Island in the Sky District
Bordered by the Green River on the west and the Colorado River on the east, the Island provides easy access to overlooks with spectacular views of the canyons and other geological formations. Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips.
Permit Information
Backpacking $10; Backcountry Vehicle $25; Flat Water $10; Cataract Canyon $25. Permits are required for all overnight stays and are available at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center just inside the park's north entrance, or call (435)259-4351.
Directions
Take US Hwy 191 to Utah Hwy 313 (10 mi north of Moab or 22 mi south of I-70) then drive southwest for 22 miles.
Information Center
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center is roughly 40 minutes from Moab on 313. It is open 8 am to 4:30 pm daily (except some winter holidays) with extended hours spring through fall. Bottled water is sold here and nowhere else in the district.
Maze District
Due to the district's remoteness and the difficulty of its roads and trails, the Maze is the least accessible district of Canyonlands, requiring more time as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency to visit. Trips usually last a minimum of three days, and the area can easily absorb a week-long trip.
Maze visitors should be skilled in the use of topographic maps and, if traveling by vehicle, in technical four-wheel driving. The Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area shares Canyonlands National Park's western boundary and is administered under the same backcountry management plan and reservation system. While some regulations differ, the information here should assist Orange Cliffs visitors in planning their trips to this area.
Permit Information
Backpacking $10; Backcountry Vehicle $25; Flat Water $10; Cataract Canyon $25. Permits are required for all overnight stays and are available at the Needles Visitor Center or by calling (435)259-4351 if entering from Hans Flat.
Directions
To Hans Flat: The signed turnoff to the Maze District lies on the east side of Utah Highway 24, about 21 miles north of Hanksville, and 24.75 miles south of the Interstate 70/Utah Highway 24 junction west of Green River. Alternately, you may hike in from
Information Center
Visitor Center: There is no visitor center, but there is a ranger station at Hans Flat.
Needles District
The Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands and is the most popular backpacking destination in the park. The dominant formations are the needles themselves, and the district's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Tower Ruin, the Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, and Chesler Park.
Permit Information
Backpacking $10; Backcountry Vehicle $25; Flat Water $10; Cataract Canyon $25. Permits are required for all overnight stays and are available at the Needles Visitor Center just inside the Needles park entrance, or by calling (435)259-4351.
Directions
From U.S. Highway 191, 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles and is the only paved road leading into and out of the district.
Information Center
The Needles Visitor Center is located on Utah Highway 211 just inside the park. It is open 8 am to 4:30 pm daily (except some winter holidays) with extended hours March through October. Water is available at the visitor centers year-round.
Operating Hours
Open year-round.
Visitation
Highest in spring and fall.
Permits
Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Permits are also required for day use by vehicles, horses, and bikes in Salt Creek/Horse and Lavender Canyons in the Needles District. All permits may be reserved in advance.
Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: The visitor centers at the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts are open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours during spring and fall; they are closed on some federal holidays. There are exhibits at both visitor centers.
Programs: Evening programs, overlook talks, and other programs are offered spring through fall. Check with the visitor centers for current schedules. A Junior Ranger Program is available for children ages 6-12.
Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: There are no services within Canyonlands NP. Gas, food, and other items are available in nearby towns.
Concessions: The visitor centers have sales areas for books, maps, and other publications. The Maze District Ranger Station at Hans Flat has a small sales area.
Visitor Impact
All backcountry travelers should be mindful of their impact on the land and follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Cryptobiotic soil crust is a critical component of the high desert ecosystem and is common in Canyonlands. Crusts are easily damaged, so walk on marked trails or on other durable surfaces such as rock or in arroyos. Keep bikes, horses, and vehicles on designated roads at all times.
Additional Information
The Needles District offers a remote backcountry experience that requires hiking or four-wheel driving to see the area's attractions. The Maze is an entirely backcountry district that requires considerably more time and technical four-wheel driving to visit. Horseshoe Canyon, a detached park unit northeast of the Maze, is managed for non-motorized day use only. The Rivers offer another way to experience this region, with trips generally involving two or more days of boating. There are no roads that directly link these districts.
