Perfect One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary for First-Timers

Looking to make the most of your day trip to Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park is huge, consisting of distinct sections with long drives in between. Here’s a condensed one day in Canyonlands National Park itinerary based on my route through the park during my months-long exploration of the American West.

Juggling between my remote job and the road trip, I had two afternoons to spend in the park, one for Island and the Sky and one in the Needles area. Even though it’s not enough time to see everything, I’ll show you the best parts. If you’ve got just one day, I suggest focusing on the Island in the Sky area, and the itinerary below will guide you through the must-see spots.

Starting with a sunrise at the iconic Mesa Arch and ending with a sunset at the Grand View Point Overlook. I’ll also suggest other must-see spots and a concise travel guide packed with helpful information.

Sample One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary

So you have everything in one scroll, here’s a sample suggested itinerary that goes much more in detail below.

Morning

• Start your day early and head to the Island in the Sky entrance.
• Optional: Watch the sunrise from Dead Horse State Park (or go when on your way out of the park)
• Drive in and take an easy hike to the glowing Mesa Arch for the sunrise (or post-sunrise). 
• Continue to the end of the scenic drive to the Grand View Point Overlook and Orange Cliffs Overlook.
• Optional: Hike on the Gooseberry Trail to the White Rim Overlook.
• On your way to Upheaval Dome, detour at Buck Canyon Overlook, Candlestick Overlook, and Green River Overlook. 

Afternoon

• Next, take a moderate hike on the Upheaval Dome Overlooks Trail.
• After the hike, enjoy the scenery at Whale Rock. 
• Your next stop is Aztec Butte, which houses ancient Puebloan structures.
• Catch the sunset at Shafer Canyon Viewpoint (or Dead Horse Point) if you didn’t go in the morning.
• Once night falls, stick around for some stargazing. 

Recommended lodging options for the Night: Moab, Utah

• Luxury: Hampton Inn Moab
• Mid-range: La Quinta by Wyndham Moab
• Budget: Apache Motel

Quick Facts to Visiting Canyonlands

Stretching across an impressive 527.5 square miles in the heart of Utah, Canyonlands National Park is filled with intricate canyons, buttes, and rivers carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Home to the famous Mesa Arch, the Grand View Point Overlook, and three distinct regions, The Needles, Island in the Sky, and The Maze, this park is Utah’s largest National Park.

Quick Facts	Information
Entrance Fee	$30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours a day, all year round
Visitor Centers	Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Needles Visitor Center
Park Entrances	Island in the Sky entrance, Needles entrance
Main Activities	Hiking, backpacking, biking, stargazing, scenic drives
Number of Campgrounds	2 (Island in the Sky and The Needles)
Hotels	No hotels within the park; numerous options in Moab
Best Time to Visit	Spring (April-May) and Fall (mid-September-October)
Nearest Cities & Distances	Moab (32 miles from Island in the Sky, 75 miles from The Needles), Monticello (50 miles from The Needles)
Nearest Airports & Distances	Canyonlands Field Airport (18 miles from Moab), Salt Lake City International Airport (236 miles from Moab)

Sections of Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park comprises five sections. The first three are accessible by car and feature an overlook at the end of each section. The latter two are definitely less on people’s radars.

Island in the Sky is the most accessible district, perched on a 1500-foot mesa, with panoramic views, hikes for all levels, and easy road access. 

The Needles, named for its red and white banded rock pinnacles, is a more rugged experience, with challenging hikes and backcountry camping options. It’s a two hour drive from Islands in the Sky.

The Maze is the wild, remote heart of the park, a complex of twisting canyons requiring 4WD and self-reliance for multi-day trips. 

Horseshoe Canyon Unit, detached from the rest of the park, houses prehistoric rock art, including the famous “Great Gallery.”

The Rivers section covers the flatwater and whitewater stretches of the Green and Colorado Rivers, presenting boating, rafting, and kayaking adventures. Permit for going on the river required.

What to Do in Canyonlands in One Day

Morning: Islands in the Sky Road

Rise and shine, bright and early to get the most out of your day trip. Canyonlands, especially the Island in the Sky area, can get crowded at the most popular spots, so beat the rush early. Plus, you want to see Mesa Arch glowing from the sunrise light.

Optional: Dead Horse State Park for Sunrise

Although you may want to get to Mesa Arch for the glowing light, starting your day at Dead Horse State Park is also a beautiful option. Just outside the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, this state park is one of the best. It’s small, but the view is of a gooseneck, a giant, curving canyon carved 2000 feet above the Colorado River.

The park is easily accessed by car, but since it is a state park, it has a separate entrance fee of $20 per vehicle, valid for three days. This is separate from the Canyonlands National Park entrance fee and is not included on the National Park Pass.

From the Dead Horse State Park parking area, it takes 5-10 minutes to reach the viewpoint on foot.

Although my time inside the park was brief (and I am not entirely convinced it was worth the $20 admission fee), the scenery is undeniably gorgeous. So, even if you can’t make it in the morning, I recommend visiting before sunset.

(Post) Sunrise at the Mesa Arch

• Distance: 0.5 mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy and well-maintained
• Duration: 20 minutes

Mesa Arch is probably the most iconic landmark in Canyonlands and is very popular for sunrise. Spanning about 90 feet, the arch sits at the edge of a cliff, with the sun brightening the vast valley of canyons below. The sunrise light illuminates the underside of the arch, creating a bright orange glow.

However, this effect lasts up to an hour and a half after the sunrise, so if you don’t want to wake up super early or stop at Dead Horse State Park first, you can still catch some beautiful light with fewer people. 

At other times of the day, the light creates a different effect. During the day, the Mesa Arch is a bright red-orange. If you visit at sunset, it’s more of an amber color.

The trail to the arch is well-marked and maintained, but be careful near the edge as there are no railings.

Grand View Point Overlook

To get ahead of the later riser, drive to the end of Islands of the Sky Road to Grand View Point. This is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Canyonlands National Park, with panoramic views over White Rim Road and the Island in the Sky. 

There’s an overlook, or you can also choose to hike the out-and-back Grand View Point Trail.

Grand View Point Trail

• Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

The Grand View Point Trail extends beyond the regular overlook to the amazing 360 degree landscapes of Canyonlands. The trail takes you along the canyon rim. The first half-mile is paved and pretty easy, leading to an initial overlook. 

Or you can extend the hike continuing for another mile. You can see the White Rim Road, the Needles district in the distance, and the junction of the Green and Colorado Rivers. 

Orange Cliffs Overlook

Right next to Grnad View Point, turn in for a quick detour at Orange Cliffs Overlook. This is a lesser-visited panorama of the orange-hued cliffs.

The Gooseberry Trail to the White Rim Overlook

On your way back up Islands of the Sky Road, take a detour on the Gooseberry Trail for an optional hike. This trail quickly forks into two options: White Rim Overlook and Gooseberry Trail. 

The entire Gooseberry Trail hike is 4.6 miles long, quite difficult, and is impossible to do on a day hike. However, you can take the shorter walk to White Rim Overlook.

• Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Upon reaching the White Rim plateau, you’ll have sweeping views of Canyonland’s eroded sandstone formations. You can see the Needles District to the south, the Maze District to the west, and the Island in the Sky District to the north from different points along the trail. 

The trail is similar to the Grand View Point trail but has fewer crowds.

Canyonlands Drive-By Overlooks

Buck Canyon Overlook

On your way to Upheaval Dome, stop at Buck Canyon overlook for a view of the canyons carved by the Buck Canyon and Colorado Rivers.

Candlestick Overlook

Another beautiful viewpoint on the drive is Candlestick Overlook, where sandstone spires rise from sheer cliffs and deep canyons below.

Green River Overlook

Turn onto a short, detour road for this overlook with a view of the Green River and its surrounding canyons. You can see the La Sal Mountains in the distance on clear days.

Afternoon: Upheaval Dome Road

After lunch and a break from the sun, it’s time to explore the other side of Canyonlands, Upheaval Dome. Drive all the way down the Upheaval Dome Road, and we’ll make our way back.

Upheaval Dome Overlook

• Distance: 0.7 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy and well-maintained
• Duration: 20 minutes

The Upheaval Dome in Utah is a geological marvel, resembling an inverted saucer amidst the rugged desert landscape, with its “dome” structure painted in different colors.

The massive Syncline loop descends into the crater of Upheaval Dome, but it is another impossible to do in a day itinerary hike. Alternatively, there is another quick option just to the overlook.

The Upheaval Dome Overlook 

• Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 1-2 hours

The Upheaval Dome Overlook Trail is a relatively easy hike to the viewpoint of the famous dome-shaped rock formation. 

About half a mile in, you’ll reach the first overlook. Informational signs explain the theories and science behind the formation. If you’re up for it, you can keep going on the trail for another 0.4 miles to reach the second overlook.

Whale Rock

On your way back down Upheaval Dome Road, stop at Whale Rock for a short hike and some fun scrambling. This is an interesting formation that looks similar to a whale’s head.

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate with some scrambling
• Duration: 30 minutes to an hour

A marked trail leads you up the “head” of the whale, but then it’s up to you to scramble your way down the back. 

Aztec Butte

• Distance: 2 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate with steep sections and a ladder climb
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

If you still have energy, finish the day with a final hike to Aztec Butte, an ancestral Puebloan granary atop a butte. The trail starts at the parking lot and leads to a steep section with handrails, and then a ladder climb to the granary. 

Shafer Canyon Overlook

On your way back to Moab, stop at Shafer Canyon Overlook to catch the sunset and take in the stunning views of the Shafer Switchbacks leading down into Canyonlands. The overlook is accessible by car, making it an easy stop on your journey through the park. This is also a popular spot for stargazing at night.

Otherwise, if you still have daylight left and didn’t go to Dead Horse Point earlier, make a quick stop there on your way back to Moab. The sunset views here are just as amazing as the sunrise, and it’s much less crowded in the evening. 

Where to Stay

Most people will opt to stay in the famous outdoor town of Moab, a lively base just a short drive from the park that hosts a variety of hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. 

You can also reserve a camping spot at Willow Flat Campground, located within the Island in the Sky district of the park. But you may have to fight tooth and nail to secure a reservation. 

Best Hotels in Moab, Utah

The closest place to stay nearby is the popular outdoor town of Moab. Here are some the top hotels near Arches National Park for different budgets.

Hotel Name	Budget	Benefits
Hampton Inn Moab	Luxury	– Comfortable hotel with a very good breakfast – Great location near the park – Stunning views of the surrounding landscape
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab	Mid-range	– Close to everything – Comfortable rooms
Apache Motel	Budget	– Great choice for budget-conscious travelers – Spacious and nicely furnished rooms

Camping in Canyonlands

While there are only two developed campgrounds in Canyonlands National Park itself, there are plenty of options outside the park and BLM boondocking land.

Campground	Benefits
Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat)	– First-come, first-served basis – Open year-round with 12 sites – Green River views
The Needles Campground	– First-come, first-served basis – Largest campground with 29 sites – Located in a remote district
Kayenta Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park	– Close to the Island in the Sky entrance – In a grove of junipers – Shaded from the surrounding desert
BLM Campgrounds between Canyonlands and Moab	– Affordable option, aka free – Close to both Canyonlands and Moab

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Attractions Within Canyonlands

• The White Rim Road: This 100-mile-long dirt road provides a challenging and adventurous drive, offering stunning views of the park’s unique geological formations. Permit required.
• Chesler Park: Located in the Needles District, this area has many hiking trails weaving through its signature sandstone needles.
• Druid Arch: This strenuous hike rewards you with an up-close view of one of the park’s most impressive natural arches.
• False Kiva: A hidden gem in the park, this class II archaeological site offers a unique perspective of the park’s dramatic landscape.
• The Maze Overlook: Located in the most remote district of the park, The Maze, this overlook provides breathtaking views of the intricately eroded rock formations below.
• Horseshoe Canyon: Though technically a detached unit of the park, this area is home to some of the most significant rock art panels in North America, including the Great Gallery.
• Confluence Overlook: A moderately strenuous hike leads you to the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, a must-see for any visitor with extra time in Canyonlands National Park.

Day Trips Near Canyonlands

• Arches National Park: Just a 30-minute drive from Moab, Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch.
• Capitol Reef National Park: 2.5 hours from Moab, has colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths.
• Mesa Verde National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site roughly 3 hours away, this park looks into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years.
• Goblin Valley State Park: This unusual state park is filled with bizarre sandstone rock formations that look like goblins.
• Monument Valley: While it’s a bit of a drive, this red-rock landscape, part of the Navajo Nation, delivers a Western backdrop recognized around the world.
• Salt Lake City: Another further drive (around three and a half hours), take a trip to Salt Lake City for many ski resorts, art galleries, and natural hot springs.

Is 1 Day Enough for Canyonlands?

If you’re looking for a quick overview of the park, hitting some of the main viewpoints, and enjoying a few short hikes, then yes, a single day could suffice for one section of the park. However, Canyonlands is positively enormous, with diverse landscapes and long drives in between, and a single day won’t do justice.

If you have more time, go to all the park’s different districts. Each section requires at least a day to explore. Additional days would allow for backcountry hikes, four-wheel driving on the White Rim Road or the trails of The Maze, and visiting less crowded areas.

Best Time To Visit

The best times to visit Canyonlands National Park are spring and fall. The temperatures then will range from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking! But watch out: May through October are the busiest months of the year.

Summer in Canyonlands gets really hot, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It can be tough for strenuous activities. If you plan to visit then, try scheduling your hikes for early morning or late evening when it’s more bearable. 

Winter in Canyonlands is a different story. The peaks are covered in snow, and there are fewer visitors. However, some areas may have restricted access due to snowfall, and visitor services and facilities may have reduced hours or be closed.

How to Get There

Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah. Aside from Moab, it’s quite a drive from major neighboring cities, such as Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas.

By Air

The nearest airport is Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), about 20 miles north of the park. The airport is serviced by regional airlines with connecting flights to Denver and Salt Lake City. You can rent a car from the airport to drive to the park.

Another option is the larger Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), approximately 4 hours away.

By Car

Canyonlands National Park is accessible by car, the most common way visitors arrive. The Island in the Sky district is a 40-minute drive from Moab, Utah. The Needles district is about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Moab. The Maze district, being the most remote, is a 6-hour drive from Salt Lake City.

Major Cities	Distance (Miles)	Approximate Driving Time
Moab, UT	32 miles	About 40 minutes
Salt Lake City, UT	236 miles	4 hours, give or take
Denver, CO	355 miles	Around 6 hours
Las Vegas, NV	468 miles	Roughly 7 hours
Phoenix, AZ	458 miles	About 7 hours

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Canyonlands

This Canyonlands National Park itinerary is packed with epic views and thrilling activities, from an unforgettable sunrise at Mesa Arch to the expansive vistas of Grand View Point and the mysterious formations of Upheaval Dome. The park’s diverse landscapes pass through ancient Puebloan sites and drive some of America’s most scenic roads.

Craving more travel inspiration? If you enjoyed this journey through Canyonlands, explore more in another post with these other best places in Utah. 

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Utah?

Utah may very well be one of the most underrated, beautiful places in the world. I’ve traveled all through this great state, snowboarding down some of the best resorts and hiking through godly monoliths. If you’re heading elsewhere in Utah, check out these posts.

• One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Adventurers
• One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• Perfect One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary for First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Salt Lake City Itinerary For First Timers 
• Perfect One Day In Bryce Canyon Itinerary For First-Timers

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.