlands National Park?
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.
Can you do Canyonlands in one day?
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.
How much time do you need in Canyonlands National Park?
1-2 days.
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.
Can you visit Canyonlands and Arches in one day?
You need at least one day in Canyonlands National Park and two days in Arches National Park.
Can you do Canyonlands in half a day?
Yes!
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.
Can you just drive through Canyonlands?
Yes. If you’re not up for a hike, you can just drive the scenic drive starting at the visitor center and stop at viewpoints along the way.
Is Capitol Reef or Canyonlands better?
Canyonlands and Capitol Reef are both incredible destinations, and they will give you very different scenery and experiences. I highly recommend visiting both of these national parks!
How long does it take to drive through Canyonlands National Park?
The Island In The Sky scenic drive takes about half a day, depending on how often you stop and how many hikes you want to do. If you want to drive on the backcountry roads, plan on this taking a full day.
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This post of photos of Canyonlands National Park is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post of photos of 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 post of photos of Canyonlands National Park.
