The Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

The Best Day Hikes in Canyonlands National Park.  Clockwise from upper left: Dollhouse Road, Chesler Park West Trail, granaries on Aztec Butte, and views through Mesa Arch
Clockwise from upper left: Dollhouse Road, Chesler Park West Trail, granaries on Aztec Butte, and views through Mesa Arch

At this point, Canyonlands ranks as one of my favorite national parks to visit in Utah.  I love the variety of long-ranging canyon views, rock formations, arches, slot canyons, mountain views, and exploration opportunities.  There are also hikes for every ability and difficulty – from roadside overlooks to multi-day adventures!

Near the White Rim Overlook in the Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Near the White Rim Overlook in the Island in the Sky District

Canyonlands National Park is officially comprised of three districts – Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze.  None of the three are connected by roads – you’ll have to drive out of each district and take US highways to make your way around to the next district.  Each district is unique, so I’ll detail them below and then tell you my favorite hikes in each district.

Spires near Chesler Park, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Spires near Chesler Park

Most people visit Island in the Sky District simply because it’s close to Moab, Arches National Park, and Deadhorse Point State Park.  The district has a boatload of short hikes and overlooks, as well as a few very long trails – there are few hikes that are in between these two extremes.  Island in the Sky District showcases gorgeous views from the top of the mesa down on the canyons of Canyonlands, including both the Colorado and Green Rivers.  It’s also the home of the famous Mesa Arch and the beginning of the infamous White Rim Road.

A Jeep Gladiator on the White Rim Road, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
A Jeep Gladiator on the White Rim Road

The second most popular area of Canyonlands is the Needles District, located 2 hours south of Moab.  While some hikes do have gorgeous views across the desert to the La Sal Mountains, the key attraction is the needle-like spires that poke up out of the landscape.  There are a few very short paths and quite a few very long trails, as well as famous 4×4 routes (permit required) including the Elephant Hill Road.  Chesler Park (a meadow surrounded by needles) and Druid Arch are two of the most popular hikes.

Rock art in the Needles District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Rock art in the Needles District

The least-visited part of Canyonlands is the Maze District.  In fact, it’s a bit infamous, simply because it’s so difficult to access.  To truly explore the Maze, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle and the desire for long backpacking trips – and that’s on top of 40+ miles of dirt roads just to get to the visitor center!  However, if you’re not quite that hard-core, there are several viewpoints and great 4×4 scenic drives.  Views in the Maze are mostly either vistas from the rim down into the canyons and needle-like formations or else hiking in the canyons that make up the Maze.  The most famous attractions are the Dollhouse (a tight collection of needles) and the Harvest Scene of rock art.

Old watering trough at Lou's Spring, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Old watering trough at Lou’s Spring

Without further ado, here are my favorite hikes in Canyonlands National Park!

Best Hikes in Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park

Easy-Moderate Trails in Island in the Sky District

Views from the Schafer Canyon Overlook, Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views from the Schafer Canyon Overlook

Schafer Canyon Overlook

0.3 miles RT

Fantastic views of the Schafer Trail and Schafer Canyon out to the La Sal Mountains.  Best in the afternoon.

Mesa Arch about 30 minutes after sunrise, Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Mesa Arch about 30 minutes after sunrise

Mesa Arch

0.75 mile loop

Nice views and a mesa-rim arch framing the La Sal Mountains and rock formations.  Best at sunrise or late afternoon.

Views from the Green River Overlook, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views from the Green River Overlook

Green River Overlook

0.2 miles RT

A paved sidewalk leads to excellent views of the Green River and the Canyonlands.  Best in the morning an hour or more after sunrise.

Granaries on Aztec Butte, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Granaries on Aztec Butte

Aztec Butte Trail

1.7 mile lollipop loop

I’m including this on the list simply because it’s different than most other trails in Canyonlands.  Two granaries and fantastic views can be found atop (and beside) a large, mesa-top butte.  Best in the afternoon, though views in the morning would also be excellent.

Views into Upheaval Dome, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views into Upheaval Dome

Upheaval Dome

1.7 miles RT

Look into the pretty remains of a salt dome (meteor strike?).  This is a very scenic trek.  Best in the late afternoon.

Murphy Point views, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Murphy Point views

Murphy Overlook

3.5 miles RT

Hike across the mesa to jaw-dropping views down on the Green River and nearby Canyonlands.  Best in the morning at least an hour after sunrise.

Monument Basin from the White Rim Overlook, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Monument Basin from the White Rim Overlook

White Rim Overlook

1.9 miles RT

Spectacular views await hikers who gaze down on Monument Basin and the Colorado River canyon, not to mention the La Sal Mountains.  Best in the late afternoon.

Evening at Grand View Overlook, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Evening at Grand View Overlook

Grand View Trail

2.0 miles RT

This is my personal favorite trail in Island in the Sky with fabulous views both east and west.  The Needles, the Maze, the Colorado River, the Green River, and miles and miles of canyons and rock formations are visible from the path.  Best in the late afternoon or morning at least an hour after sunrise.

More Strenuous Hikes in Island in the Sky District

Airport Tower from the Lathrop Canyon Trail, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Airport Tower from the Lathrop Canyon Trail

Lathrop Point Overlook & Lathrop Canyon

4.3-11.8 miles RT

Cross a desert meadow and then descend to a view over – and then within – Lathrop Canyon, as well as to Airport Tower.  Best in the afternoon.

Candlestick Tower from near the Wilhite Trail, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Candlestick Tower from near the Wilhite Trail

Wilhite Trail

12.2 miles RT

Descend Wilhite Canyon with views out to the canyons around the Green River and Candlestick Tower.  Best in the morning, though Candlestick Tower is better in the afternoon.

The La Sal Mountains from the end of the Gooseberry Trail, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The La Sal Mountains from the end of the Gooseberry Trail

Gooseberry Trail

5.0 miles RT

Views galore and then canyon vistas to rock formations make this a great (if very steep) option.  Best in the afternoon.

Best Hikes in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park

Easy-Moderate Hikes in the Needles District

Slickrock buttes from the Cave Spring Trail, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Slickrock buttes from the Cave Spring Trail

Cave Spring

0.6 mile loop

Far-reaching vistas across the Needles District are the star of the show, though you’ll also pass a spring and a historic cowboy camp.  Best in the afternoon, though morning has nice views, too.

Views toward Island in the Sky District from the Slickrock Trail, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views toward Island in the Sky District from the Slickrock Trail

Slickrock Trail

2.9 miles RT

Enjoy views to the Needles and also into various canyons along the trail.  Best in either the morning or late afternoon.

One of my favorite views on the Elephant Canyon Trail, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
One of my favorite views on the Elephant Canyon Trail

Elephant Canyon

4.1 miles RT

This is by far my favorite of the shorter hikes in the Needles District (Cave Spring is the only other contender).  Spectacular vistas, rock formations, and fun scrambles make this a hike to be remembered.  Best in the early morning or late afternoon.

Upper Salt Creek from one of the Big Pocket Overlooks, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Upper Salt Creek from one of the Big Pocket Overlooks

Big Pocket Overlooks

4.9 mile loop

Hike around a spur off the mesa to fantastic views into Upper Salt Creek, Big Pocket, and Lavender Canyon.  Located many miles down a (usually) 2WD-friendly dirt road.  Best in the early morning, though late afternoon would be good for Lavender Canyon and the La Sal Mountains.

More Strenuous Hikes in the Needles District

Views along the Wooden Shoe Canyon Trail, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views along the Wooden Shoe Canyon Trail

Wooden Shoe Canyon/Big Spring Canyon Loop

7.4 mile loop

Explore two canyons with some good views of the Needles and nearby canyons.  Formally Squaw Canyon/Big Spring Canyon Loop (and the signs still remember the old naming system).  Best in the early morning and late afternoon.

A few of the views from the Peek-a-boo Trail, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
A few of the views from the Peek-a-boo Trail

Peek-a-boo Trail via Lost Canyon

6-11.4 miles RT

For views and rock formations (plus two arches), it’s hard to beat the Peek-a-boo Trail (which is only slightly lower in my “best of” book than the Chesler Park Loop).  Go in October, when the cottonwoods are gold, and you’ll never forget the views!

Strolling through Chesler Park.  Do you see the hiker on the trail?  Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Strolling through Chesler Park. Do you see the hiker on the trail?

Chesler Park Loop (Elephant Canyon, Chesler Park, the Joint Trail, & West Chesler Park)

11.9 mile lollipop loop

To me, this loop is one of the best hikes in the entire state of Utah.  I just can’t get enough of the spectacular views, the awe-inspiring rock formations, a desert meadow, and a fun little slot to boot.

Druid Arch, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Druid Arch

Druid Arch

10.2-14 miles RT

A unique arch is the reward for this hike up a needle-crested canyon.  Best in the spring, since in the fall, the sun is too far south for good photos.

Views down on a small waterfall in Upper Salt Creek Canyon, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views down on a small waterfall in Upper Salt Creek Canyon

Upper Salt Creek

8.8 miles RT

To avoid the crowds, this is a good option.  The path isn’t the most scenic, but it does lead to a historic cabin and views of a giant arch.

Best Hikes in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park

Closeup of one of the rock art panels in Horseshoe Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Closeup of one of the rock art panels in Horseshoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon

7.2 miles RT

Hike up a canyon to a famous rock art panel.  Don’t visit after a rain, as the road is impassible and the flash flood danger is real.  In October, the nearby cottonwoods will be gold for an unforgettable experience.

Views down Millard Canyon, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Views down Millard Canyon

Millard Canyon Overlook, Bagpipe Butte, & Flint Trail Overlook + The Neck Overlook (post coming soon!)

About 0.1 miles of hiking per overlook

The first three overlooks are along NP-633 looking down across the Maze.  My personal favorite is Millard Canyon, though all are well worth the stop to see.  The Neck Overlook is along the Big Ridge Road near the Neck Campsite – views into Happy Canyon on one side and Poison Spring Canyon on the other are amazing!  Best in the afternoon.

Panorama Point Trail

1.2 miles RT

One of the most beautiful vistas of this section of Glen Canyon, views spread across the Maze to the La Sal Mountains.  Best in the afternoon.

North Point Trail (near Cleopatra’s Chair)

3.2 miles RT

Views are very good into Millard Canyon.  Best in the afternoon, though morning has some good views, as well.

The Mother and Child Formation along the Golden Stairs Trail, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Mother and Child Formation along the Golden Stairs Trail

Golden Stairs Trail

5.0 miles RT

Enjoy spectacular vistas across “Ernie’s Country” to the Needles, the Dollhouse, and the Mother and Child rock formation.  Best in the afternoon in the fall/winter months.

Images of the Harvest Scene, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Images of the Harvest Scene

Maze Overlook Trail to the Harvest Scene

8.0 miles RT

Views are excellent from the Maze Overlook; the route (is it really a trail?) then descends to the canyon where you can hike to a rock art site.  Best in the morning in the fall/winter months.

Descending into the Fins, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Descending into the Fins

Fins Trail (longer version here)

10.9 miles OW

Take a canyon-studded wash hike past springs and rock formations, with some pretty good views, too.  Best in the afternoon.

The Chocolate Drops, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Chocolate Drops

Chocolate Drops Trail

8.8 miles RT

The star of the show are two chocolate-bar-shaped formations.  But there are some good views, too.  Morning and afternoon both have their benefits, though I’d say the afternoon is probably better.

The Dollhouse, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Dollhouse

Granary Trail

1.9 mile lollipop loop

Enjoy the Dollhouse as well as several granaries and views.  Best in the afternoon, though the Dollhouse is better in the morning.

A fossil along the Spanish Bottom Trail, Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
A fossil along the Spanish Bottom Trail

Spanish Bottom

3.4 miles RT

The most popular trail in the Maze takes you beside the famous Dollhouse and then down to the bank of the Colorado River (it should be noted that no bridge crosses to the other side here).  Best in the morning.

Exploring near the Joint Trail in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Exploring near the Joint Trail in the Needles District

Need to Know

Island in the Sky District and the Needles District charge a $30/vehicle, valid 7 days.  The entry fee is honored at both districts.  America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Lands Passes and Southeast Utah National Parks Passes are accepted.  The Maze District does not charge an entry fee.

The best seasons to visit Canyonlands National Park is October-April, although September and May are also good months if you don’t mind a little bit of heat.  December-February can have snow, but they’re also the quietest months to visit.

Camping is extremely limited in Canyonlands; there is no lodging or food available for purchase.  Reservations are accepted on Recreation.gov.

Bring plenty of water with you – and drink it!  The Maze District has no potable water available, even at the visitor center.

Island in the Sky and some trailheads in the Needles can be very busy, especially April-September.  Arrive early or late and be patient – come back later if a parking area is full.  (Evening is one of my favorite times of day in Island in the Sky, and it’s pretty quiet even in the busy season.)

Cell service is extremely limited in all three districts, but especially in the Maze (where GPS units often don’t work, either).

Do not try exploring the Maze District without 4×4 (as if I should talk… I did it with a 2WD, high-clearance van, which definitely limited where I could go and what I could do).  The Maze requires special preparedness, including extra water, extra gas, extra food, and extra tire(s) (when I visited, the rangers were dealing with two of their own vehicles that had flat tires with rangers stranded in the Maze).  Be prepared to spend several extra days without help if you break down.

Do you have a favorite hike in Canyonlands that I’ve missed here?  Let me know in the comments!

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