We’ll let our readers in on a little secret. Canyonlands was our absolute favorite national park among the 20+ parks we visited during our road trip throughout the United States. Canyonlands may not have the same name recognition as some of the more popular parks like Zion, Yosemite, or Grand Canyon, but the viewpoints are just as awe-inspiring, and with only 1/5 of the visitors that nearby Zion National Park attracts.
With towering mesas, deep canyons, and stunning vistas, it’s no wonder we think this park is a must-visit destination. This is especially true if you’re an avid hiker and nature photographer. In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to visit, the top sights to see, where to sleep, and how many days you’ll need to experience all that Canyonlands National Park has to offer.
Best Time To Visit Canyonlands
Canyonlands is open year-round, meaning you can choose when you want to go. The only caveat is that some facilities and roads may be closed during the winter, depending on how much snowfall the park has recently received.
Canyonlands is part of the Colorado Plateau, a “high desert” region that can experience dramatic swings in temperature, sometimes as much as 40 degrees in a single day. The most popular months to visit are when the temperatures are the most temperate. This is usually between the spring months of April-May and the fall months of September-October. During these periods, daytime temperatures range from 60-80 F, making a visit to Canyonlands most comfortable.
You can also visit the park during the low season in the summer and winter months. However, be prepared for considerably hotter and colder temperatures, respectively. But going during these months can yield fewer tourists and a more intimate experience with the park. We visited Canyonlands in late November, and though it was chilly, we dressed appropriately and had a fantastic adventure. We were even the only ones at our campground and almost had the views of Mesa Arch entirely to ourselves (more on these further below).
Top 4 Destination & Activities in Canyonlands
Canyonlands is a relatively small National Park, but it’s full of stunning natural beauty, and there are more sights to see than you might think. Below are four of our favorite destinations to visit within the park.
1. Mesa Arch
Mesa Arch is by far and away the most iconic and popular sight in Canyonlands. It is a must-see destination. This natural wonder is a unique arch that frames the surrounding canyon and mountain views. Although the arch is worth seeing at any time of the day, the best time to go is right at sunrise when the light from the sun illuminates the underside of the arch with the desert in the background.
The hike from the parking lot to Mesa Arch is a 0.6-mile loop, so nothing too strenuous. We arrived at Mesa Arch 20 minutes before sunrise on a chilly November weekday and had the arch almost to ourselves. It has been one of our favorite viewpoints in the entire US.
2. Island in The Sky District
The Island in the Sky is one of the three main districts in Canyonlands National Park and is the most popular for visitors. This area is a massive mesa that towers 1,000 feet above the canyon floor and includes the most stunning vista views of the surrounding desert and canyon areas. Mesa Arch is one of the many sights here. Several short trails from the designated parking areas lead right up to the mesa’s edge.
One short hike we recommend is the White Rim Overlook trail. It is a 1.5-mile return that gets you to one of our favorite canyon overlook viewpoints. It’s a fairly flat trail, so even beginner hikers and families can enjoy this route.
3. Needles District
The Needles is another district within the National Park. To get here from the popular Island in The Sky, exit the park, drive back to Moab town, and drive south for another 40 miles before you reach the turnoff to the Needles. Once inside the park again, The Chesler Park Loop is one of the more popular trails here. The loop is an 11-mile trail that offers awesome views of towering sandstone spires and red rock canyons, and it even takes you through a narrow slot canyon. Visitors can also explore the ancient ruins of the Ancestral Puebloan people at the Cave Spring Trail and admire the panoramic views from the top of the Big Spring Canyon Overlook.
4. Ride Along White Rim Road
If you have a 4×4 vehicle or even just a bicycle, we recommend riding along the White Rim Road, which runs alongside the top of the canyon. The trails are not maintained but are doable with the right vehicle. Although this can be done as a day trip, you can choose to spend the night in the desert at one of the select campsites. But you must reserve these sites in advance, and spots are competitive.
For more information on driving or biking the White Rim Road, check out this video produced by the National Park Service.
Where To Sleep In And Near Canyonlands
If you intend to camp in your RV, there is one campsite within the popular Island in The Sky district called Willow Flat. They are first come, first serve sites, meaning no reservations are possible. We arrived at the campsite late in the morning to ensure we got a spot, hoping to snag a campsite just as someone was checking out. But it turns out, in November, we were the only ones there.
If camping isn’t your thing, there is lots of accommodation in the nearby tourist towns of Moab and Monticello. There are even several full-service RV campgrounds that provide hot water showers and dump stations. We stayed one night at the Sun Outdoors Downtown Moab RV park the day before we entered Canyonlands and recommend it to any RVers looking for a full-service campsite.
How Many Days Do You Need?
As with most places, the amount of time you need to visit Canyonlands National Park depends on how much you want to see. If you’re short on time, you can visit Mesa Arch and do another short hike all in one day. But if you want to visit all the different viewpoints within the Island In The Sky district, we recommend at least two full days. To truly experience the park’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, plan to spend at least three to four days in the park. This will allow you to explore the different districts within the park, go on various hikes, and participate in other outdoor activities like rafting or horseback riding. It’s always a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in the park.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our guide to visiting Canyonland National Park! Utah will always hold an important place in our memories for the state’s red rocks, hoodoos, and arches. But, to us, Canyonlands takes the prize for its larger-than-life views, peaceful tranquility, and epic morning sunrises.
If you have any questions regarding how to visit the park or what to see, please email us at the address listed below.
Happy traveling!
How To Contact Us
For more campervan living & building tips, check out our blog: www.asobolife.com.Or, for more on our travels, visit us on Instagram: @asobolife.
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