What to Know Before Visiting Canyonlands National Park

So you want to go to Canyonlands National Park? Here’s some information on what you need to know before visiting! Because I know I needed it so I’m sure someone else does too! (Save this post for your trip to Canyonlands NP and share it with your travel buddy!) There are four districts in Canyonlands National Park and all of them are pretty different. 1️⃣ Island in the Sky-This district has tons of overlooks of the entire park and the other districts. I would say this is the most family friendly but does connect to some harder trails so do your research before starting a hike. 2️⃣ Needles District-This district is essentially opposite (physically) of Island in the Sky and sits lower than Island in the Sky (obviously, hint: the name) in the park. It is also family friendly with connections to more difficult trails and the trails we found all were quite long with shorter distances to landmarks, so again do your research before starting a trail. 3️⃣ Maze District-This is the more isolated district in the sense that there isn’t a main road and requires off-road/4 wheel drive vehicles to access it. It is described on myutahparks.com as a district for experienced hikers who are prepared to spend multiple days adventuring and exploring the area. So in other words, don’t go to this district first!!!! Especially if you are not experienced or prepared. 4️⃣ Rivers District-This district encompasses the Colorado and green rivers that run through the canyons throughout the park. Like the maze, off-road/four wheel drive vehicles are suggested with more experienced explorers. And unless you have an off-road vehicle (and you’re ready to off-road) you can’t really move to each district from another! What this means is you have to travel the highways around the park to get to the entrances of the districts you would like to visit. I would suggest starting with Island in the Sky and Needles districts and educating yourself extensively before attempting a more advanced trail or district. Keep in mind the entrance highway to the Needles District can become a four wheel drive only entrance if a snowstorm rolls in. Also I’ll be going live at 12pm MST today so come join!