Canyonlands National Park

Best things to do in Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Unmissables

Canyonlands National Park preserves a vast landscape of canyons, mesas, and arches carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. This selection highlights the accessible Island in the Sky district, featuring the sunrise photography spot at Mesa Arch and the 1,000-foot deep Upheaval Dome crater. It also includes the Needles district, known for its colorful sandstone spires. Key overlooks provide panoramic views of the White Rim sandstone bench and the deep river incisions that define Utah's high desert.

Canyonlands National Park Unmissables — Map

A

Green River Great Overlook

Provides a panoramic view of the Green River winding through Stillwater Canyon, showcasing the distinct layers of the White Rim Sandstone.

snowpeak / CC BY 2.0

B

Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is a pothole arch on the eastern edge of the Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park in northern San Juan County,…

Greg Willis / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Grand View Point

Another great opportunity to overlook the scenic landscape of Canyonlands National Park. One of the most smashing views.

snowpeak / CC BY 2.0

D

Island In The Sky District

A high mesa situated on sheer sandstone cliffs over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. It is the most accessible area of the park, featuring paved roads and numerous scenic overlooks.

snowpeak / CC BY 2.0

E

Needles District

Located in the southeast corner of the park, this area is characterized by massive sandstone spires. It offers extensive hiking trails through diverse geological formations and remote backcountry terrain.

Nikater / Public domain

F

Upheaval Dome

Upheaval Dome is an enigmatic geological structure in San Juan County, Utah, United States, that has been variously interpreted as a…

brewbooks / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Big Spring Canyon Overlook

The terminus of the paved scenic drive in the Needles district. It offers views of the confluence of Big Spring and Elephant Canyons and serves as a trailhead for backcountry routes.

H

Shafer Canyon Overlook

Offers a direct view of the Shafer Trail, a steep road descending 1,500 feet to the White Rim. The viewpoint overlooks deep sandstone incisions and the Colorado River corridor.

I

Mesa Arch

Paved parking area providing access to the 0.5-mile loop trail leading to the Mesa Arch geological formation.

Wolfgang Staudt / CC BY 2.0

J

Canyonlands National Park Visitor Center

Located at the entrance of the Island in the Sky district. The facility provides maps, backcountry permits, educational exhibits, and a bookstore.

Other Lists

Canyonlands Vistas and Peaks Canyonlands Camping Adventures Canyonlands Archaeological Sites Canyonlands Permitted Gems