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Best trails in Canyonlands National Park

Best trails in Canyonlands National Park

4.7(58,869 reviews)

·

United States
: 
#19 of 60 national parks

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Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah, but one of the least visited out of the Mighty 5 (the others are Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef). Canyonlands is worth visiting because you can see the colorful and varied desert landscapes that make Utah a hiking destination without the crowds. The park showcases canyons and buttes that were carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, and many of the day hikes in our guide offer views of them from above.

Canyonlands has 4 districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers. Island in the Sky is the most popular district because it's easy to access and features must-do gentle hikes and overlooks like Mesa Arch and Grand View Point. The Needles is named for the striped sandstone spires that tower over the district. The Needles district is less crowded than Island in the Sky and features longer, more challenging hikes with scenic views. The Maze is a more remote district best for overnight backpacking trips, while the Rivers district is known for kayaking and canoeing. All of the hikes in this guide are in the Island in the Sky and Needles districts.

Spring and fall are the best seasons to avoid the heat, but Canyonlands is beautiful all year! We recommend taking at least a full day to see the highlights. However, you'll want to stay for longer if you're looking to explore multiple districts, take longer hikes, or add on the scenic drive. Keep in mind that it can take up to a few hours to drive between the different districts in this large park.

Canyonlands charges an entrance fee to visit, which you can pay online in advance or in person at the park.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Mesa Arch Trail

    4.7(11123)
    •Easy
    •0.6 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This route is an easy walk in Canyonlands National Park that takes you to Mesa Arch, a beautiful stone arch perched right on a cliff's edge. It's less than a mile long and leads to a stunning natural frame for an incredible view of the canyons and the La Sal Mountains way out in the distance. Photographers and sunrise-chasers love this spot, so an early start is often recommended by other visitors if you want to beat the crowds. The path is a loop and pretty easy, though it can be a little...

  2. #2 - Grand View Point Trail

    4.8(7594)
    •Easy
    •1.8 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Breathtaking sunset hike on the rim of Islands in the Sky. Accessibility: According to the park website, to the first overlook the trail is paved concrete and wheelchair and stroller friendly. Past that, there are stairs and it turns into traversing rocky cliff edges. The width is typically at least four feet wide on the paved section and the estimated grade there is mostly gentle (all 3% or less).

  3. #3 - Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail

    4.7(4522)
    •Moderate
    •1.3 mi
    The Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail offers views of a spectacular geological formation, a mile-wide crater of mysterious origins, possibly caused by a meteorite that created a big splash of minerals when it hit or a salt dome that originated from within the earth. The rocks along the trail tilt away from the dome as a result of the impact. Upheaval Dome doesn't fit with the rest of the Canyonlands terrain. It's obviously not the result of gradual erosion like the rest of the park, but rather a...

  4. #4 - Aztec Butte Trail

    4.6(3930)
    •Moderate
    •1.6 mi
    The trail follows a sandy wash, then splits. The eastern fork to your right ascends Aztec Butte for spectacular views. The western fork on the left climbs the smaller butte then drops below the rim to two ancestral Puebloan structures. Both trails require scrambling up to slickrock and ledges. Entering, touching, or climbing on archeological sites is strictly prohibited. View structures from a distance to protect fragile walls. Elevation change: 225 feet (68 m)

  5. #5 - White Rim Overlook Trail

    4.8(3354)
    •Easy
    •1.8 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    • Canyonlands National Park charges a fee to enter. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/fees.htm Walk to an east-facing overlook for views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains. Best in late afternoon. Very limited trailhead parking.

  6. #6 - Chesler Park Loop Trail

    4.9(1934)
    •Hard
    •10.2 mi
    Beginning from Elephant Hill trailhead this loop hike follows indistinct trails over slickrock sandstone formations and through slot canyons as you experience so much of what makes Canyonlands such a unique and powerful place. Just under 2 miles from the trailhead you’ll reach a trail junction with the Druid Arch trail heading south (left) – stay straight here to continue on Chesler Park trail. As the loop section begins make sure you stop and take in the otherworldly views of the needles...

  7. #7 - Chesler Park Viewpoint

    4.9(1815)
    •Moderate
    •5.4 mi
    • Canyonlands National Park charges a fee to enter. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. Chesler Park Viewpoint can be made much longer by making it into a full loop. There are many other interconnecting trails and you can very easily do just a portion of this trail and turn back sooner. This trail does not take you by Druid Arch.

  8. #8 - Druid Arch Trail

    4.8(1571)
    •Hard
    •9.7 mi
    Travel through Elephant Canyon to see Druid Arch, an iconic formation of Cedar Mesa Sandstone. The trail moves through sandy washes and over sections of slickrock, where you might see pinyon pines, junipers, and prickly pear cacti. Lizards are common, but most desert wildlife is nocturnal. Following the rock cairns is key to staying on track. The final push to the arch is a steep scramble up a boulder field and includes a single ladder. This exposed route has no water, so you must carry your...

  9. #9 - Upheaval Dome First Overlook via Crater View Trail

    4.6(1646)
    •Moderate
    •0.7 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    • Canyonlands National Park charges a fee to enter. You can also purchase a park-specific annual pass. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/fees.htm Upheaval Dome is the most puzzling geological feature in Canyonlands National Park. A 1.7-mile hike visits two overlooks along the rim of this three-mile wide 1,000-foot deep crater. Geologists have two possible theories for what caused Upheaval Dome, which you can learn about along the trail. From the...

  10. #10 - Murphy Point Trail

    4.7(1524)
    •Easy
    •3.4 mi
    •Est. 1–1.5 hr
    This route leads past a historic corral on the mesa top. This route leads to an overlook at the edge of a mesa, where you can see the Green River below and distant landmarks like Candlestick Tower and Junction Butte. This trail is particularly recommended for enjoying the sunrise or sunset, and it's generally less crowded than other viewpoints in the park, such as Mesa Arch
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(435) 719-2313
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.

$25
Purchase pass
Per Person

Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.

$30
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one (1) private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments.

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Island in the Sky and the Needles Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

ASL interpreters are available by reservation for ranger-led programs. Please complete a form on their website at least 7 days in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.

Additional information about accessibility at Canyonlands National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Island in the Sky and the Needles Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

The Hans Flat Ranger Station Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers on a gravel surface and has wheelchair accessible pit toilets. Orientation films include closed captioning upon request.

The Visitor Center Picnic Area and the Needles Picnic Area are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces.

Camping

Island in the Sky Campground has 1 individual wheelchair accessible camping site and a wheelchair accessible pit toilet.

The Needles Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites, and all restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

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Guides

in Canyonlands National Park
Top Picks in Canyonlands National Park
8 trails
in Canyonlands National Park
Hidden Gems in Canyonlands National Park
5 trails
of Canyonlands National Park
Backpacking Trips in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
3 trails
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Canyonlands National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Canyonlands National Park is Mesa Arch Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 11,123 reviews. This trail is 0.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 62 ft.

What is the longest trail in Canyonlands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Canyonlands National Park is Chesler Park and Druid Arch Loop via Salt Flat Campground. This trail is estimated to be 43.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Canyonlands National Park?

There are 78 trails in Canyonlands National Park. These trails have an average 4.7-star rating from 58,869 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Canyonlands National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Canyonlands National Park has you covered. White Rim Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 9,160 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Chesler Park and Druid Arch Loop via Salt Flat Campground, which will get you 6,791 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Canyonlands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 40 camping trails in Canyonlands National Park and the most popular is Chesler Park Loop Trail with an average 4.9 star rating from 1,934 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Canyonlands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 19 running trails in Canyonlands National Park and the most popular is Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,522 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Canyonlands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 biking trails in Canyonlands National Park and the most popular is Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,522 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Canyonlands National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park are Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail, Aztec Butte Trail, Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail, and White Rim Overlook Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Canyonlands National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park are Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail, Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail, Aztec Butte Trail, and White Rim Overlook Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Canyonlands National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park are Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail, Aztec Butte Trail, Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail, and White Rim Overlook Trail.

What are the best spring hikes in Canyonlands National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park are Mesa Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail, Aztec Butte Trail, Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail, and White Rim Overlook Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, there are 18 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Canyonlands National Park, including Aztec Butte Trail, White Rim Overlook Trail, Chesler Park Loop Trail, Chesler Park Viewpoint, and Druid Arch Trail.

Are there any trails with springs in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, there are 11 trails with springs in Canyonlands National Park, including Neck Spring Trail, Cave Spring Trail, Salt Flat Trail to Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail, Salt Creek Canyon Trail, and Alcove Spring Trail.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, there are 8 trails with archaeological sites in Canyonlands National Park, including Aztec Butte Trail, Cave Spring Trail, Horseshoe Canyon Trail, Stone Storehouse Trail, and Salt Creek Canyon Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, there are 34 trails with scenic viewpoints in Canyonlands National Park, including Grand View Point Trail, Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail, White Rim Overlook Trail, Chesler Park Loop Trail, and Chesler Park Viewpoint.

Are there any trails with caves in Canyonlands National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Canyonlands National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with historical ruins in Canyonlands National Park: Fort Bottom Ruin Trail.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in Canyonlands National Park, including White Rim Overlook Trail, Island in the Sky Scenic Drive, and Gooseberry Trail.