Canyonlands is huge! Canyonlands National Park is over 330,000 acres packed with amazing backroad driving, hiking and vista-ing. So how do you fit all of this fun into your Canyonlands one-day itinerary? It would take you weeks to explore everything. However, most people visit Canyonlands in a day or a weekend. And we think you can too. One day in Canyonlands is perfect to skim the surface and to see all of the well groomed and most popular destinations.
About Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is broken up into three districts.
The most visited district is the Island in the Sky district. This district is easy to visit as it is close to Moab and full of short trails, sweeping vistas and stunning photography opportunities.
The Needles district is the second main district of the park with its own Visitor’s Center. This area is great for geology nerds like us and people who like to hike.
Next you have the Maze district. You’ll need a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore this area. Others choose to explore this area via multi-night hiking trips or off road vehicles or bikes. This section is rarely visited and requires a more adventurous spirit and more time.
You also have to Rivers in the park. The Green and Colorado Rivers converge in Canyonlands National Park. There are sections of the park with smooth water perfect for kayaking or canoeing and there are also whitewater sections for the adventure lovers.
Needles District
The Needles entrance gate and the Island in the Sky entrance gate are two hours apart via car. Therefore, we recommend waking up early and getting a head start on exploring the Needles district. You can fit both the Needles and the Island in the Sky District into your Canyonlands one-day itinerary but you will have to wake up early.
We always recommend stopping at the Visitors Centers when visiting National Parks. It is here that you’ll get your pass for your visit as well as the best map of the park around. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the exhibits and ask the park rangers any questions you have about your visit. They are always full of helpful advice.
After doing some exploring in the visitor’s center, take the 10 mile road all the way to the Big Spring Canyon Overlook. On your way out of the park, stop at all of the overlooks to take in the sights.
If you’re feeling up to it, take the short hike to Pothole Point. This short hike takes about 40 minutes round trip and takes you to an up-close view of the Needles.
Then start your relaxing two hour drive to the Island in the Sky District. Your route will take you through Moab which is a great place to stop for lunch as food options in the park are limited.
Island in the Sky District
The Island in the Sky district is the most popular district and perfect for your Canyonlands one-day itinerary. Once you’ve eaten, head to the Island in the Sky Visitor’s Center and Viewpoint. Then we recommend heading all the way to the end of the road to Upheaval Dome and working your way back out of the park.
Upheaval Dome
While you’re fueled up with energy from lunch, head straight to the Upheaval Dome and take the short hike to the viewing area. This one-mile hike takes about 30 minutes to complete. This is a moderate trail with quite a bit of elevation change. But it is worth the hike as it brings you to this unique geological site.
Whale Rock
Next, hike to Whale Rock. This is a 1-hour, 1-mile trail that leads to the top of Whale Rock. Additionally, this hike has a lot of elevation change but it brings you to a height with amazing views. This is a very fun hike but it does have some steep areas and isn’t a great idea for people afraid of heights.
Green River Overlook
Stop at the Holeman Spring Canyon Overlook on your way to the picturesque Green River Overlook. Take in this popular overlook. This is similar to other overlooks in the park but is worth a stop as it presents a view of the Green River and Candlestick Tower.
Buck Canyon Overlook
Next, stop at the Buck Canyon Overlook. This was one of our favorite viewpoints.
Grand View Point Overlook
Next, head down to Grand View Point Overlook. Stop at Orange Cliffs Overlook on your way. The Grand View Point Overlook gives you a view of the Green River and the Colorado River confluence. You can also choose to take the 2 mile Grand View hike from here as well that will bring you to different views of this confluence. This is an out and back trail that takes about 1.5 hours to complete so you can hike as much or as little of it as you choose.
Mesa Arch
From Grand View Overlook, start your journey out of the park. Don’t forget to take the short hike to Mesa Arch. This easy .5-mile hike takes about an hour. This is one of the most popular hikes in Canyonlands so that’s why we recommend doing it at the end of the day (or the beginning). Parking here is tight so try to hit it at off times of the day. This is also a great spot for sunrise if you wake up early enough. You’ll see this sun rise through the window of the arch.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
Lastly, stop at one more overlook on your way out of the park.
Want to Adjust the Itinerary?
If you are short on time, we recommend sticking to just the Island in the Sky District. It has lots of things to do with the shortest drive time. The Island in the Sky district is perfect for your Canyonlands one-day itinerary, if you don’t want to wake up early for the Needles district.
If you have more time that you want to dedicate to Canyonlands National Park, we recommend spending more time hiking. Explore a full list of hiking trails here. If you are road tripping folks, you can also tackle the 100-mile White Rim Road if you have a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. Make sure to read up on this drive before starting it.
Where to Stay?
We recommend staying in Moab. It is the closest town and has the largest number of amenities. To read about our Moab recommendations, click here.
There are also campgrounds in both the Island in the Sky and the Needles sections of the park. We love National Park campgrounds as they are inexpensive and well maintained. However, keep in mind that you’re in the desert and these campsites will be open and exposed to the elements.
Great itinerary! We showed up at Mesa Arch for sunrise and moved on. Don’t get me wrong, it was spectacular but we missed so much – those overlooks are incredible!!
Thanks! The overlooks there were actually some of the best and there was no one there mid-day.