About Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is located in the southeastern part of Utah. It is known for its beautiful desert landscape that is carved out by the Colorado River. Featuring the panoramic mesa known as Island in the Sky, this location offers plenty of remarkable sights to see. The Canyonlands is divided into four districts, which include The Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Colorado River. There are endless possibilities for visitors to the area to enjoy the great outdoors. Learn how to jump into Canyonlands camping and more with this Canyonlands National Park Guide.
Planning Your Trip for Canyonlands Camping and More
To make the most of your trip to Canyonlands camping trip and park adventure, you will need to learn more about the area so that you can plan your trip.
How to Get There
Canyonlands National Park is cut into three different districts: the Needles, the Maze, and the Island in the Sky district, which is located closest to Moab, UT. You can expect to reach The Island in the Sky in around 40 minutes once you take UT 313. The Needles is around an hour’s drive from Monticello, UT, on UT 211. The Maze district is the most remote and challenging to access. It can be reached by taking the unpaved roads from UT 24.
What’s the Weather Like?
The Canyonlands are located on the Colorado Plateau, which can experience temperature fluctuations of around 40 degrees in a single day. This is important information to know if you're planning a Canyonlands camping trip. The most popular time to visit is in the Spring between April and May, and in the Fall from mid-September to October. During this time, the daytime temperatures range between highs of 60s and 80s to lows in the 30s and 50s. During the Summer in Canyonlands National Park, the temperature can exceed 100 degrees, and in the Winter, the daytime highs average only around 30 to 50 degrees.
Prices and Passes
The fees and prices of passes for the Canyonlands are as follows.
Private Vehicle – $30. This admits one private, non-commercial vehicle, 15 passenger capacity or less, and its occupants.
Motorcycle – $25. This admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.
Per Person - $15. Admits one individual without a car, such as a bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian.
Children 15 years or younger are admitted for free.
Entrance Passes are also available for park visitors. The Southeast Utah Parks Annual Pass costs $55. It is valid for one year from the month it is purchased. This pass admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or the pass holder to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as the Natural Bridges National Museum.
The Visitor Centers
There are three visitor centers at Canyonland National Park. Each area provides unique insights that are an essential part of any Canyonlands National Park guide.
Island in the Sky Visitor Center
This visitor center includes exhibits, maps, backcountry permits, books, and general information for visitors. There are park rangers on duty, vault toilets, and you can get drinking water inside during regular business hours or outside 24 hours a day between March and December.
The Needles Visitor Center
This visitor center is closed during the winter and reopens every year in March. It includes exhibits, books, and maps, backcountry permits, a picnic area, and also offers general information. A park ranger is on duty at all times.
Hans Flat Ranger Station
This remote visitor center for the Maze district is open throughout the year. There is a small area where visitors can buy maps and books. There are no services such as potable water, food, or gas in the Maze district. The closest place for these necessities is either Green River (86 miles away) or Hanksville (68 miles away).
Visit Goss RV to Find the Perfect Motorhome for Your On-Road Adventure
If you need a new RV for your trip to the Canyonlands National Park, or if you would like to find out more about renting an RV, get in touch with the motorhome experts at Goss RV today. You can reach us at 770-288-9205 for more information.