National park · Utah

Canyonlands National Park

337,000 acres of mesas, buttes, and canyons split into three remote districts by the Green and Colorado rivers — the largest and least-developed of Utah's Mighty Five national parks.

Entrance
$30 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Open Year-round
Established
September 12, 1964
Region
Utah's Mighty 5
Canyonlands National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Canyonlands National Park patch

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History

Canyonlands National Park preserves a unique and colorful landscape shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers. It represents a significant achievement in conservation, balancing the interests of nature preservationists and commercial developers during its establishment.

Key events

  1. September 12, 1964Canyonlands National Park established by Congress at the urging of Interior Secretary Stewart Udall.
  2. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall's aerial view of the Confluence in 1961 sparked renewed interest in the park's establishment.
  3. Canyonlands National Park has seen over 400,000 visitors annually since 2007, with a record of 911,594 visitors in 2021.
  4. 1971Maze and Needles Districts added, completing the park's three-district structure.

Trails

  • Mesa Arch 0.7 mi · Easy
  • Grand View Point 2 mi · Easy
  • Upheaval Dome Overlook 1.8 mi · Easy
  • Druid Arch Trail 10.8 mi · Hard
  • Chesler Park Loop 10.6 mi · Hard

Plan your visit

Hours · Open Year-round

Open 24 hours, every day

Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $30
  • Motorcycle $25
  • Per Person $15

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Spring. Ideal 60-80°F temps, wildflowers, best hiking conditions
  • Fall. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent visibility
  • Winter. Solitude, snow-dusted mesas, no crowds
  • Summer. All access but very hot (100°F+), best for river activities

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheepMule deerCoyotesMountain lionsJackrabbitsCollared lizardsGolden eaglesPeregrine falcons

Nearby patches

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