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Best trails in Canyonlands National Park

Best trails in Canyonlands National Park

4.7(53,436 reviews)

·

United States
#20 of 60 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Canyonlands National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 79 great trails for hiking, walking, and backpacking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 15 easy hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 0 to 9,160 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Canyonlands National Park.

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Showing results 1–10 of 79
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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.

Trail reviews for Canyonlands National Park

50,477 trailgoers Busiest in May
May 17, 2025Off-road driving
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Great fun trail! Plenty of space to pass. Starts inside Canyonlands National Park from the top down back to Moab. Took 2 hours with photo stops.

Shafer Trail
Jun 7, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Grand Overlook - end of the line at Canyonlands overlooking Confluence of Colorado and Green rivers. Separates Island of the sky from Needles and the Wave parts of park

Grand View Point Trail [CLOSED]
May 28, 2025
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

It was a beautiful scenic drive! I started from Moab, from Potash road and drove in to Canyonlands NP, so the switch backs were at the end for me. I was happy I took this way, as I climbed up the switchbacks rather than having to drive down. The road was gravel, with plenty of blind spots when turning those switch back corners. However, it is easy to navigate in 2WD, but make sure your vehicle does have a higher clearance. I completed this drive in a Jeep Compass, without any modifications and scraped the front bumper a few times.

Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
May 25, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Classic Canyonlands trail! Must do honestly, sandy in the air in windy conditions

Difficulty: Easy
Mesa Arch Trail
May 24, 2025Hiking
Great views

Really amazing trail in Canyonlands! My first time hiking at this part, definitely a great experience. I started at sunrise (6 am) which was very magical, definitely recommend starting early

Chesler Park Loop Trail
May 21, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Best hike in canyonlands. while challenging and not acceptable for all, the Druid arch is the most awe inspiring formation in all of Utah’s big 5.

Difficulty: Hard
Druid Arch Trail
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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 9,907 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 79 trails in Canyonlands National Park. These trails have an average 4.7-star rating from 53,436 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 26 camping trails in Canyonlands National Park and the most popular is Chesler Park Loop Trail with an average 4.9 star rating from 1,778 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Canyonlands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 23 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 4,105 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 4,105 community reviews.