What to Do in Canyonlands National Park with Kids
/
mesa arch is the most recognizable landmark in the park
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
the kids at shafer overlook
If you’re looking for what to do in Canyonlands National Park with kids (or without!), you’re in the right place. This park is home to both the Colorado and Green rivers. The river routes divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas are home to a colorful landscape eroded into numerous canyons, mesas, and buttes.
While the districts share a similar desert atmosphere, each offers different opportunities for exploration. This guide will take you through the Island in the Sky and the Needles districts.
Canyonlands National Park was designated as a National Park in 1964 by President Lyndon B Johnson. Canyonlands National Park is visited by approximately 730,000 people annually and is made up of about 337,598 acres of protected land. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this unique National Park.
Every visitor to Canyonlands National Park should make a stop at one of the two visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, info about the park’s land and water conditions, and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather.
The Island in the Sky visitor center is open year-round while the Needles Visitor center is open Spring through Fall. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
Table of Contents
Click to Skip to:
When to Visit Canyonlands National Park
Summertime is Canyonlands busiest and hottest season, but the temperatures rarely reach above 100 degrees. Since many people have the most time off work and kids are out of school, this is the most popular time of year to visit Arches, but it may be the most miserable temperature-wise. The lack of trees leaves few places for protection from the sun.
In the fall the biking and hiking trails fill up as the temperature drop. The evenings and nights can get very cool during this time and campers/hikers need to be prepared with jackets and warm blankets.
In Spring the weather can be unexpectedly cool, but this is a busy time for the park. Hiking and biking are very popular during this time of year. The park’s flora and fauna are also in peak bloom and it can make for a very unique experience.
Winter is cold, but absolutely gorgeous. It does snow in Canyonlands, so visitors can see snow covered rock formations and the contrast of the red rock with the snow is dreamy.
We visited in June 2020 and again in October 2021. In June the weather was very very hot. Our kids had a hard time completing the hikes. In October, the weather was perfect. We needed light jackets for our sunrise hikes, but by mid-morning the we had taken them off. The Island in the Sky district of the park gets extremely busy, so be inside the park before 8AM. In Needles, we never saw huge crowds — just gorgeous desert landscape.
The average annual weather for canyonlands NP — reference COURTESY of www.google.com
How to get to Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is located in the North-East corner of Utah. The entrance to the park is located near the famed Moab area of Utah. Accessing this area of Utah is a short drive off of I-70 with the entrance being along UT-211. The times listed below are to the Island in the Sky unit. Needles District is 90 minutes further south.
NOTE: The two districts are not connected by road inside the park — you must exit the park and drive through Moab to get from one area to the other.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
Canyonlands to Arches National park is 35 minutes - only 27 miles.
How far is Canyonlands National Park from Grand Junction? 1 hour, 55 minutes
Capitol Reef National Park to Canyonlands National Park is 2 hours, 45 minutes
Zion National Park to Canyonlands National park is 5 hours, 17 minutes
Salt Lake City to Canyonlands National Park is 3 hours, 55 minutes
Mesa Verde National Park to Canyonlands National Park is 3 and 50 minutes.
Canyonlands National Park is one of five National Parks in Utah. When planning to visit this park be sure to account for the heat and popularity of this park. If you’re staying in Moab, it is about 90 minutes from Moab to Needles District and about 30 minutes from Moab to Island in the Sky,
READ NEXT: Capitol Reef National Park with Kids (Utah)
The Needles district and the Island in the sky are not connected within the park — you must leave the park.
How Much Does it Cost to Get into Canyonlands National Park?
island in the sky visitor center in canyonlands National park
Entrance Fee
Private Vehicle: $30. Valid for 7 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Canyonlands National Park.
Motorcycle: $25. Valid for 7 days: Admits one non-commercial motorcycle to Canyonlands National Park.
Bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians are per person: $15. Valid for 7 days. Admits one individual with no car to Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park hours: The park is open 24 hours a day.
Back to Top
Where to Stay in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park Lodges:
There are no lodges in Canyonlands National Park. However, there are many amazing places to stay very close by in Moab. Check out my recommended places.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: What to do in Arches National Park
charletta standing at an overlook along the grand view trail
Canyonlands National Park Campground:
There are two campgrounds inside Canyonlands National Park; one in the Needles District and one in the Island in the Sky district. During the peak season, March 1 - October 31, reservations are required. Since Canyonlands National park camping sells out nearly every day of peak season, I suggest making reservations at least 3-6 months in advance.
Ive underlined the 2 campgrounds run by the nps — the arrow points to my absolute favorite campground in the area.
Willow Flat Campground: (Island in the Sky) First Come, First Serve. This campground has only 12 sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. This campground has pit toilets available. There is no water at this campground.
Cost: $15 per site per night
The Needles Campground: (Needles) Reservations Required March-November. First Come, First Serve the rest of the year. This campground has 26 sites + 3 group sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. This campground has pit toilets available year-round and flush toilets are seasonal. Water is only available during the summer season.
Cost: $20 per site per night
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
Back to Top
The pool and splash pad at spring hill suites are amazing!!
sprinhill suites has room service! that means smoothies on demand!
Where to Stay Outside of Canyonlands National Park
We stayed for 5 nights at Springhill suites moab — it is a perfect place for families
Canyonlands National Park has many options for staying outside the park. We spent 5 nights at SpringHill Suites Moab while exploring Arches and Island in the Sky.
Recommended Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park:
SpringHill Suites Moab: This property is amazing. Springhill Suites offers two stunning pools, three hot tubs, and a kid's canyon complete with a splash pad. They offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and a 24-Hour Corner Market. SpringHill Suites offers complimentary WiFi across the entire property and in every suite. There is also a 24-hour fitness center and a business center.
Here at SpringHill Suites you are only 27 miles from Canyonlands National Park and only 2 miles from Arches National Park, making this hotel the closest hotel to the National Park. SpringHill Suites activities include a basketball court, 2 massive pools, hot tubs, splash pad, giant chess, giant connect four ping pong, and in the lobby, you can play tic tac toe while munching on a complimentary chocolate chip cookie. Every day was packed full of adventure and every evening we sat by the pool or sat in the hot tub relaxing. We will be 100% staying here again.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab: The Fairfield Inn & Suites shares a parking lot and pool area with SpringHill Suites. These two hotels are the closest hotel to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse State Park. Fairfield Inn & Suites offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and a 24/7 Corner Market. Each room is also equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi.
Other Recommended places to stay near Canyonlands National Park:
If you prefer to stay in hotels, use the map below to find a hotel that fits your family size and budget.
RV & Camping Near Canyonlands National Park:
We spent a night in the skydancers den at needles outpost— an incredible glamping experience
Needles Outpost: My absolute favorite spot to camp at Canyonlands is Needles Outpost in the Needles District. This campground offers tent, self-contained RV sites, as well as teepees and Glamping tents. At Needles Outpost, you’ll get the experience of desert camping; wild, raw, and rugged.
It is amazing with beautiful views and the feeling of freedom that is hard to find in your more civilized and populated locations. Needles Outpost shares a property line with Canyonlands National Park and it is the last place to get gas or shop at their General Store before entering the park. (Save $10 off your first HipCamp booking by clicking HERE)
There are so many options for camping or staying in RV parks or camping near Moab. Also, take a look through the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) to find free or very cheap dispersed camping in the area.
The kids climbing the rocks at needles outpost
We have camped two times at needles out post — june of 202o and october of 2021. THis was our tent site!
we spent one evening having a camp fire in a cave near needles outpost — it was so freaking cool to get this authentic cowboy experience
What to do in Canyonlands National Park with Kids
the view at the end of the grand view hike is amazing
1) Hike
Canyonland National Park has hiking for any ability. From short, easy hikes with incredible views to longer more challenging trails, Canyonlands hiking has something for everyone. I’ve made it easy to determine whether the hike is in Island in the Sky or Needles by showing the hikes by location. The easy hikes in Canyonlands National Park will be listed under Best hikes for toddlers or best hikes for kids in canyonlands.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Canyonlands National Park:
we hiked to mesa arch in the dark and stayed for the sunrise — it was super crowded, but gorgeous.
Island In the Sky
Mesa Arch Trail: (Do not Miss) I highly recommend this hike. This very easy and very short 1/2 mile hike leads hikers to the most iconic spot in the park. Pro Tip: try to arrive 10-15 minutes after sunrise when the sunrise crowd has dispersed, but you can still snag the famous sunburst photo! This is one of my favorite family-friendly hikes in Canyonlands!
Grandview Overlook: This simple 2-mile hike takes hikers along the rim of Grandview to an incredible view point of Canyonlands National Park. The entire hike has panoramic views. Note: hold hands of toddlers here!
White Rim Overlook: This easy 1.8-mile trail is best done in the late afternoon. The trail overlooks the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and the La Sal Mountain Range.
Needles District
Roadside Ruin: This easy 0.3-mile trail takes hikers to a storage structure built by indigenous people.
Cave Spring Trail: This easy 0.6-mile trail takes hikers down to a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric rock markings. We did this trail with our 3 and 5 year old - it is very cool. If you’re in Needles District - do not miss this spot.
getting to a location for sunrise means hiking in the dark and cold! I brough my headlamp, layers, and hot coffee in a yeti cup to keep us going!
Best Hikes for Kids in Canyonlands National Park:
the kids at the grand view overlook - the beginning of the grand view trail
These are the best hikes for kids in Canyonlands National Park.
Island in the Sky
Upheaval Dome Trail: This trail has 2 overlooks. The first is at 0.8 miles after a steep trail leads to a clear view of Upheaval Dome. The second overlook comes at 1.8 miles and has views of Upheaval Dome and Upheaval Canyon.
Whale Rock: This moderate 1-mile trail leads up the side of a sandstone dome and ends with views of the Island in the Sky. (Steep with drop-offs)
Aztec Butte: This moderate 2-mile hike follows a sandy wash and then splits. You can choose to go right to ascend Aztec Butte or go left and climb the smaller butte and then drop down to two ancestral Puebloan granaries.
Murphy Point: This easy 3.6-mile hike leads hikers up to a historic corral on the mesa top. The trail ends with panoramic views for Candlestick Tower, The White Rim Road, and the Green River.
Needles District
Slickrock Trail: This moderate 2.4-mile loop takes hikers out to panoramic views of the Needles District.
climbing around the red rocks in the needles district of canyonalnds
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Canyonlands National Park:
Shafer overlook offers amazing views for minimal effort
Island in the Sky
Neck Spring: This moderate 5.8-mile trail takes hikers back in time past two springs where cowboys used to water cattle and pass a historic ranch.
Gooseberry Trail: This strenuous 5.4-mile hike is Island in the Sky’s steepest trail. It descends 1,400 feet down switchbacks and scree slopes.
Syncline Loop: This difficult 8.3-mile trail follows the canyons around Upheaval Dome and includes steep switchbacks, climbing, and scrambling a boulder field. There is a 1,300-foot elevation change.
Murphy Loop: This strenuous 10.8-mile trail has a 1,400-foot elevation change, but offers incredible views of Murphy Hogback.
Alcove Spring: This 11.2-mile trail descends 1,300-feet past a large alcove. The trail takes hikers through a wide canyon at the base of Moses and Zeus Towers.
Needles District
Chesler Park Viewpoint: This moderate 6-mile hike takes hikers to an expansive overlook that is surrounded by sandstone spires.
Druid Arch: (Do not Miss) This 11-mile hike is arguably the best hike in Needles. The trail heads to the bottom of Elephant Canyon through the deep sandstone. There is one ladder to climb. This trail offers the best views of the Needles.
Big Spring Canyon to Elephant Canyon: This strenuous 10.8-mile hike takes hikers along Slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking both canyons. In order to pass between the canyons, you’ll have to traverse two ladders.
Confluence Overlook: This 10-mile trail takes hikers out to where the Green River and the Colorado River come together. This trail is in dry, open country and follows along the northern edge of the geologic faults.
Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail: This 11-mile trail has several great panoramic views of the Needles formations. This trail also has some narrow canyons.
If you want hikes with some climbing, amazing overlooks, steep cliffs, and some scrambling - check out Big Spring Canyon to Squaw Canyon (7.5 miles) or Squaw Canyon to Lost Canyon (8.7 miles)
Back to Top
Jimmy at Big spring canyon overlook in the needles district
2) 4x4 Through the Park
the needles district is a haven for people who love to go 4x4ing in jeeps
Canyonlands National Park allows certain companies to bring tourists through the park to 4x4! Yes! Unlike many other U.S. National Parks, this one allows off-roading. This is a perfect way to see inaccessible backcountry parts of the park. If you have dreamed of experiencing Canyonlands National Park without the crowds — this is definitely something to consider.
If you’re wanting to go 4X4ing ing your own vehicle, click HERE.
These tours teach about the history, archeology, and geology of this world famous National Park. You will get to experience steep rock walls, sweeping sandstone dunes & fins, and meandering valleys. These tours stop to let you take in the sights, and gaze upon the red rock desert seldom seen by other visitors.
There are three companies to choose from:
Adrift Adventures call 800-874-4483 or 435-259-8594
NAVTEC Expeditions call 800-833-1278 or 435-259-7983
OARS call 800-346-6277 or 209-736-4677
Or you can click the suggested tours below!
Here are some must haves for a perfect day 4x4ing in the park!!
looking out from island in the sky into the canyons
3) Biking
Biking is an excellent way to explore Canyonlands National Park. This park draws huge crowds every year and parking is limited. Having bicycles or electric bikes to get around will make exploration much easier!
Canyonlands National Park allows you to ride your bike or e-bike on all paved and unpaved roads in the park. You may not ride your bike on trails or anywhere off a road.
Pro Tips from The Park:
biking is an excellent way to explore Canyonlands national park
“With hundreds of miles of four-wheel-drive roads, Canyonlands offers ideal terrain for multi-night mountain bike trips. Most groups travel with vehicle support to haul water and gear since there are few reliable water sources along these roads. For the truly adventurous, self-supported trips with panniers and trailers are also possible. Bikes must remain on designated roads: there are no single-track trails in the park.
Overnight Trips: You must have a permit for all overnight trips.
Day Trips: You must have a permit for day trips on White Rim, Elephant Hill, Lavender Canyon, and Peekaboo/Horse Canyon roads.”
Also - the Moab area offers world class mountain biking adventures. If you’re here to explore the park, but have some extra time — I highly suggest finding some trails outside the park too! You won’t regret it!
If you are newer to mountain biking, I suggest taking a guided tour to find some epic spots! This tour offers a half-day of introductory mountain biking on one of Moab's famous trails. You’ll experience the gorgeous scenery of Utah’s desert!
4) Stargazing
The milkyway from Needles outpost
Stargazing in Canyonlands is surreal. The utter dark of a moonless night in Canyonlands is unexplainable until you see it yourself. As few as one in ten Americans live in areas where they can see the estimated 2,500 stars that should be visible under normal conditions. In Canyonlands, the naked eye is sufficient to witness a wealth of stars and even the Milky Way! Remember, half the park is after dark!
The photo is from when we were camping at Needles Outpost. We could see the Milky Way with our bare eyes and I used my Sony A6500 and tripod to capture a few night shots.
Here are a few things to help prepare you for nighttime photography! Don’t forget your red light, star chart, tripod, and a chair!
The view looking from grand view trail overlook
5) Whitewater Rafting
Water sports are a big part of canyonlands national park
Did you know that you can go whitewater rafting in Canyonlands National Park? The park is home to two rivers. Not only do visitors get to experience the absolutely gorgeous red rock desert, but they also get the rush of floating down the Colorado and Green rivers. These rivers are responsible for shaping and carving out the Canyons that make this place so famous. Above the river’s confluence, there are calm, flat waters perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Below the confluence, there is a long stretch of white water rafting. It’s time to choose — will you take it easy or go for the adrenaline rush?
There are many whitewater rafting guides in the Moab area and here are a few that are licensed to operate in Canyonlands National Park:
Mild to Wild Rafting
(970) 247-4789Mountain Travel Sobek
(888) 831-7526Tour West
(800) 453-9107, (801) 225-0755Western River Expeditions
(800) 453-7450, (801) 942-6669Sheri Griffith River Expeditions
(800) 332-2439, (435) 259-8229Wilderness River Adventures
(928) 645-6049World Wide River Expeditions
(435) 259-7515Colorado Outward Bound School
720-381-6589Colorado River & Trail Expeditions
(800) 253-7328, (801) 261-1789Don Hatch River Expeditions
(800) 346-6277, (209) 736-4677
Below are a few of the tours I suggest!
the kids hiking down by the needles district
6) Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program
The newest Canyonlands national park junior rangers
It’s simple to become a Junior Ranger in Canyonlands National Park!
Pick up one of the Junior Ranger books from one of the Visitor Centers. Then, head out to explore the park’s ecology, canyons, trails, and history! Once the book is complete, head back to a visitor center where a park ranger will check your work in the booklet, give the oath, and then present the coveted Junior Ranger Badge!
Check out the Junior Ranger page to learn more!
READ NEXT: What to do in Zion National Park with Kids
Back to Top
7) Canyoneering and Climbing
Climbing and canyoneering in Canyonlands National Park are very popular sports! If you’re wanting climb or go canyoning in Canyonlands, please check out the NPS page for rules, regulations, and permit requirements.
Just outside of Canyonlands there are even more opportunities to get out on the adventure of a lifetime in Moab. For me, I like to do adventure sports with trained guides, especially when traveling with kids. Below are a few companies who can get you outfitted and on your next adventure safely!
Jimmy climbed up on this monolith to get a better view into the canyon — needles district
8) Aerial Tours
Imagine seeing Canhyonlands from the sky! All those beautiful red rocks contrasting with the gorgeous blue sky, but seeing it from a brand new perspective — from above! Lucky for all of us, it’s possible to do.
Several companies offer plane or helicopter rides over Canyonlands National Park. This is truly an experience to last your family a lifetime.
Canyonlands National Park is one of the five gorgeous National Parks in Utah. This guide shares the best hiking in Canyonlands, a Canyonlands map for both Island in the sky or needles, ideas on how to spend one day in canyonlands national park, and the best camping at canyonlands! When you visit Arches and Canyonlands with kids, you’ll experience the endless canyons, the redrock sandstone, rushing rivers, and the dry arid atmosphere. Canyonlands National Park offers unmatched hiking, incredible vistas, adrenaline adventures at its doorstep, and an opportunity to witness nature thousands of years in the making. No matter whether you camp inside the park or stay nearby in Moab, Canyonlands National Park is the perfect adventure for all ages.
PIN ME:
AMAZON AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
There are links on this site that can be defined as “affiliate links”. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided.
Big Brave Nomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.
