The Ultimate One Day Canyonlands National Park Itinerary

One Day Canyonlands National Park Itinerary

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How To Get To Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is located in southeastern Utah, about 40 minutes away from Moab. And Moab is the closest town to Canyonlands and Arches National Park.

For those flying into Utah, the closest international airport to Canyonlands National Park is Salt Lake City International Airport, about a 4.5-hour drive away.

Alternatively, if routes allow, you can look at flying into a closer and smaller airport like Grand Junction Regional Airport. If you can snag a flight into Grand Junction, you’ll be a little less than 2 hours from Canyonlands.

Read our Utah Road Trip itinerary to help you plan an unforgettable trip!

Regardless of the airport you fly into, you’ll need to book a rental car.

Why? You’ll need a car to get you the rest of the way to Canyonlands. There are no shuttles in Canyonlands, so you’ll need that rental car to get you around the park.

Alternatively, once you arrive in Moab, several guided tours can take you to, from, and around Canyonlands!

From half-day tours to full-day excursions to Canyonlands to doing a combo Canyonlands and Arches tour or for those thrill-seekers dirt bike tour to Canyonlands. All of this is to say that while a rental car is a great option, you can also book a tour to see Canyonlands from Moab!

Canyonland Park Entrances

Now that you understand how to get to Canyonlands National Park let’s talk about how you enter the park itself. There are two park entrances to Canyonlands:

Island In The Sky: The main entrance, and the one you’ll be using for the below Canyonlands itinerary, is found just off of UT-313, 40 minutes outside Moab. For navigation purposes, you can pop “Island in the Sky Visitor Center” into your GPS and get there without a problem.
The Needles: The second park entrance, one you’ll use if you have more than one day in Canyonlands National Park, is “The Needles” entrance, which is off of UT-212 a bit further south from Moab

PRO TIP: Canyonlands is a remote area with few services. Come prepared with a full tank of gas, plenty of snacks and water, and any other items you need for a full day out exploring and hiking.

Canyonlands National Park Sections & Districts

While the below one-day Canyonlands National Park itinerary only covers one section of the park, you should know that there are 5 different sections (or districts) of Canyonlands. Yes, 5!

1. Island in the Sky

The main and most popular section of Canyonlands. This is the best place to get a good feel for a lot of what the park offers – epic views, a visitor center, and hiking trails. This is also the closest section to Moab and Arches National Park.

2. The Needles

Coming in as a close second to Island in the Sky, The Needles section is a bit more remote, located 1.5 hours away from Moab. In this section, you’ll still find fantastic views, uniquely shaped sandstone rock formations, more hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path. Plus, fewer crowds means more time to spend in solitude with nature.

3. The Maze

As the least accessible district in the park, not as many people visit The Maze. To explore this area of the park, backcountry experience and having the proper gear is a must! The Maze is located on the park’s western side and can only be reached via dirt roads requiring a 4×4 vehicle.

4. The Rivers (Colorado & Green)

Both rivers that wind through the heart of Canyonlands played the leading role in carving out the canyons to make what we know today as Canyonlands National Park. The Rivers are not easy to get to and can only be accessed by boat.

If you have a kayak or raft, there are a few boat launches near Moab and Green River State Park. Alternatively, you can book a day trip from Moab to visit The Rivers section of Canyonlands

5. Horseshoe Canyon

One relatively small canyon is located on the other side of the Green River from the rest of the park. Horseshoe Canyon features some of the country’s significant ancient rock markings. It’s located about 2.5 hours from Moab, and the main thing to do here is hike into Horseshoe Canyon. It’s rough and remote, so please come prepared if you’d like to explore.

PRO TIP: No roads within the park cross the rivers to directly link the Canyonlands’ sections. While sections may appear close on a map, they are several hours away by car. This is why only one section of the park is recommended per day.

Woman in front of Canyonlands National Park

Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park

Utah is a beautiful state you can visit year-round. And luckily, Canyonlands is open all year, too! Because of the warm desert weather, you can plan a visit almost anytime that you’d like.

However, there are a few things to take into consideration. The summer heat, crowds, and snow are the top factors.

Typically, the spring and fall months are considered the best for visiting. April, May, September, and October offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and no snow to worry about.

We visited in October and camped our way through all 5 of Utah’s National Parks, and it was perfect! Warm days, cool evenings, and while there were crowds, nowhere near the amount we imagine these parks experience in the summer.

PRO TIP: There are no time entry reservations required to enter Canyonlands National Park. Of course, with things ever changing with the reservation system, double-check before arriving at Canyonlands.

Can You Do Canyonlands National Park in One Day?

While Canyonlands is a very large park, covering over 300,000+ acres of land, if you only have one day, you can fit in most of the highlights of Canyonlands National Park…in one section.

Remember, there are 5 sections, and you should only plan to visit one section a day. So, if you have one day in Canyonlands, that’s totally doable! Just plan to visit Island in The Sky (which we detail in our Canyonlands National Park itinerary below!)

If you wish to explore all the Canyonland National Park sections, you’ll need a full 4 to 5 days. Alternatively, if you are just looking to hit the highlights two days will give you a good feel of the Park. One day for Island in the Sky and the next for The Needles.

Planning to visit Zion or Bryce Canyon? Give our travel guides a read!

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands

Inside The Park

While services are limited in Canyonlands National Park, there are a few places to stay inside the park, all of which are camping. There are no lodges or hotels located inside Canyonlands National Park.

1. Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat): This year-round campground is located in the park’s main section near some of the best hikes and overlooks. Sites at the Island in the Sky Campground fill up really quickly in the summer and fall months! All sites here are first come, first served, meaning no reservations are accepted.

2. The Needles Campground: If you plan to visit The Needles section of the park, staying at The Needles Campground will be your best bet. Some sites are reserved online, while others are on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend reserving as it gives you a better chance of getting a spot.

3. Backcountry Camping: Another option for camping is to head out into the backcountry. This is best for people who don’t mind the solitude and are okay without amenities. The Maze, Island in the Sky, and The Needles all have their own backcountry camping locations. You will need a permit to go backcountry camping, which can be purchased online four months in advance of when you’ll be visiting.

Near The Park

Moab is the closest town to Canyonlands, so it’s here in Moab that you’ll find the majority of accommodation options and great restaurants, cafes, and shops. We used Moab as our home base when exploring Canyonlands and Arches, and we loved it.

Places like Sun Outdoors, Moab Springs Ranch, and The Moab Resort are all close to Canyonlands (just outside of Moab), AND with onsite pools, you can take a dip to cool off from that Utah heat after a day of exploring.

If you’re looking to stay in Moab itself, The Gonzo Inn, Robber’s Roost, Sunflower Inn, and Hoodoo Moab are all AMAZING locations in the center of Moab. Enjoy comfortable rooms that are within walking distance of restaurants, and by staying in Moab, you’re VERY close to Arches National Park, too!

Oh, and if you want to give glamping a try, Under Canvas Moab is definitely worth considering!

Find More Accommodations Near Canyonlands

About This One Day Canyonlands National Park Itinerary

This Canyonlands National Park itinerary has been created, assuming you have one full day in Canyonlands. This means you’ll arrive the day before your visit (day 0) and leave the day after (day 2).

Arriving the night before your day in Canyonlands lets you maximize your one day in the park! Everything in this one-day Canyonlands itinerary is found on the Island in the Sky district to limit your driving and ensure you can see the park highlights.

Now, let’s dive into what we recommend fitting into your day in Canyonlands!

Use the + and – signs on the interactive map to see where each location is within this Canyonlands National Park itinerary.

Mesa Arch

We’re starting with a good one to kick off your Canyonlands National Park itinerary!

Utah is well known for its bright red arches, and Canyonlands is no different. Mesa Arch can be reached via a short and easy 0.6-mile trail to start your one day in Canyonlands.

Lauren staring off through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands

The Mesa Arch is the most popular sight in the park as it frames the La Sal Mountains in the distance perfectly. It sits right on the rock cliff’s edge, allowing you to peek through the arch to see the vast canyon below.

If you can wake up early enough, this is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise and have a pretty epic start to your day!

Buck Canyon Overlook

After visiting Mesa Arch, make your way on over to Buck Canyon Overlook. This stunning overlook looks down into the Canyonlands National Park’s vast canyon.

You can see for hundreds of miles, and it’s definitely one of those spots that makes you feel small!

Expansive views of Canyonlands from Buck Canyon Overlook

You can reach this overlook via a short, paved walkway, making it accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. This makes for a nice, easy spot to stop, but parking is pretty limited.

Grand View Point

Next, you’ll drive to the end of Grand View Point Road, the main road in Island in the Sky, to see Grand View Point Overlook.

This 1.8-mile hike leads you to an amazing viewpoint, looking out over a new perspective of the canyon. If you look closely, you can even spot White Rim Road, which is a 4×4 road in The Maze and The Needles sections of the park.

You’ll have spectacular views for the entire hike, which is our favorite kind of hike! It’s a bit of a rocky trail, but there isn’t much elevation gain, so it’s totally doable.

Views of Canyonlands along the Grand View Trail

Go On a Hike in Canyonlands

Now that you’ve seen a few of the main overlooks in Island in the Sky, it’s time to hit a trail or two! Here are a few of the most popular hiking trails in Island in the Sky.

Grand View Point Trail

Firstly, Grand View Point Trail is the one that we mentioned above. It’s slightly shorter at just under 2 miles and offers amazing views into the canyon.

White Rim Overlook

Just a bit further back up the road, the White Rim Overlook is another great option. It’s similar in length and difficulty to Grand View Point, coming in at 1.8 miles with minimal elevation.

White Rom Overlook is less crowded than other trails. However, it still treats you to fantastic views down into Canyonland’s famous canyons. It’s a good alternative for those who don’t like height, since Grand View Point does put you up quite a ways above the canyon floor.

You’ll have views of Monument Basin, the La Sal Mountains in the distance, and the Colorado River. You can also see the White Rim Road from the viewpoint.

Gooseberry Trail

If you’re up for a more challenging hike, then the Gooseberry Trail will be for you.

It’s the steepest trail in the Island in the Sky district, covering over 1,500 feet of elevation over 4.6 miles. There are many switchbacks and scree rock scattered throughout the trail, so be prepared and watch your step.

Once you’ve made it to the viewpoint, you’ll have incredible views out into Canyonlands National Park and a steep cliff face right in front of you. The La Sal Mountains can be seen far off in the distance.

PRO TIP: This is a very steep trail with minimal shade. Have plenty of water and sun protection, and try to visit during the morning or evening if possible.

Green River Overlook

Next, head on over to the Green River Overlook. This fantastic viewpoint is near the Island in the Sky Campground and features an overlook of the Green River.

This river is one of two that flows through the national park, the other being the Colorado River.

It’s a short, easy walk to get to the viewpoint, and well worth it for more of that canyon views.

Views of Canyonlands from Green River Overlook

Optional: Aztec Butte or Whale Rock

Depending on your feelings, you can opt to partake in both, skip altogether, or choose only one (Aztec Butte or Whale Rock) to hike to see.

Aztec Butte is a 1.4-mile trail leading to a cave-like feature in the canyon. The views from the alcove are beautiful, and you can see where Indigenous people once stored their resources.
Whale Rock is a short 0.8-mile trail leading to a unique, flat sandstone that resembles a giant whale.

Upheaval Dome

After either visiting Green River Overlook or after the optional other stops, it’s time to see a very unique geological feature.

Upheaval Dome is a massive crater in Canyonlands National Park. The crater spans 3 miles across and can be seen from the International Space Station.

There are two overlooks of Upheaval Dome via a 1.3-mile round trip hike. The trail is fairly flat with only a little bit of elevation gain and is well worth the trip!

Island in the Sky Visitor Center

While you’re in the Island in the Sky district, be sure to stop at the visitor center.

Here, you can learn more about the park, grab a souvenir, and talk to park rangers to learn more about their recommendations for things to do.

Shafer Trail Viewpoint

Your last stop on the Canyonlands National Park itinerary is the Shafer Trail Viewpoint, which is a short distance from the visitor center. The Shafer Trail is an impressive road that winds into the canyon 1,500 feet.

It’s been used over the years for many things, including bringing resources from the bottom to the top by Native Americans, and now, used for recreation by 4×4 drivers.

The viewpoint gives you a great look at the trail and how steep and curvy it is as it drops into the canyon over the cliff walls.

Stop at Dead Horse State Park

After visiting Canyonlands National Park, another great stop to make is Dead Horse State Park. The entrance to Dead Horse State Park while outside of Canyonlands National Park is on your way back to Moab, so it’s well worth the stop!

From Dead Horse Point, you’ll see one of the most photographed scenic viewpoints in the world as the Colorado River wraps around Utah’s bright red canyons.

We absolutely loved this spot, and while we didn’t catch the sunset here, we recommend you do!

End Your Day Stargazing

Before ending your night and returning to your accommodation, try to squeeze in some time for stargazing. Utah is well known for its amazing views of the Milky Way, and because of how dark the park is, you can see it really well.

Because of this darkness, you can see the Milky Way without any special equipment, although you will likely see many people out photographing it!

Have More Than One Day In Canyonlands National Park?

If you have more than one day in Canyonlands National Park, there are plenty more things to fit into your itinerary. Here are a few of the best things to consider tackling.

Visit The Needles District

Aside from the main Island in the Sky section, The Needles is Canyonlands National Park’s second-best district.

This park area has quite a few more difficult hikes, many more great viewpoints, and quite a few 4×4 roads to drive on if that’s something you’re interested in.

It’s just a bit further away from Moab, about a 1.5-hour drive, but if you have at least 1 extra day, this is totally doable and should be explored!

White Rim Road

White Rim Road will be right up your alley if you’re all about adventures. This 100-mile road winds through Island in the Sky, and all vehicles must be 4-wheel drive.

The road winds through sections like Shafer Trail and Hardscrabble Hill, which are very steep and windy. However, the views from them are spectacular. Most people take at least a few days to complete this trip.

PRO TIP: All vehicles on the road will require a permit, so be sure to grab one before heading out. Oh, and four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles are allowed on the White Rim Road. ATVs, UTVs, and OHVs are not allowed.

Half Day Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a great way to get out and try something in Canyonlands, besides hiking and looking at the views. From beginner to advanced rock climbers, this is a great tour to join in on.

You’ll have a private guide to teach you, and you’ll get to see all of the beautiful red rocks up close and get to have an entirely new experience!

Reserve Rock Climbing

Backcountry 4×4 Adventure

Heading into the backcountry is one of the best ways to escape the crowds and explore parts of the park that are much more off the beaten path.

You’ll head off-road on a Jeep and wind through the Island in the Sky district and up the Shafer Trail. This is a half-day tour, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see all of Canyonlands attractions from a new perspective.

Book Your 4×4 Adventure

Helicopter Tour

While Canyonlands is absolutely beautiful from the ground, there’s just something different about seeing it from above. You can see Island in the Sky from the sky with this helicopter tour.

It’s a 45-minute helicopter flight, and you’ll see spots such as the Colorado River, multiple arches, and even Dead Horse Point in the nearby state park. If you have extra time, this is one of the top activities to add to your Canyonlands itinerary!

Reserve A Helicopter Tour

Whitewater Rafting

One of the most unique activities to add if you have extra time is a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River.

The southwest corner of the United States has many places to go rafting, and Utah is one of the best! This is a perfect trip for beginner rafters, as your guide will help you along for the entire day.

Along with the fun rafting experience, you’ll also get to see the canyon from a whole new angle from the River!

Book Your Rafting Day

Canyonlands National Park Entrance Fees & Hours

Entrance fees are required when visiting Canyonlands, similar to Utah’s other national parks. You can either choose the standard entrance fee, which costs $30 per car, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per hiker/cyclist. All entrance fees are valid for 7 consecutive days.

PRO TIP: If you visit three or more National Parks in a year, your best bet is to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass allows you access to all national parks in America for an entire year!

Canyonlands National Park is open 24/7, year-round, and no timed entry reservations are required to visit. So you can plan your trip whenever you’d like!

Tips For Visiting Canyonlands National Park

Start your day early: Especially if you’re visiting during the summer months, start your day early to avoid the heat, as there is little shade throughout the park.
Pack plenty of food and water: There are no restaurants within Canyonlands National Park. You’ll need to pack and bring anything you want to eat or drink during your one day in Canyonlands. A water reservoir is a great item to have! When we visited, we had a cooler packed in the car to keep drinks and sandwiches cold.
Check the latest park updates and closures: Check the latest closure status on the NPS website before visiting.
Leave no trace and leave animals alone: As always, in national parks, follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace – Clean up after yourself, leave wildlife alone, and stay on the trail are just a few to keep in mind!
No Cell Service: You’ll find minimal cell service when exploring Canyonlands. Be sure to download any maps, music, etc ahead of time.
Pets in Canyonlands: Canyonlands is very restrive to our furry friends, and if you can, it’s best to leave them at home or find a doggy daycare in Moab. If your pet comes with you to Canyonlands, please know that pets are not allowed on hiking trails, overlooks, visitor centers, or in the backcountry.

Want More Information on Utah?!

The Ultimate 10 Day Utah Roadtrip

How to Spend 1 to 2 Days in Zion National Park

One Day In Bryce Canyon

How To Spend 2-3 Days in Moab

Arches National Park in One Day

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Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)