Best Western Greenwell Inn
105 S. Main St.
Moab, UT 84532
Local: (435) 259-6151
105 S. Main St.
Moab, UT 84532
Local: (435) 259-6151
Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Located in southeast Utah, the park sits in the heart of a vast basin bordered by sheer cliffs of Wingate Sandstone.
The Colorado and Green rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While the districts share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration and the study of natural and cultural history. There are no roads that directly link the districts. Although they may appear close on a map, traveling between them requires 2-6 hours by car. Most people find it impractical to visit more than one area in a single trip.
This section of the park sits atop a massive 1,500-foot-mesa — quite literally an Island in the Sky. 20 miles of paved roads lead to many of the most spectacular views in Canyon Country. From these lofty viewpoints visitors can see nearly 100 miles in any given direction, resulting in panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country. Take a short day-hike or spend a relaxing late afternoon enjoying the sunset. Whether you have a few hours to spend or a few days, the Island in the Sky provides an unforgettable Canyon Country experience.
A 10-mile paved scenic drive gives visitors a wonderful taste of what The Needles was named after: beautiful sandstone spires that jut out of the ground, creating an unforgettable spectacle. For those willing to venture off the paved roads, however, this section offers an amazing diversity of terrain. Arches, canyons, grabens, and beautiful sculpted rock formations await hikers, backpackers and 4WD enthusiasts. The scenic drive can be done in an hour or two — however, hikers and 4-wheel-drive enthusiasts will need at least a day or two to get a good taste of this section.
Definitely considered the wildest district in Canyonlands National Park, The Maze ranks as one of the most remote and inaccessible sections in the United States. There is in The Maze a perplexing jumble of canyons that has been described as a "30 square mile puzzle in sandstone." If you crave solitude and are ready for some serious backcountry traveling and hiking, The Maze may be just what you're looking for.
Exploration of Canyonlands National Park is as varied as the multiple districts of the park. Visitors just passing through the area can get a great introduction to the park in just a few hours. Those wanting to experience some of the park's hiking trails can easily spend a full day or more. Multi-day visitors can explore the huge assortment of varied terrain in the park's backcountry.
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah, approximately 30 miles southwest of the town of Moab. There are two paved entrances into Canyonlands: Highway 313 leads to the Island in the Sky District and is 10 miles north of Moab; Highway 211 leads to the Needles District and is 40 miles south of Moab. Roads to the Maze District are a mixture of graded dirt and 4WD roads that may become impassable when wet.
The park is open year-round. Visitor centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours spring through fall. Visitor centers are closed December 25th and January 1st. Many roads and trails are impassable during winter months.
| Visitor Center | Description |
Island in the Sky |
Hours: Open all year, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Location: To reach the Island, take US Highway 191 to Utah Highway 313 (10 mi/16 km north of Moab, or 22 mi/35 km south of 1-70) and then drive southwest 22 mi/35 km. Driving time to the visitor center from Moab is roughly 40 minutes. Closures: Closed December 25th. Special Programs: A park orientation video is shown on request. Special interpretive programs may be arranged for groups by contacting the visitor center. Exhibits: Exhibits describe the natural and cultural history of the area. Small sales area features books, maps and other publications. Available Facilities: Toilets, limited drinking water. |
The Needles |
Hours: Open all year, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Location: On US Highway 191, drive 40 miles (60 km) south of Moab or 14 miles (22 km) north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles (56 km) west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles, and is the only paved road leading in and out of the district. Closures: Closed December 25th. Special Programs: A park orientation video is shown on request. Special interpretive programs may be arranged for groups by contacting the visitor center. Exhibits: Exhibits describe the natural and cultural history of the Needles area. Small sales area features books, maps and other publications. Backcountry permits issued until one half-hour before close of business each day. |
The Maze |
Hours: Open all year, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: The Hans Flat Ranger Station is 2.5 hours from Green River, Utah. From I-70, take Utah Highway 24 South for 24 miles. A left-hand turn just beyond the turnoff to Goblin Valley State Park will take you along a two-wheel-drive dirt road 46 miles (76 km) southeast to the ranger station. In addition, a four-wheel-drive route leads north from Utah Highway 95 near Hite. All two-wheel-drive roads may become four-wheel-drive or even impassable when it snows or rains heavily. Closures: Closed December 25th. Exhibits: Exhibits describe the natural and cultural history of the Maze area. Small sales area features books, maps and other publications |
All area information provided above is obtained from Lake Powell USA Visitors Guide, Lake Powell National, National Parks Service, BLM, and Powellguide.com.
Canyonlands National Park
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532-3298
Website: www.nps.gov/cany/
Email:
General Information: (435) 719-2313
Fax: (435) 719-2300
Backcountry Trip Planning Information: (435) 259-4351
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