A Guide to the Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is one of the major attractions near Blanding, UT, and as such makes for a perfect day trip with you and your travel group. Hiking is obviously the major draw for Canyonlands tourists, and with good reason. We’ll be going over the hikes in each of the three sections of the park—Island in the Sky, The Needles, and the Maze—so you can decide how you want to explore the natural wonder.

How much does it cost?

Private Vehicle (all occupants): $30

Motorcycle: $25

Per Person (no car): $15

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD i SPEND IN CANYONLANDS?

A half-day to three days is the amount of time most of our guests spend at Canyonlands. Casual hikers and thrill seekers will usually only need to spend a day at the park to see the highlights, and then move on to other activities. But if you want to explore each section of the Canyonlands thoroughly, you could spend a solid three days here.

Is the National Park dog-friendly?

No, but if you want dog-friendly hikes, you do have options outside of the national park.

Canyon Country Discovery Center

Address: 1117 N Main St, Monticello, UT

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10AM - 4PM, Closed Sundays and Mondays


This is less of a historical museum and more of an educational one! It’s great for young kids who are discovering the world around them. There are physics experiments, natural exhibits and much more. Maybe not a reason to go to Monticello on its own, but can be fun as a pit stop!

LEARN MORE

The three sections of the park are not connected by a singular road. As such, it can be hard to know where to enter each of the districts. Look at the map to find your bearings, especially when traveling to the Maze.

Island in the Sky Directions

  • From Blanding, drive up toward Moab.
  • Take a left on Route 313.
  • Continue on the road, which will eventually become Grand View Point Rd.


The Needles Directions

  • From Blanding, drive up to Monticello and take a left at E 200 S.
  • Take a slight left onto Abajo Dr.
  • Drive straight for 40 miles, and take a left on Route 211.


The Maze Directions

If you’re hoping to come to the maze, we ask that you follow the directions on the official government website. The roads leading into this part of Canyonlands are hard to find, and maps can be a little unpredictable in their accuracy. Your goal is to reach the Hans Flat Ranger Station to enter The Maze.


Look at The Maze Directions

Island in the Sky

The most popular stop in Canyonlands is Island in the Sky, a mesa in the middle of the desert. The gorgeous views of the valley from this geologic wonder make it seem like you are floating high above everything else. Definitely the must-do attraction for every guest of the national park.


The best hikes in the area all run off the Island in the Sky scenic drive, so if you’re planning on driving it, keep these hikes in mind:


Aztec Butte Trail

Distance: 1.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


A semi-difficult hike early on in the scenic drive. Offers a 360 degree view and is incredibly rewarding to complete.


Mesa Arch Tail

Distance: 0.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy


Grab a snapshot of the canyon on this short and easy trail for the whole family. While it certainly won’t satisfy the backpackers, it’s great for young children and older guests who may not have the physical ability to do other hikes.


Lathrop Canyon

Distance: 10.6 miles

Difficulty: Hard


This hike is perfect for backpacking, as it’s arguably the hardest challenge in Island in the Sky. Bring a lot of water and be ready to hike up some intense switchbacks.

Four Corners

Address: 597 NM-597, Teec Nos Pos, AZ

Hours: 8AM - 6:45PM

Cost: $8 per person


Are you trying to fill in your state’s visited map, and want an easy way to check off four of them? Come to the Four Corners monument—the only place that you can be in four states at one time.

When you arrive at the monument, you’ll see vendors at all four corners, selling souvenirs from all the different states! While maybe not the most thrilling attraction, it’s the only place you can actually do this in the entire country, so you might as well visit it for that alone!

Check on the masking requirements for the monument by clicking the button below!

LEARN MORE

The Needles

Called the Needles because of the sandstone spires scattered about the region, The Needles has no shortage of backpacking adventures for you to take.

 

Joint Trail

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Tons of guests like this trail, as it provides a decent workout and offers splendid views of the pillars nearby. You’ll be able to explore slot canyons—a southern Utah specialty.


Elephant Hill Trail

Distance: 6.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy


While this is typically a four-wheeling road, hiking is also permitted. While it is a fairly easy trail, you’re going to need to scramble over rocks. Keep that in mind.


Druid Arch Trail

Distance: 10.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


If you’re planning on this one, be sure to get here early. It’s a hot hike in the middle of the day, and can be unsafe. Bring tons of water or clean water tools so you can stay hydrated. Druid Arch is one of the most satisfying hikes to complete.


Chesler Park Loop

Distance: 10.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Chesler Park Loop can be done in tandem with Elephant Hill. It’s a very hot hike, so bring lots of water just as you would on that one. It’s the perfect backpacking experience.

The Maze

Because getting to the Maze is such a time commitment, your visit has to count. Luckily, there are some attractions that are exclusively found in this isolated section of Canyonlands, so your trip won’t be in vain.


Harvest Scene Hike

Distance: 9.3 miles

Difficulty: Hard


While this is one of the shadier hikes in Canyonlands, it’s not for the faint of heart. The hike is in the most remote section of the park, is long, and has multiple scrambles to prepare for. You do walk on the river bottom, and the conditions of the hike make for easy blistering.


The view of the pictographs provides a totally unique sight—don’t miss out on this one if you’re in the Maze.


Maze Overlook Trail

Distance: 8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


An uphill hike with a stunning panoramic view at the top. It’s a little difficult for the average hiker.


Horseshoe Canyon

Distance: 7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate


Pictograph locations are sprinkled throughout this hike, which makes for a fun and unique hiking experience. A fan favorite among the hikers who have been. Follow the cairns, admire the petroglyphs, and you’ll have a fun time.

For a perfect base of operations when visiting the national parks nearby, come to Cedar Canyon Vacation Rentals.