National Park · UT

Things to do in Canyonlands

The National Park Service lists 8 things to do at Canyonlands National Park. 5 have no extra fee, 5 need no reservation, and 1 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

A white jeep traverses a sandy road at the bottom of a red rock canyon.
Photo: NPS/ Kirsten Kearse

Auto Touring in Canyonlands

There are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads in Canyonlands, providing access to various campsites, trailheads, and viewpoints in the park's backcountry. Most roads require high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive.

Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Scenic Driving

Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands

What better way to connect with this wilderness of countless canyons than on foot? Canyonlands offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails with designated campsites for overnight backcountry travel.

1-14 Days Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Backcountry Camping

A kayaker floats atop still water at the bottom of a lush canyon.
Photo: NPS/ Kirsten Kearse

Boating in Canyonlands

The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands. Boating is a great way to see the park from the bottom up, and affords boaters a unique perspective.

1-12 Days Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Boating

A light beige unpaved road winds back and forth down colorful sandstone walls.
Photo: NPS Photo

Experience the Shafer Trail

The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.

1 Hour Year-round Pets allowed

Scenic Driving

Two hikers read a trailhead sign, juniper tree and rock formation in backgound
Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin

Hiking at Canyonlands

Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both Island in the Sky and The Needles provide ample opportunities for short walks, day hikes and backpacking trips.

Hiking

rock climber on vertical tan sandstone face, blue sky in background
Photo: NPS

Rock Climbing at Canyonlands

The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. We do not see many climbers in the rest of the park due to the poor rock quality and a lack of established routes.

Rock Climbing

Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national…

1-3 Hours Summer

Stargazing

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Canyonlands. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

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