Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is an incredible destination for hikers of all ages and abilities. This park is in a breathtaking region of the Utah desert and is intersected by the confluence of the Green River and the mighty Colorado River. Canyonlands National Park is divided by these rivers into four districts, each with its own unique topography and special attractions. On your visit, be sure to check out the picturesque viewpoints in the Island in the Sky District, the epic and imposing Druid Arch Formation in the Needles District, and the unique geology of the Maze District. The fourth, and final area, is the River District, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant life.
The natural history of this park is truly incredible, and If you are interested in human history, Canyonlands National Park is rich with ancient anthropological attractions. As native land to the Ute, Paiute, and Pueblo peoples, Canyonlands National Park has some spectacular artifacts, including some of the best-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs in the world.
You can hike to these pictographs along popular trails like Horseshoe Canyon and The Harvest Scene Trail. You can also take the Aztec Butte or the Spanish Bottom Trail to see ancient granaries: storerooms that the Ancestral Pueblo People built to house grains and seeds. The False Kiva Trail is another great hike for the budding anthropologist or archeologist as it brings you to a class II archeological site that is still being unearthed. On your hikes, please be respectful of the artifacts you encounter; do not touch or lean against them and do not leave any markings of your own in the park. Let’s work together to keep this incredible place in good condition for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
10 Amazing Hiking Routes in Canyonlands National Park
There are many amazing hiking routes and so much to explore in Canyonlands National Park. If you’re not a huge hiker, there are some easy trails with breathtaking views of the park, and if you are ready for a challenging day along rugged terrain, don’t worry; there are plenty of trails for you too. From the ancient petroglyphs, pictographs, and granaries, to the unique geological formations of this park, you’ll want to make the most of your time visiting this incredible region. To hit the trails and see some of Canyonlands’ major highlights, check this list of our favorite hikes below:
- The Mesa Arch Trail: A short hike to one of the most photographed spots in Canyonlands National Park. The Mesa Arch is a 15 m sandstone formation that stands atop a 152 m cliff. This arch becomes perfectly illuminated in shades of gold as the morning sun rises over the eastern horizon.
- The Horseshoe Canyon Trail: This beautiful hike leads you past world-renowned petroglyph and pictograph panels. The Horseshoe Canyon Trail winds up in the Great Gallery, a single panel approximately 61 m long with 20 incredibly well-preserved life-sized drawings of human forms decorated with intricate designs.
- The Upheaval Dome Trail: If you are a geology geek, this is the trail for you! This short hike takes you to the Upheaval Dome: a massive dome and crater formation of uncertain origins.
- The White Rim Overlook Trail: This short and easy, family-friendly hike takes you to an overlook with some of the best views in Canyonlands National Park.
- The Whale Rock Trail: A hike up this whale-shaped rock will earn you 360-degree views of the Utah desert.
- The Lost Canyon Trail: This moderately challenging trail travels over a diverse desert landscape with cryptobiotic soil, cacti, deciduous trees, and classic Canyonlands sandstone.
- The Druid Arch Trail: Reminiscent of Stonehenge, the Druid arch is an impressive and unique 46 m tall sandstone formation at the end of Elephant Canyon. The hike there can be a bit of a challenge but just one look at this incredible structure, and it will all be worth it
- Aztec Butte Trail: This short and scrambly hike will bring you to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Canyonlands National Park. Check out the Pueblo Granaries along this trail: these rooms were built in 1200-1300 CE by the Pueblo peoples to store grain and seeds high above the canyon floor.
- Grand View Point Trail: This trail will bring you to several overlooks with some pretty grand views (pun intended) of Canyonlands National Park. This first section of this trail is paved and stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
- The False Kiva Trail: The False Kiva Trail is an unmaintained hike to an archeological site featuring a Kiva: a circular formation of stones that was historically used by Indigenous People as a space for meetings and ceremony.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Canyonlands National Park?
The best time to hike in Canyonlands National Park is in the spring or the fall. Summer in Canyonlands is beautiful but it can be blisteringly hot. Summertime and early fall thunderstorms can also pose a risk to hikers. No matter what time of the year you visit Canyonlands, always be prepared for the heat of the desert and the Utah sun. Wearing sunscreen, long light layers, and a good sunhat can go a long way to make your hike in the desert a positive experience (as opposed to a miserable, sunburnt slog). Always check the weather forecast before you head on your hike and bring along lots of water and some salty snacks to replenish your electrolytes along the way.
Other Outdoor Activities in Canyonlands National Park
Though hiking is the primary activity in Canyonlands, this park has so much to offer! Canyonlands National Park is a popular destination for off-highway-vehicle (OHV) driving, technical climbing, horseback riding, and stargazing. Paddling trips down the Green River and Colorado River are also a great way to experience the beauty of this region. The National Parks Service also offers programs on the natural and cultural significance of Canyonlands National Park with informational talks, and guided tours in the spring and fall.
Fantastic Adventure Tours in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park truly has so much to offer. This stunning and diverse region of the Utah desert is a great place to sample the American Southwest. If you would like help planning your trip to Canyonlands, check out our adventure tours in the area or give us a shout to ask questions and learn more about what this park has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canyonlands National Park
What are the four districts of Canyonlands National Park?
Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts by the intersections of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The Four districts are: the Maze District, the Island in the Sky District, the Needles District, and the Rivers District.
What Native Land is in Canyonlands National Park?
The area of Canyonlands National Park is Native to the Ute, Paiute, and Pueblo peoples. Pictographs and Petroglyphs that were initially drawn by these people hundreds of years ago are still visible in Canyonlands today. It is important to note that certain trails and areas of Canyonlands are named using Indigenous slurs; efforts to re-name areas of Canyonlands National Park are ongoing.
What kind of animals live in Canyonlands National Park?
Canyonlands National Park is home to a wonderful range of desert wildlife. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for mule deer and desert bighorn sheep, commonly seen roaming the trails. In addition, reptiles such as the northern whiptail, the desert spiny, and the colorful western lizard are often seen scampering along the trail or sunning themselves on the hot rocks. Some dangerous species such as mountain lions, the midget-faded rattlesnake, and black widow spiders are present in the park; however, sightings are rare. If you do encounter wildlife, do not feed the animals and be sure to give them lots of space.
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Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
Big Spring Canyon Overlook Trail
The Big Spring Canyon Overlook Trail is a short hike to two beautiful viewpoints. This family-friendly hike is a great way to stretch your legs and do some exploring around the multi-colored sandstone spires. This area is unique to Canyonlands National Park as the nourishment of the Big Spring allows large trees and desert plants to flourish.
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Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop
The Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop is a moderate hiking trail through ponderosa pine forest, desert sagebrush, and over sandstone slabs. This hike is a great place to get away from the crowds and see desert flora and fauna. When hiking keep an eye out for critters such as jackrabbits, spiny lizards, mule deer, and more.
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The Great Gallery Trail
The Great Gallery Trail is an incredible hike to and through Horseshoe Canyon. Horseshoe Canyon contains some of the most incredible and well-known petroglyphs and pictographs in North America. This hike passes by three galleries and ends at the Great Gallery—a 61 m panel of over 20 breathtaking drawings.
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Gooseneck Overlook
The Gooseneck Overlook Trail is a short hike with unparalleled views of Canyonlands National Park. This hike is a great addition to your off-highway-vehicle trip around the Utah desert. For an especially spectacular view, try this hike at dusk or dawn.
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Neck Spring Trail
The Neck Spring Trail is a lovely little hiking loop over diverse terrain in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. With shady forest, hot desert sandstone, and a short scramble—the Neck Spring Trail has so much to offer. This hike is low-traffic and a great opportunity to get some alone time enjoying the beauty that the Utah desert has to offer.
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Confluence Overlook Trail
The Confluence Overlook Trail is an adventurous hike with varying desert terrain. This trail has slickrock, scrambles, and sand. If you are looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon playing around Canyonlands National Park- this trail is a fantastic route for you.
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Pothole Point Trail
The Pothole Point trail is a short and easy hike over a trail with unique potholes that turn into little pools after a rare desert rain. This hike is kid-friendly and a great place to go to get some family photos. Try this trail in the springtime to see the desert cacti in full bloom.
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Chocolate Drops Trail
The Chocolate Drops Trail is a relatively flat out-and-back route to some of the most prominent landmarks in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The Chocolate Drops are 61 m tall columns of Organ Shale that rise above the rest of the Maze District landscape. This hike sees relatively low traffic and is a great way to spend the day exploring a unique section of the Park.
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Murphy Loop
The Murphy Trail is a beautiful, long hike down to and through a canyon in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. This trail is moderately challenging with sections of steep switchbacks, so make sure you arrive prepared. The Murphy Trail sees little traffic, so it's a great place to go for a long, peaceful hike in the Utah desert.
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Zeus and Moses Trail
The Zeus and Moses Trail is a short, out-and-back hike to the Zeus and Moses Sandstone towers. This hike can be accessed via the Taylor Canyon OHV trail or the Alcove Spring Trail. No matter how you get there, this hike is worth it—this trail is truly a hidden gem in Canyonlands National Park.
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The Harvest Scene Trail
The Harvest Scene Trail is a challenging hiking loop to the World-renowned pictograph panel known as The Harvest Scene. This panel, depicting animal and human forms, is between 2000 to 3000 years old and in incredible condition. The trail to get there is rugged with steep scramble sections, but we promise that the challenge is worth it.
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The Lathrop Trail
The Lathrop Trail is an incredible route for experienced hikers. This trail features steep switchbacks, beautiful buttes, and outstanding overlooks. The challenge and reward of this trail are equally matched to make this the perfect hike for intrepid adventurers.
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The Slickrock Hiking Trail
The Slickrock Trail is a family-friendly hiking circuit in the Needles District of Canyonlands. This hike offers incredible views of The Needles, Six-Shooter Peak, and Big Spring Canyon. This hike is easy-to moderately challenging and a great way to spend the day adventuring in the desert with the whole family.
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The Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail
The Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail is an adventurous route for experienced hikers. This trail has incredible views, sandy slogs, and steep ladders to scale and descend. If you are looking to spend the night under the Utah stars, be sure to pick up a backcountry overnight permit before heading out on this trail.
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Cave Spring Trail
If you are a history buff, a fan of cowboys, or would just like to see some cool artifacts, the Cave Spring Trail is for you! This hike takes you past prehistoric pictographs and petroglyphs that date back thousands of years and ends at a preserved cowboy camp from the 1800s. This hike of ladders and caves is an awesome adventure in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
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Fort Bottom Ruin Trail
The Fort Bottom Trail is a fantastic hike to two buildings from two different eras of human history. This adventurous hike leads you to a fort-like tower built approximately 750 years ago as well as an old cowboy cabin from the 1800s. This trail has some tricky sections but it is a great pace to spend the day exploring around, and learning about Canyonlands National Park.
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Grand View Point Overlook
The Grand View Point Overlook Trail is a short, paved hike to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Canyonlands National Park. This trail is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Service Dogs are also allowed to accompany you on this gorgeous route.
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Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail
The Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail is a fantastic route for experienced hikers. This trail leads you past the Druid Arch: a 46 m tall formation of cedar mesa sandstone that bears a closer resemblance to Stonehenge than to the classic arches of the Utah desert. The Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail can be done in one, big day or broken up over a weekend by camping at one of the many gorgeous campsites along the route.
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Druid Arch to Chesler Park Loop
The Druid Arch to Chesler Park loop is a long hike for experienced adventurers. This trail will take you to the incredible Druid Arch: a 46 m tall sandstone structure, and along the Chesler Park Loop: a trail with some of the best terrain in Canyonlands. This hike can also be broken up over a couple of days by camping at one of the many backcountry campsites on route.
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Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Loop
The Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Hiking Loop is a moderately challenging day hike in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This hike has varying terrain with rocky scrambles, sandy sections, and even a couple of ladders. This hike can be broken up over a couple of days by camping at one of the backcountry campsites on route.