3
Districts
1 open · 2 4WD
Access
3 areas
Campgrounds
$30
7-day fee
2 gauges
Rivers
Very dark
Night sky
Three Districts, No Direct Roads Between Them2+ hrs between▾
Park Entrance & Access$30 · all districts▾
Island in the Sky
Paved, Year-Round
UT-313, ~40 min from Moab
The most accessible district — a mesa-top plateau with paved roads to all major overlooks, no 4WD needed for the main sights.
💡 No gas, food, or lodging in this district — fill up in Moab first.
Island in the Sky info ↗
The Needles
Paved to Visitor Center
UT-211, ~1.5 hrs south of Moab
Paved road reaches the visitor center and campground; most of the district's best hikes (Chesler Park, Joint Trail) require hiking beyond the pavement.
💡 Bring all the water you'll need — there's very little reliable water in this district.
The Needles info ↗
The Maze
Extreme 4WD, Permit Required
No paved access, multi-hour approach
One of the most remote areas in the National Park System. High-clearance 4WD only, no cell service, no water, no services — self-sufficiency and backcountry permits are mandatory.
💡 Not a casual day trip — most visitors need multi-day planning and a capable vehicle to reach it at all.
The Maze info ↗
Campgrounds3 areas▾
Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) First-Come, First-Served ▾
Sites12
SeasonYear-round
NotesNo potable water — bring your own; fills most days spring–fall
Campground details ↗
The Needles Campground Mixed Reservable & First-Come ▾
Sites26 (11 reservable, 14 FCFS)
SeasonLoop A year-round; Loop B reservable Mar 15–Nov 15
Book on Recreation.gov ↗
Landmarks & Trailheads7 stops▾
Island in the Sky3 stops▾
Mesa ArchEasy · famous sunrise arch overlook~0.5 mi loop
Grand View PointEasy · sweeping canyon panorama~2 mi RT
Upheaval DomeModerate · mysterious crater-like formationOverlook or ~8 mi loop
The Needles2 stops▾
Chesler Park & Joint TrailStrenuous · slot canyon, spires~11 mi loop
Needles OverlookEasy · outside the park, on the approach roadRoadside
Rivers & Backcountry2 stops▾
Confluence OverlookStrenuous · where the Green & Colorado meet~11 mi RT
White Rim RoadMulti-day 4WD · permit required~100 mi loop
River Conditions2 gauges▾
Green River near Canyonlands NP (Mineral Bottom)
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Colorado River at Potash
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Stargazing & Night SkyVery dark skies▾
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Canyonlands' remoteness and lack of nearby cities make for some of the darkest skies in Utah, especially in The Needles and The Maze. Best on new-moon nights away from Moab's glow to the north. Bring warm layers — desert nights cool fast even after 100°F days. NPS plan-your-visit info ↗
Goods & ServicesNo in-park services▾
Visitor Centers2 locations▾
Island in the Sky Visitor CenterInfo · BookstoreYear-round
Needles Visitor CenterInfo · BookstoreYear-round, limited winter hours
Park Contact Information