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Visiting Canyonlands National Park

By: Author Jennifer Melroy

Posted on Last updated:

Planning a trip to Canyonlands National Park and need some help planning your trip?

Here is the National Park Obsessed guide for visiting Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

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The Quick Guide to Visiting Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Basics

Region: Intermountain / Rocky Mountains / Southwest / West Coast

Park Size: 337,598 acres (527.50 sq miles) (1366.21 sq km)

Location: San Juan, Wayne, Garfield, and Grand counties

Closest Cities: Moab, Utah

Busy Season: April to October

Visitation: 733,996 (in 2019)

How much does Canyonlands National Park Cost?

Canyonlands National Park costs the following:

  • 7-day Passenger Vehicle Pass – $30
  • 7-day Motorcycle Pass – $25
  • 7-day Individual Pass – $7

An annual Southeast Utah Park Pass costs $55 and provides entrance to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Natural Bridges National Monument. It is not recommended you buy this pass. For an extra $25 you can get an American the Beautiful Pass. This $80 pass offers free admission to all 116 fee-charging National Park Units.

When is Canyonlands National Park Open?

Canyonlands National Park is open year-round.

Are dogs allowed in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, pets are welcome in Canyonlands National Park but are limited to developed areas such as roads, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on trails or overlooks. Please review the Canyonlands Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Canyonlands.

Where are Canyonlands National Park’s visitor centers?

Island of The Sky Visitor Center – Open Year Round

Needles Visitor Center – Open Spring through Fall

Hans Flat Ranger Stations – Open Year Round

Land Acknowledgment

The park now known as Canyonlands National Parks is on Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) and Pueblos land.

Thank you to the Native Land Digital for making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know.

Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together.

Places to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Camping

Canyonlands National Park has two campgrounds. One in each of the Island of the Sky District and the Needles District. Both campgrounds are open year round. Select sites can be reserved from March to October. Reservations open six months in advance. The Canyonland campsites are first-come-first-serve the rest of the year.

Click here to learn more about camping at Canyonlands.

If you are looking to rent an RV check out our favorite rentals from the following cities.

National Park Obsessed’s Detailed Guides to Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Lodging Guides

Canyonlands National Park Activity Guides

Road Trips that Include Canyonlands National Park

The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip: 7 Day Itinerary for the Mighty Five

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Hiking Chesler Park Loop Trail in Canyonlands National Park

One of the best trails in Canyonlands National Park is the Chesler Park Loop Trail. This stunning 11-mile long loop features, colorful spires, mushroom-like formations, caves, and boulders. The hike is one of a kind that will keep you mesmerized throughout the trail. Even though the trail is located in The Needles District, which isn’t…

Continue Reading Hiking Chesler Park Loop Trail in Canyonlands National Park

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