Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park 2024 Guide

Canyonlands National Park, a mesmerizing landscape carved by the forces of nature over millennia, offers a stunning backdrop for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the southeastern part of the state, this vast expanse of canyons, mesas, and river gorges is one of the best Utah National Parks.

The best time to visit Canyonlands depends on what you’re looking for. Each season shows a different side of the park’s beauty, from the lush colors of spring and fall to the stark, serene winters.

You can tackle the rugged backcountry, witness breathtaking sunsets, or simply bask in the grandeur of the great outdoors. Any way you look at it, timing your visit is everything if you want to make the most of your Utah road trip. 

What are you waiting for? Let’s get into it and find out the Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park.

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How to Get to Canyonlands National Park

If you’re heading toward Canyonlands National Park by plane, you’ll be flying into one of these airports:

• Canyonlands Field Airport (16 miles from Moab)

• Grand Junction Airport (113 miles from Moab)

• Salt Lake City International Airport (239 miles from Moab)

From here, you’ll need to rent a car to get to and around the park. A high-clearance vehicle will be your best bet if you plan on doing some off-roading or taking trickier routes like White Rim Road or the Maze Districts.

If you have a standard car, you don’t have to worry; the Island in the Sky District is easily reachable from nearby Moab. The Needles District is also accessible, though the drive is a little longer.

Best Time to Go to Canyonlands National Park

The best seasons to visit Canyonlands National Park are during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) months. These seasons provide comfortably mild weather for outdoor activities, making it perfect for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and sightseeing. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes, while fall offers vibrant foliage and crisp, clear skies.

May is the best month to go. The longer daylight hours provide ample time to explore the park’s trails and scenic viewpoints. The crowds are moderate compared to the peak summer season, ensuring a more enjoyable and serene experience. 

Worst Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park

The worst time to see Canyonlands National Park is during the peak summer season, particularly in July. Summer months bring extreme heat, with temperatures often soaring above 100°F. This makes outdoor activities like desert hiking and exploring uncomfortable and hazardous due to the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.

Additionally, July is part of the monsoon season, which can result in sudden and heavy thunderstorms, leading to dangerous flash floods in the park’s canyons. Some areas, such as slot canyons, are prone to rapid flooding, which can be very scary if you’re in one of them. The combination of these factors might make a summer visit less than perfect.

Visiting Canyonlands in Spring

Touring Canyonlands National Park in spring offers a spectacular experience with mild weather and vibrant landscapes. From March to May, temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities.

The park bursts into color with blossoming wildflowers, adding to its natural beauty. The landscape makes for a stunning Canyonlands National Park photo or two.

Spring is ideal for hiking, exploring the Needles District, and enjoying scenic drives along the White Rim Road. Overall, spring provides a pleasant and visually stunning time to explore the diverse wonders of Canyonlands.

Things to Do in Canyonlands in Spring

There’s plenty to do during spring, from hiking to backpacking and more. Here’s a small list.

Backpack in the Needles District

Backpacking in the Needles District in spring is one of the best things to do at Canyonlands National Park. You’ll be able to trek the area, see the stunning rock formations, and walk among the wildflowers.

Spring’s weather makes it ideal for extended trips. You can grab a permit at the Needles Visitor Center and camp out in the desert. If you prefer a few amenities, the Needles campground has picnic tables, vault toilets open year-round, and fire rings.

Check out the Cave Spring Trail

• Distance: 0.6-mile (loop)
• Elevation gain: 59 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Cave Spring Trail in Canyonlands’ Needles District is especially enchanting in spring. The trail features blooming wildflowers, ancient rock art from Native American tribes like the Ancestral Puebloans, and a historic cowboy camp.

This culturally rich hike is definitely worth it, especially if you’re only spending one day in Canyonlands.

Trek the Chesler Park Loop Trail

• Distance: 10.2-mile (loop)
• Elevation gain: 1,794 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The Chesler Park Loop Trail in Canyonlands’ Needles District is a firm hiking favorite. It offers breathtaking views of unique rock formations, vibrant wildflowers in spring, and expansive meadows. This challenging hike is an adventure for seasoned hikers, so be sure you can hack it before you head out.

Visiting Canyonlands in Summer

Seeing Canyonlands National Park in summer offers a unique yet challenging experience. From June to August, summer temperatures often skyrocket around 100°F, making outdoor activities strenuous and potentially hazardous. Adequate preparation and caution are essential for a safe and enjoyable summer visit.

If you’re hiking, you’ll want to head out during the early morning and late evening to avoid the sweltering heat.

Water activities like rafting on the Green and Colorado Rivers provide a refreshing escape from the heat. Stargazing is exceptional during summer nights due to the clear skies.

Things to Do in Canyonlands in Summer

Despite the heat, the park’s striking landscapes still make for an amazing sight. Here’s a list of things to do.

Hike the Aztec Butte Trail

• Distance: 1.6-mile (out-and-back)
• Elevation gain: 249 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Aztec Butte Trail in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District is more than just a pretty hike. It allows you to see the remarkable ancestral Puebloan granaries and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and canyons.

Drive the Shafer Trail

The Shafer Trail is a steep, winding dirt road that descends from the Island in the Sky mesa. While it has breathtaking views of towering cliffs and expansive canyons, the heat can be too much. So, drive it instead.

You’ll need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, but the thrilling journey through some of the park’s most rugged terrain is worth visiting.

Go River rafting

River rafting in Canyonlands during summer is a perfect escape from the heat. The Green and Colorado Rivers offer thrilling rapids and scenic float trips. Cool off in the refreshing waters while navigating stunning canyons and spotting diverse wildlife.

Visiting Canyonlands in the Fall

You’ll find that the park in the fall is an absolutely delightful experience. With moderate temperatures (40°F – 80°F) offering perfect conditions for exploration, there’s no shortage of things to do in Canyonlands National Park.

Fall is ideal for hiking popular trails, where the mild weather makes for comfortable and extended outdoor activities.

Scenic drives, including the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts, provide breathtaking views with fewer crowds. Additionally, fall is a great time for photography, capturing the stunning contrast of the red rock formations against the clear, crisp skies.

Things to Do in Canyonlands in the Fall

The park’s landscapes are painted with the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall, making for some breathtaking scenery. Here are the best ways to see the park in autumn.

Visit Grand View Point Overlook

Grand View Overlook in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District is one of the park’s most stunning vantage points. From here, you can gaze across an expansive landscape of deep canyons, towering mesas, and distant mountains. The short, accessible trail to the overlook makes it a must-see destination for breathtaking views.

Discover the White Rim Overlook

• Distance: 1.8-mile (out-and-back)
• Elevation gain: 160 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The White Rim is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. This tranquil spot in the Island in the Sky District boasts sweeping views of the White Rim Plateau, Colorado River, and La Sal Mountains. It’s accessible via a short, easy hike. The trail is known to be a little windy and has some steep stairs, but nothing too hectic.

Take a Peek at Upheaval Dome

This geological marvel features a mysterious, massive crater. Getting here involves a moderate hike, but the payoff is worth it for the striking perspectives of the dome’s unique, colorful rock formations. While theories suggest it was formed by a meteor impact or a salt dome collapse, scientists still don’t actually know for sure.

See the Maze District from the Colorado River

While driving into the Maze District can be rough on most vehicles, sailing down the Colorado River down to its joining with the Green River is a unique way to see the most remote of the four districts. Have a look at the trail to Beehive Arch, the Dollhouse, and the Surprise Valley overlook.

Visiting Canyonlands in Winter

Canyonlands in winter can be a serene and tranquil experience, with cooler temperatures (20°F – 50°F) and fewer crowds. The park’s stunning red rock formations are often dusted with snow, creating a striking contrast and unique backdrops for photos. Highlights like Mesa Arch are particularly rewarding as the sun rises.

Winter’s calm atmosphere means a more solitary experience on popular treks like Murphy Point. A scenic drive through White Rim Road means you can take in the gorgeous scenery while staying warm. It’s also a great time to visit if you’re seeking solitude.

Hiking and photography are enjoyable in the cooler weather, but be prepared for potentially icy conditions. The visitor centers provide a welcome escape from the cold.

Things to Do in Canyonlands in Winter

While it might be chilly, there are still fun activities to fill your trip. Check it out below.

Take in a Mesa Arch Sunrise

• Distance: 0.7-mile (loop)
• Elevation gain: 88 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Mesa Arch Trail at sunrise in winter is a magical experience. This short hike leads to the iconic arch, which frames the rising sun and snow-dusted canyons below. The peaceful morning air and thinner crowds make it among the best things to see in Canyonlands National Park.

Island in the Sky Scenic Drive

The Island in the Sky Scenic Drive offers breathtaking vistas of Canyonlands National Park. This paved route features multiple overlooks, including Grand View Point and Green River Overlook. The road is brimming with vistas of dramatic canyons and mesas. Most visitors agree that it’s a must-do to experience the park’s stunning landscapes from above.

Hike Murphy Point Trail

• Distance: 3.4-mile (out-and-back)
• Elevation gain: 177 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This easygoing route will take you to Murphy Point, where you can gaze over panoramic views of the canyons and surrounding landscape. A perk of visiting during the winter months, aside from the quiet, is the possibility of seeing snow sprinkled over the terrain.

FAQs About Canyonlands National Park Best Time to Visit

If there are still some questions in the back of your mind, here are some answers to the most common questions about visiting Canyonlands National Park.

How Many Days Do I Need in Canyonlands National Park?

To fully experience Canyonlands National Park, plan for at least two to three days. This allows you time to explore the major districts, hike popular trails, and enjoy a few scenic drives. If you’re into the rugged vibe, extra days can be spent on backcountry adventures and river rafting.

Do I Need a Permit to Visit Canyonlands?

You don’t need a permit for general day visits to Canyonlands National Park. However, permits are required for certain activities like overnight backpacking, river trips, and four-wheel-drive trips. It’s a good idea to check the park’s official website for specific permit requirements and availability before your visit.

Is It Easy to Get Around Canyonlands National Park?

While paved roads provide access to main viewpoints, getting around Canyonlands National Park can be challenging. Some parts require four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate dirt roads. Hopping on a mountain bike is a popular alternative if you want to explore some backcountry trails. Keep an eye on road conditions and plan accordingly to stay safe.

Wrapping Up the Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park

And there you have it. Canyonlands is an underrated gem among Utah’s many national parks. Mountain bikers, hikers, campers, adrenaline seekers, and nature lovers will all find something to love here. 

Each season presents its own perks, so no matter when you go, Canyonlands will wow you. What are you waiting for? Get packing!

Stopping at Arches next? Read this list of things to do in Arches National Park.

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