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Canyonlands National Park

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Overview

At times, the incredible canyons and buttes of Canyonlands National Park seem to defy the forces of gravity. Formed over many thousands of years by the persistence of the Colorado River and it's tributaries, the park is a testament to the power of water. While the entire park was carved from the same stark desert scape, there are four distinct regions of Canyonlands: the Maze, the Needles, and the Island in the Sky, in addition to the rivers that divide the park. Each region holds unique beauty and different opportunities for adventure and exploration.

To learn more about about Canyonlands National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, particularly for the 100-mile White Rim Trail at the Island in the Sky. The Maze also offers some multi-day trip possibilities. Mountain bikes groups must travel single-file, remain on established roads, and camp in designated sites. Please note that there is no singletrack riding on the hiking trails in the park.

Permits are required for all overnight bike trips in the backcountry. Day-use permits are required for all vehicles and bicycles on the White Rim Road, Elephant Hill Road, Lavender Canyon Road, and Salt Creek/Horse Canyon Road. Visit the park's website for more information on biking in the park.

Visiting Tips

Canyonlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, year round. The spring, summer, and fall seasons are the most popular times to visit the park, as temperatures are more moderate. Be aware that summer sun can be intense, and ample water and sun protection is necessary if visiting in the warmer months. During the winter season, services and visitor center hours are reduced.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

Camping & Lodging

Canyonlands operates two campgrounds within the park boundaries, Willow Flat at Island in the Sky and Squaw Flat at the Needles. Group sites are available at the Needles. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially from late March through June and from early September through mid-October. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.

  • Willow Flat: Amenities include vault toilets, fire grates, and picnic tables.
  • Squaw Flat: Amenities include potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets, fire grates, and tent pads.

There are no lodges in Canyonlands National Park, although hotel accommodations are available in the nearby towns of Monticello, Moab, or Hanksville, Utah.

Food & Drink

There are no restaurants or rest stops located inside of Canyonlands National Park. Come prepared and bring food and water with you when you visit.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

If you're looking for advice or support ride the White Rim, definitely contact Western Spirit Cycling. Their guides have these trails dialed, plus they will get their massive support truck to camp, whip up amazing food, and keep the beer cold.

Other Activities

Situated in the Utah desert, Canyonlands National Park offers countless activities for visitors. Whether you're seeking to unwind while hiking or prefer a thrilling ride in an off-road vehicle, you'll be able to find what you're looking for in the park. Nearby high adrenaline activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and white water rafting are also accessible as are more relaxed activities such as backpacking, stargazing, or horseback riding. Visit Canyonland's website for more information on the park's other activities.

Recommended Routes in Canyonlands National Park - 1

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite On day 1 of the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP, the views are already otherworldly.
Intermediate Intermediate

White Rim Trail

100.8 mi 162.2 km 5,656' Up 1724.01 m Up 5,636' Down 1717.93 m Down

Moab, UT
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Canyonlands National Park Biking

  • 98 Miles 158 Kilometers of Trail
  • 1 Recommended Route
  • 0 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 7 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 0 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Areas Within Canyonlands National Park

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Trails in Canyonlands National Park - 6

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74.4 mi 119.8 km #1White Rim Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
7.4 mi 11.9 km #2Colorado River Overlook Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
5.5 mi 8.8 km #3Shafer Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
4.0 mi 6.4 km #4Lathrop Canyon
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Moab, UT
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Moab, UT
1.4 mi 2.3 km #5White Crack
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
5.2 mi 8.4 km #6Taylor Canyon Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT

Photos of Canyonlands National Park - 70

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

Just after starting out on the trail, dropping down into the canyon
Apr 3, 2013 near Moab, UT
Two of the Shafer switchbacks.
Dec 24, 2013 near Moab, UT
Canyonlands NP.
Aug 14, 2014 near Moab, UT
White Rim Trail, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT.
May 12, 2016 near Moab, UT
Day one of our three-day White Rim tour.
Aug 24, 2016 near Moab, UT
Night two of our three-day White Rim itinerary. My favorite campsite of the trip.
Aug 24, 2016 near Moab, UT
Getting into it on our first day on the White Rim with the snowy La Sals in the distance.
Aug 24, 2016 near Moab, UT
On day 1 of the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP, the views are already otherworldly.
Feb 28, 2017 near Moab, UT
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