A tiny hiker in the distance sits on an expanse of bright orange slickrock beneath towering rock structures.
Neal Herbert, National Park Service

Hiking in Canyonlands

Hiking in Canyonlands is the best way to experience the park’s vast landscapes.

Hiking in Canyonlands National Park promises adventures as big as its vistas.

Stunning geology, archaeological sites, and two of the West’s largest rivers provide endless opportunities to test your navigation skills, learn about Native cultures, and recharge with natural quiet.

A male hiker looks through a gap in the rocks, onto the large expanse of Canyonlands.

Hiking in Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park Basics

With three separate districts of the park, there is a lot to do and see in Canyonlands National Park. Make the most of your trip to Canyonlands by doing your homework first.

Study up on Canyonlands

Where should you go hiking in Canyonlands?

Canyonlands National Park is divided into three separate districts:

A view of the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park

Islands in the Sky

Home to the famous “White Rim,” the Islands in the Sky District is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Moab.

A view of white and orange sandstone.

The Needles

The Needles District is a hiker’s heaven, with numerous loop hikes, day hikes, and backpacking opportunities.

A pictograph panel showing large figures in a line
Kait Thomas, National Park Service

The Maze

Make sure to bring a map with you to the Maze District! It’s remote and rugged, but full of cultural history.

Best Canyonlands hikes

It’s hard to choose favorites, but these hikes leave us longing for more.

More trails

Two hikers walk on a ramp of slickrock beneath sandstone towers.

Adventure Awaits

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Special membership offer

Join the Grand Canyon Trust today to receive your adventure kit:

  • $25 donation: a Grand Canyon map, The Advocate magazine subscription, bookmark, and sticker
  • $75 donation: everything above plus four stunning note cards
  • $100 donation: all the benefits of the $75 level, plus a Grand Canyon Trust hat

Join today

The contents of the adventure kit: black hat with Grand Canyon Trust logo, map of grand canyon, bookmark, sticker of grand canyon logo, plus four scenic notecards

Canyonlands Backcountry Permits

Camping anywhere in the backcountry requires a permit.

Find out how to get your backcountry permit

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The last reddish rays of sunlight illuminate buttes and cliffs within an immense canyon topped with snow.
Don’t let a little snow keep you from visiting the Grand Canyon. Here’s everything you need to know for a winter trip to the big ditch.