Complete Guide to Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Arches, but after visiting twice, we can confidently say: it deserves just some love. With jaw-dropping overlooks, kid-friendly hikes, and epic camping, it’s worth checking out next time you’re in Utah!
We’ve explored both the Island in the Sky and The Needles districts, and while they each offer something unique, Island in the Sky was truly spectacular!
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Canyonlands and why it should be on your adventure list.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Willow Flat Campground: A Perfect Base for Exploring
Sunrise at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
Sunrise at Mesa Arch
We rolled into Willow Flat Campground late at night after an extremely windy trailer drive from Hanksville. When we woke up, we were greeted by fresh snow—a stark contrast to the red rock landscapes we expected!
Despite the cold, we bundled up before dawn and made our way to Mesa Arch. Watching the first rays of light hit the La Sal Mountains through the arch was nothing short of spectacular. If you only do one thing in Canyonlands, this is it.
Sunrise at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
Green River Overlook, Canyonlands
Other Highlights in Island in the Sky
📍 Green River Overlook – An easy walk to a viewpoint with endless canyon views.
📍 Upheaval Dome Overlook – A short hike to a mystery crater (scientists still debate if it’s an impact crater or a salt dome!).
📍 Shafer Canyon Overlook – We watched 4x4s descend the steep switchbacks of Shafer Trail—a route that connects to Dead Horse State Park. Seeing both sides of the canyon from different parks was a cool experience.
Shafer Canyon Overlook, Canyonlands
Upheaval Dome Trail, Canyonlands
Kid-Friendly Hiking
All the trails we did were manageable even in the snow, and Aspen had a blast running around. If you’re looking for a park where little ones can explore, this is it.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Needles: Remote & Stunning
On our second visit, we camped in The Needles District and were blown away by the dark sky views at night. If you love stargazing, this is one of the best spots in Utah—we could see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Getting to The Needles
It’s about 1.5 hours from Moab and feels way more remote than Island in the Sky.
We stopped at Indian Creek on the way in—this area is famous for rock climbing.
Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky District
Camping Inside Canyonlands
🏕️ Willow Flat Campground (Island in the Sky) – We loved how protected it was from the wind. This is the only campground in Island in the Sky, so book early!
🏕️ The Needles Campground – The perfect place for star gazing and a quieter experience away from the crowds.
🚐 Camping Tips
✔️ Bring all supplies, as there are no services in the park.
✔️ It gets cold at night, even in April—be prepared!
✔️ The wind can be intense, especially if driving in with a trailer.
Willow Flats Campground, Canyonlands
Nearby Hotels (Moab)
Lux Stays:
Which Canyonlands District is Best?
If you only have time for one district, here’s how they compare:
✨ Island in the Sky – Easier to access, kid-friendly hikes, insane overlooks, and great sunrises. Perfect for first-time visitors.
🌵 The Needles – More remote, better for backpacking and stargazing, fewer crowds. Great for those wanting a quieter experience.
We personally preferred Island in the Sky for its epic sunrise spots and accessibility, but if you have the time, both districts are worth exploring.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Been to Canyonlands? Drop your favourite spots in the comments! 👇
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