Moab, UT
Canyonlands National Park
Four distinct districts of canyons, rivers, and red-rock backcountry with developed and wilderness camping.
Canyonlands National Park protects a vast wilderness of red-rock canyons, towering spires, and river corridors carved by the Colorado and Green rivers near Moab, Utah. Each of its distinct districts offers its own character and adventure, from technical backcountry routes to scenic canyon views.
The park includes three developed campgrounds—Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, The Needles Campground, and Canyonlands National Park Needles District GROUP Campsites—plus backcountry permit areas for both day use and overnight trips. Cataract Canyon draws paddlers and hikers seeking river-based exploration.
Canyonlands' four districts are not connected by road, so plan your route and base camp accordingly. The park's desert ecosystem remains largely undeveloped, preserving the remote character that makes each visit distinct. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring this high-desert landscape.
Experiences
Rivers
Explore 1 rivers location in Canyonlands National Park.
Experiences
Camping
Explore 3 camping locations in Canyonlands National Park.
Experiences
Wilderness Areas
Explore 2 wilderness areas locations in Canyonlands National Park.
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Canyonlands National Park.
Do I need a permit to visit Canyonlands National Park?
No permit is required to visit Canyonlands National Park itself. However, if you plan to camp in the backcountry or use day-use backcountry areas, you will need to obtain the appropriate permit from the park.
What campgrounds are available in Canyonlands?
Canyonlands has three campgrounds: Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground, The Needles Campground, and the Needles District group campsites. Each is located in a different district of the park.
Are backcountry camping permits required, and how do I get one?
Yes, backcountry camping requires an overnight backcountry permit from Canyonlands National Park. You should contact the park directly or visit their official website for current permit availability and application procedures.
What rivers are in Canyonlands?
Canyonlands contains Cataract Canyon as well as access to the Colorado and Green Rivers, which have carved the park's iconic canyon landscape. These rivers offer opportunities for boating and water-based exploration.
Are the different districts of Canyonlands connected by road?
No, the four districts of Canyonlands are not connected by roads. Each district is accessed separately, so you'll need to plan which area you want to visit.