15 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

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Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Sarah Puckett

Sarah and Tim sit under Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park — Mesa Arch at Sunset

You’re planning a trip to Moab, Utah, and want to trek the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park, but as you research, the overwhelm sets in. Four districts, dozens of trails, hours-long drives…yeah, it’s a lot.

Thankfully, having personally hiked in several districts of Canyonlands National Park, we have first-hand information based on years of hiking in Utah to inform this guide to the best easy, moderate, and difficult hikes in Canyonlands National Park, including Island in the Sky, Needles, The Maze (including Horseshoe Canyon) and the Rivers.

In this guide to the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park, you’ll find not only the best easy, moderate, and difficult hikes in the park but also need-to-know information to prepare like safety tips and what to wear!

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan your hike in advance, stick to designated trails, carry out all your belongings, dispose of waste properly, leave natural areas untouched, minimize the impact of campfires, show consideration for fellow hikers, and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife.

Table of Contents

Overview of 6 Best Easy Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Here are the 6 best easy hikes in Canyonlands National Park, with links to more detailed information and maps further in the post!

For organization, I’m listing Horseshoe Canyon as its own “district” as it is geographically distinct from the rest of The Maze.

Mesa Arch: Island in the Sky, Easy, 0.6 miles (1 km), 30 minutes
White Rim Overlook: Island in the Sky, Easy, 1.8 miles (2.9 km), 1.5 hours
Grand View Point: Island in the Sky, Easy, 1.8 miles (2.9 km), 1.5 hours
Roadside Ruin: Needles, Easy, 0.3 miles (0.5 km), 20 minutes
Pothole Point: Needles, Easy, 0.6 miles (1 km), 40 minutes
Cave Spring: Needles, Easy, 0.6 miles (1 km), 45 minutes

Overview of 4 Best Moderate Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Upheaval Dome: Island in the Sky, Moderate, 1.3 miles (1 km), 30 minutes
Whale Rock: Island in the Sky, Moderate, 0.8 miles (1.3 km), 1 hour
Slickrock: Needles, Moderate, 2.4 miles (3.9 km), 2 hours
Horseshoe Canyon: Horseshoe Canyon, Moderate, 7 miles (11.2 km), 4-5 hours

Overview of Best 5 Difficult Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Confluence Overlook: Needles, 11 miles (17.7 km), 5-6 hours
Chesler Park/Joint Trail: Needles, 10.7 miles (17.4 km), 5-7 hours
Peekaboo: Needles, 10.8 miles (17.4 km), 5-6 hours
Druid Arch: Needles, 10.8 miles (17.4 km), 5-7 miles
Harvest Scene via Pete’s Mesa: The Maze, 9.3 miles (18.3 km), 6-7 hours

Map of the 15 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

To help you plan your hikes, I’ve created this map of the Canyonlands National Park hikes covered in this post. The map is color-coded by difficulty, with easy hikes in green, moderate hikes in yellow, and difficult hikes in red.

Overview of the 15 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Use the table below as a quick reference comparing all of the hikes covered in this article.

Trail/Route	Location	Difficulty	Distance (round-trip)	Average Time	Description
Mesa Arch	Island in the Sky	Easy	0.6 miles (1 km)	30 minutes	Mesa Arch is a short, easy hike leading to a stunning natural arch perched on the edge of a mesa. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyonlands, making it a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunrise when the arch glows with vibrant colors.
White Rim Overlook	Island in the Sky	Easy	1.8 miles (2.9 km)	1.5 hours	Walk to an east-facing overlook for views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains.
Grand View Point	Island in the Sky	Easy	1.8 miles (2.9 km)	1.5 hours	A stunning out-and-back trail offering panoramic views along the canyon edge.
Roadside Ruin	Needles	Easy	0.3 miles (0.5 km)	20 minutes	Explore a short trail leading to a storage structure built by indigenous people.
Pothole Point	Needles	Easy	0.6 miles (1 km)	40 minutes	Traverse uneven slickrock to discover diverse pothole communities and enjoy views of the Needles. Trail marked with cairns.
Cave Spring	Needles	Easy	0.6 miles (1 km)	45 minutes	Embark on a short loop to visit a historic cowboy camp and view prehistoric rock paintings and peckings. Two ladders to climb.
Upheaval Dome	Island in the Sky	Moderate	1.3 miles (2 km)	30 minutes	A steep trail leads to a clear view into Upheaval Dome, a unique geologic feature.
Whale Rock	Island in the Sky	Moderate	0.8 miles (1.3 km)	1 hour	A trail leading up the side of a sandstone dome offers broad views of Island in the Sky.
Slickrock	Needles	Moderate	2.4 miles (3.9 km)	2 hours	Enjoy expansive 360-degree views on this trail with a geology guide available. Cross uneven surfaces as you traverse the landscape.
Horseshoe Canyon	Horseshoe Canyon	Moderate	7 miles (11.2 km)	4-5 hours	A moderate trail descending 780 ft (237 m) through a deep, sandy canyon bottom to view various pictographs and petroglyph sites, including the Great Gallery. Exposed with minimal shade. Not recommended during summer.
Confluence Overlook	Needles	Difficult	11 miles (17.7 km)	5-6 hours	Traverse dry, open country along geologic faults to a cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers.
Chesler Park/Joint Trail	Needles	Difficult	10.7 miles (17.4 km)	5-7 hours	Offers panoramas of Needles formations. The Joint Trail winds through deep fractures in the rock. Water availability varies.
Peekaboo	Needles	Difficult	10.8 miles (17.4 km)	5-6 hours	Crosses canyons to Salt Creek Canyon, passing high slickrock benches with views. Challenging due to steep slopes and cliff edges. Two ladders to climb. View prehistoric rock paintings near Peekaboo camp. Water availability varies.
Druid Arch	Needles	Difficult	10.8 miles (17.4 km)	5-7 miles	Provides spectacular views, following part of the Chesler Park trail and branching off to Elephant Canyon. Steep sections with scrambling required. One ladder to climb. Water availability varies.
Harvest Scene via Pete’s Mesa	The Maze	Difficult	9.3 miles (15 km)	6-7 hours	This trail takes you through scenic Pete’s Mesa to reach the Harvest Scene, a panel of ancient petroglyphs depicting a hunting scene. The hike involves advanced wayfinding, elevation changes and traversing varied terrain. Proper footwear and plenty of water are recommended.

6 Best Easy Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Now, let’s get into the details! Below, you’ll find key stats, references, and trail information for each Canyonlands National Park hike, starting with the best easy hikes in the park!

As a reminder, the best easy hikes in Canyonlands National Park are:

Mesa Arch
White Rim Overlook
Grand View Point
Roadside Ruin
Pothole Point
Cave Spring

1. Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park — Mesa Arch

District: Island in the Sky
Mileage: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 88 feet
Time: 30 minutes
All Trails Link

Embark on a brief trek to reach the captivating Mesa Arch, perched on a cliff’s edge. Renowned among photographers for its stunning sunrise vistas, this natural wonder offers breathtaking panoramas overlooking the majestic La Sal Mountains. It’s a must-visit spot for those seeking unforgettable moments and mesmerizing landscapes in Arches National Park.

2. White Rim Overlook

District: Island in the Sky
Mileage: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 160
Time: 1.5 hours
All Trails Link

Take a stroll to the east-facing White Rim Overlook in Canyonlands National Park and soak in panoramic views. From the Colorado River’s twists to the rugged Monument Basin and the distant La Sal Mountains, the scenery is awe-inspiring.

We hiked this trail early one winter morning and it was a beautiful experience. By going in winter, we had the trail virtually to ourselves with just a few other hikers.

Tip: Visit during the morning or late afternoon for stunning lighting conditions.

3. Grand View Point

Sarah at Grand View Point hike in Canyonlands National Park — Grand View Point

District: Island in the Sky
Mileage: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 164 feet
Time: 1.5 hours
All Trails Link

For an iconic view of Canyonlands’ expanse, hike down the Grand View Point trail. This hike features some of the best panoramic views in the park as you hike near the canyon edge. Don’t worry, it’s not TOO near the edge! Be sure to wear sunscreen and carry water as there is no shade on this trail!

4. Roadside Ruin

District: Needles
Mileage: 0.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 3 feet
Time: 30 minutes
All Trails Link

The Roadside Ruin trail, located in Needles District, offers a short, easy hike spanning 0.3 miles (0.5 km) round-trip. This trail leads visitors to the remains of an ancient storage structure crafted by indigenous peoples. Amidst the stunning desert scenery, hikers can explore the historical significance of the ruins and imagine the daily life of past inhabitants. With its accessibility and cultural interest, the Roadside Ruin trail is a must-see for those seeking a brief yet enriching experience while exploring the natural wonders of the area.

Unfortunately, we didn’t know about this trail on our last visit to the Needles District and completely missed it! It’s at the top of our list for when we return though.

5. Pothole Point

District: Needles
Mileage: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Time: 45 minutes
All Trails Link

This easy trail guides hikers through the rugged terrain to discover diverse pothole communities (yes, as in, living communities!) and breathtaking views of the Needles formations. What makes Pothole Point unique is its remarkable concentration of potholes, which are naturally formed depressions in the sandstone surface that collect rainwater. These potholes create microhabitats for various plant and animal species, contributing to the area’s ecological diversity.

As visitors traverse the uneven slickrock, they are treated to an immersive experience in the unique desert landscape, marked by ancient geological formations and stunning vistas. With its short duration and scenic appeal, Pothole Point is an ideal choice for those seeking a brief adventure amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Canyonlands National Park.

6. Cave Spring

District: Needles
Mileage: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 59 feet
Time: 30 minutes
All Trails Link

The Cave Spring hike in Canyonlands’ Needles District is a captivating 0.6-mile (1 km) loop, offering glimpses into both natural and human history. Along the trail, hikers encounter a restored cowboy camp and ancient rock art, providing insight into past inhabitants’ lives. With its manageable length and fascinating sights, this trail is ideal for those seeking a blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty during their visit to Canyonlands National Park.

4 Best Moderate Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Looking for details on the best moderate hikes in Canyonlands National Park? Here is what you need to know about the 4 trails that made the list:

Upheaval Dome
Whale Rock
Slickrock Foot Trail
Horseshoe Canyon

7. Upheaval Dome

District: Island in the Sky
Mileage: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 226
Time: 1.5 hours
All Trails Link

This steep trail leads to Upheaval Dome, a unique geologic formation characterized by its circular depression, which has puzzled scientists for years. It’s divided into two main viewpoints: the first Upheaval Dome overlook provides a panoramic view of the entire formation, while the second offers a closer look at its inner layers.

There are two theories about its origin: one suggests it’s the result of a meteorite impact, while the other proposes it’s a salt dome caused by underground salt movement.

This is one of the coolest sites in the park in my opinion. On our first visit to Canyonlands National Park in 2013, we hiked this trail and were in awe of how alive the landscape looked. Our recommendation: Don’t miss the short hike to Upheaval Dome!

8. Whale Rock

Whale Rock in Winter in Canyonlands National Park — Whale Rock

District: Island in the Sky
Mileage: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 131
Time: 45 minutes
All Trails Link

If you have ever wanted to climb a giant rock, Whale Rock is your chance! Whale Rock is a prominent sandstone formation resembling the shape of a whale, hence its name. It’s a popular hiking destination, offering a moderately challenging trail that leads visitors up the side of the rock. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast expanse of Island in the Sky. While the hike is relatively short, hikers should exercise caution due to steep drop-offs along the trail.

9. Slickrock Foot Trail

District: Needles
Mileage: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 137 feet
Time: 2 hours
All Trails Link

Embark on the Slickrock hike in Canyonlands National Park for an unforgettable adventure through captivating terrain. This trail offers expansive 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park. With a geology guide available, visitors can gain insights into the fascinating rock formations that shape the area. Be prepared to traverse uneven surfaces as you explore the rugged terrain.

10. Horseshoe Canyon

Great Gallery / Photo By KJSCHOEN / Sourced by Canva

District: Horseshoe Canyon/The Maze
Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1400 feet
All Trails Link

Embark on a moderate adventure descending 780 feet (237 meters) into a sandy canyon bottom on the Horseshoe Canyon trail to discover ancient pictographs and petroglyphs, notably the Great Gallery. It features a striking collection of pictographs and petroglyphs created by Native American peoples, dating back thousands of years. These intricate and well-preserved artworks depict various figures, animals, and symbols, offering valuable insights into the region’s rich cultural history. Due to limited shade, we do NOT recommend hiking Horseshoe Canyon in the summer.

5 Best Difficult Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

Are you an experienced hiker looking for a challenge? These difficult hikes in Canyonlands National Park are sure to excite you! Below are the 5 best difficult hikes in Canyonlands National Park:

Confluence Overlook
Peekaboo
Druid Arch
Chesler Park/Joint Trail Loop
Harvest Scene Via Pete’s Mesa Route

11. Confluence Overlook

Trailhead for the Confluence Overlook Canyonlands National Park — Confluence Overlook Trailhead

District: Needles
Mileage: 10 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,371 feet
All Trails Link

The Confluence Overlook hike in Canyonlands National Park offers an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes and geological wonders. Spanning 10 miles round-trip, this challenging trail leads hikers through dry, open country along geologic faults to a breathtaking cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers. The trek traverses diverse terrain, including rocky terrain and steep sections, providing a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers. Along the way, adventurers are treated to panoramic views of the rugged canyonlands and the convergence of two mighty rivers below.

12. Peekaboo

District: Needles
Mileage: 9.6 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,397 feet
All Trails Link

The Peekaboo trail in Canyonlands National Park offers a thrilling adventure through stunning landscapes. This challenging 10.8-mile (17.4 km) round-trip hike via Lost Canyon is ideal for experienced hikers. Along the route, adventurers encounter deep canyons, high slickrock benches, and prehistoric rock paintings at Peekaboo Camp.

13. Druid Arch

Druid Arch / Photo By Steve Lagreca / Sourced by Canva

District: Needles
Mileage: 10.8 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,446 feet
All Trails Link

The Druid Arch trail is tailored for seasoned adventurers. You’ll traverse diverse terrain, from the Chesler Park trail to Elephant Canyon, encountering steep sections and requiring occasional scrambling. The highlight of the journey is the awe-inspiring Druid Arch, a mysterious and enigmatic arch that rises dramatically over the desert.

14. Chesler Park/Joint Trail

Chesler Park Joint Trail Needles Canyonlands National Park — Chesler Park/Joint Trail

District: Needles
Mileage: 10.7 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,794
All Trails Link

In my opinion, the Chesler Park loop and Joint Trail is the best hike in Canyonlands National Park, or at least in the Needles district! The trail is varied, traversing unique terrain through sand and rocks past the skinny hoodoo formations known as the Needles, including the iconic Chesler Park Viewpoint. A highlight of the trail is the slot canyon known as the Joint. This was my personal favorite part of the trail.

Tip: Combine the Chesler Park/Joint Trail with Druid Arch for a 14-mile route.

In hindsight, part of me wishes we’d done this instead of just hiking the Chesler Park/Join Trail loop, because I definitely want to see Druid Arch at some point. But, it would have been a very long day, and ideally I’d like to see Druid Arch in sunrise or sunset lighting conditions, which we would not have been able to do on our last visit. There are many backpacking campsites in the Needles district, so in my opinion, that would be the ideal way to combine the Chesler Park/Joint Trail with Druid Arch.

15. Harvest Scene via Pete’s Mesa Route

District: The Maze
Mileage: 9.3 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,663 feet
All Trails Link

The Harvest Scene via Pete’s Mesa Route in Canyonlands National Park offers a captivating exploration of both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Due to the incredibly difficult way-finding challenges presented by the aptly named Maze district of Canyonlands National Park, this hike is only recommended for experienced hikers who have wayfinding skills and equipment. The highlight of the journey is the Harvest Scene, a panel of ancient petroglyphs depicting a hunting scene, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Safety Tips for Hiking in Canyonlands National Park

Here are five key safety tips for hikers in Canyonlands National Park:

Plan and Prepare: Before setting out on a hike, thoroughly research your chosen trail, including distance, difficulty, and terrain. Familiarize yourself with the weather forecast and trail conditions, and ensure you have appropriate gear and supplies, including plenty of water, snacks, navigation tools, and emergency essentials like a first aid kit and flashlight.
Stay Hydrated: Canyonlands National Park is located in a desert environment, where temperatures can soar and humidity levels are low. It’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout your hike, even during cooler months. Carry an adequate supply of water and drink regularly to prevent dehydration. Consider bringing electrolyte-replenishing drinks or water purification tablets for longer hikes.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: The sun’s intensity can be extreme in Canyonlands, increasing the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers exposed skin, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating regularly, especially on exposed skin, and seek shade during peak sun hours if possible.
Stay on Designated Trails: While exploring Canyonlands, it’s essential to stay on marked trails and adhere to park regulations. Venturing off-trail can damage fragile desert ecosystems, disturb wildlife habitats, and increase the risk of getting lost or injured. Follow trail markers, cairns, and signage, and avoid shortcutting switchbacks to prevent erosion and preserve the park’s natural beauty for future generations.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: Despite careful planning, emergencies can still occur while hiking in Canyonlands. Before your hike, inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time. Carry a fully charged mobile phone with you, but be aware that cell reception may be limited or unavailable in remote areas. In case of an emergency, stay calm, assess the situation, and if needed, signal for help using a whistle, mirror, or other signaling device. If you encounter another hiker in distress, render assistance if safe to do so, or notify park rangers as soon as possible.

What to Pack and Wear for Hiking in Canyonlands National Park

We’ve got a detailed national parks packing list with everything you’ll need for your Canyonlands National Park adventure, but at a glance, here are the key items you should keep in mind:

Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing made of synthetic or merino wool fabrics
Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and abrasion protection
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection
Lightweight gloves for sun and scratch protection
Well-fitting backpack to carry essential gear like water, snacks, a map, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Canyonlands National Park

Is there an entrance fee to visit Canyonlands National Park?

When visiting Canyonlands National Park, entrance fees vary: $30 for a private vehicle, $25 for motorcycles, and $15 for individuals on foot or bike.

If you plan to visit multiple national parks in 12 months, we always recommend the America the Beautiful Pass. For $80 annually, gain unlimited access to 2,000+ federal recreation sites, including Canyonlands. Ideal for adventurers exploring multiple parks, the pass covers entrance fees for the holder and accompanying passengers in a non-commercial vehicle, offering significant savings and endless opportunities to explore America’s natural wonders.

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What is the best hike in Canyonlands National Park?

In our opinion, the Chesler Park/Joint Trail loop is the best hike in Canyonlands National Park. It’s our favorite length, at 10.7 miles, it hits that sweet spot between too long and too short. Yes, it’s just right!

Plus, the terrain is varied, the views of the Needles are spectacular, and you get to hike through a cool slot canyon and cave area.

Joint Trail hike Canyonlands National Park — The Joint Trail in Chesler Park

What is the most difficult hike in Canyonlands National Park?

While it’s hard to say which trail is THE most difficult hike in Canyonlands National Park, we think the Maze Overlook Trail should be a top contender.

This trail offers a formidable adventure due to its remote location, rugged terrain, and lack of established trails. Hikers must navigate through narrow canyons, steep descents, and rocky terrain, often requiring route-finding skills and occasional scrambling. The trail’s length and difficulty make it suitable only for experienced hikers with advanced wilderness navigation skills and a high level of physical fitness. Additionally, the Maze Overlook Trail lacks reliable water sources, and hikers must carry an adequate supply for the duration of the hike.

For these reasons, we did not include the Maze Overlook Trail in our roundup of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. While it could be the best hike for some people, it is not suitable for most hikers.

How many days do you need in Canyonlands National Park?

It depends! You can see the highlights of the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park in a day or less. The Island in the Sky district is the most-visited section of the park due to its proximity to Moab and high density of easy hikes! This is also the section with the most iconic “canyon” views.

If you want to do a longer day hike in the Needles like Druid Arch or the Chesler Park loop, you should plan to spend 2 days in Canyonlands National Park.

To explore all 4 districts of Canyonlands National Park, I would recommend spending a week or more in the park, to account for the lengthy drives between districts and long hikes you’ll likely be doing in Horseshoe Canyon, the Needles, and the Maze.

Where to Stay When Visiting Canyonlands National Park

Where to stay when visiting Canyonlands National Park will depend on what district of the park you wish to visit.

In general, though, most people stay in Moab during their visit to Canyonlands National Park. This is the closest town to the Island in the Sky District of the park, and the Needles is reachable on a day trip.

Where to Sleep in Moab

>>Read our review from our stay at Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa

More Things to Do Near Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is near so many amazing Utah destinations! You can easily make your trip to Canyonlands National Park part of a Utah Mighty 5 road trip through all Utah National Parks, or even a Utah-Colorado road trip.

Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss close to Canyonlands National Park:

Newspaper Rock
Arches National Park
Downtown Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park
Goblin Valley State Park

Recommended Tours in Canyonlands National Park

There are several tour options in Canyonlands National Park. Here are some options to consider!

Final Thoughts on the Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

In conclusion, Canyonlands National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails that showcase the park’s stunning beauty and unique geological formations.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views from high overlooks, exploring hidden slot canyons, or immersing yourself in the tranquility of remote backcountry areas, there is a hike for every adventurer in this remarkable park.

From the iconic Mesa Arch to the challenging Chesler Park Loop, these best hikes provide an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the raw wilderness of Canyonlands National Park!

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