Exploring Canyonlands National Park: Best Tips + Activities

Exploring Canyonlands National Park is an epic adventure of scenic drives, rugged trails, and breathtaking views. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Arches National Park, Canyonlands is Utah’s largest and wildest national park, offering a vast landscape of deep canyons, towering rock formations, and thrilling off-road routes.

Whether you’re hiking to iconic arches, navigating legendary dirt roads like Shafer Trail, or watching a jaw-dropping sunset from a remote overlook, every visit is a choose-your-own-adventure experience. In this episode, we’ll take you through the must-see spots, the best trails, and the ultimate backcountry excursions to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Podcast Episode Overview

Today, we’re taking you to a hidden gem that deserves to be in the spotlight—Canyonlands National Park!

Though it’s often overshadowed by the other national park in the area (ahem, Arches), Canyonlands is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. It’s John’s absolute favorite national park in Utah, and Canyonlands offers something so unique that it rises to the top of our list. Join us as we share why!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Why Canyonlands is the ultimate make-your-own-adventure park
The magic of the Island In The Sky District (and why you have to see it)
Trails you can’t afford to miss
Views that will take your breath away (literally and figuratively!)
Everything you need to know about the Schaefer Canyon Overlook
The terrifying experience that turned into the coolest story ever
The ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers
Best spots for rock climbing enthusiasts
What makes the Needles District so special
Must-know tips for planning your visit

We hope this episode inspires you to get out there and have your own adventure in Canyonlands National Park!

Your task for today is to head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get the BRAND-NEW CANYONLANDS ITINERARY! Yes, it’s finally here! You can get the Canyonlands Itinerary for 25% off with code CANYON25 until February 10th at midnight MST. That’s the cheapest it will ever be, so grab it at this price while you can!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Canyonlands is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” Park

Canyonlands National Park is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Arches National Park. Most visitors to the Moab area plan their trip around Arches and treat Canyonlands as an afterthought. But we’re here to change your mind.

Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park, covering over 337,000 square miles of public land. With four distinct districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers—there’s an adventure waiting for everyone. It’s a place where you don’t just visit—you explore.

If you’re ready for a park that rewards those who put in the effort, let’s dive in.

Unlike many other national parks where paved scenic drives and designated trails lead you to well-marked sights, Canyonlands is a build-your-own-pizza kind of place. You get the raw ingredients—dirt roads, towering canyon walls, deep canyons, and epic views—and it’s up to you to put together your perfect adventure.

Whether you’re driving four-wheel-drive roads, hiking short trails, or mountain biking along unpaved roads, there’s a whole world of adventure waiting just beyond the pavement.

Island in the Sky: The Magic of the High Desert

This is the most visited district, located just across the highway from Arches National Park. Here, you’re standing on the highest layer of the park, looking down into deep canyons carved by the Green River and the Colorado River.

The most famous hike here is Mesa Arch, a short hike leading to one of the most iconic sunrise views in the Southwest. Another must-see is Grand View Point, where the sweeping canyon views stretch for miles. For those who want to escape the crowds, Murphy Point offers a quiet and breathtaking sunset experience.

One of the biggest thrills in this district is the Shafer Trail. This dirt road clings to the cliffs as it switchbacks its way down to the White Rim Road. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, this is where your adventure truly begins. The legendary Shafer Canyon switchbacks make for an incredible drive, but road conditions can change, so check with the ranger station for full details before heading out. And don’t forget — you need a permit to drive the White Rim Road!

For another spectacular view, take a detour to Dead Horse Point State Park, just outside the park’s boundary, for panoramic views of the Colorado River winding through the canyon.

The Needles: Hiking Through a Rock Wonderland

Unlike Island in the Sky, where you look down at the canyons, The Needles surrounds you with towering rock formations. The landscape here is surreal, with red rock spires rising from the desert floor like a forest of stone.

Two of the best hikes in Canyonlands are found here: Chesler Park Loop and Druid Arch. Chesler Park is an adventurous 12-mile loop that winds through narrow slot canyons, slickrock passes, and open meadows. Druid Arch, on the other hand, is a rewarding challenge that leads to a massive, otherworldly arch standing high above the canyon.

The Needles is quieter than Island in the Sky, and that’s what makes it special. It’s remote, wild, and the perfect place to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the desert. Stop by the Needles Visitor Center for a day-use permit if you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path areas like Salt Creek.

The Ultimate Adventure: White Rim Road

If you’re looking for a true backcountry experience, the White Rim Road is one of the most thrilling adventures in Canyonlands. This 100-mile gravel road loops around the base of Island in the Sky, passing jaw-dropping overlooks, hidden arches, and some of the most stunning terrain in the park.

This road is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, proper backcountry permits, and plenty of preparation. We love using Twisted Jeeps in Moab! They’ve helped us feel confident as we navigated the exposed sections along Shafer Trail.

Some travelers bike the entire route over several consecutive days, while others opt for a multi-day Jeep trip, camping along the way. Either way, the White Rim Road is a bucket-list experience for serious adventurers.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Canyonlands is wild and remote. Here’s what you need to know before visiting.

There are no restaurants, gas stations, or hotels inside the park, so come prepared. Pack plenty of water, as temperatures can be extreme, especially during peak season. Winter months offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but some roads may become impassable due to snow or mud.

Many of the best adventures require a high-clearance vehicle, and permits are needed for backcountry camping and some trails. Stop by the district visitor centers, like the Sky Visitor Center or Needles Visitor Center, for detailed information on road conditions and backcountry permits.

If you only have a short amount of time, focus on the main road in Island in the Sky for quick but spectacular views. For those with extra days, explore Big Spring Canyon Overlook, Upheaval Dome, and Horseshoe Canyon for a deeper look into the park’s natural features.

Ready to Explore Canyonlands?

Canyonlands is more than just a side trip—it’s a must-see park! Whether you stick to the paved overlooks or venture deep into the wilderness, this park has some of the best experiences for adventure lovers. Get ready for breathtaking panoramic views, legendary dirt roads, and a night sky like no other.

Before you go, don’t forget to grab the Dirt in My Shoes Canyonlands National Park itinerary for 25% off with code CANYON25. This special offer is only available until February 10th, so don’t miss out!

Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

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