Canyonlands National Park Itinerary

This Canyonlands National Park itinerary will take you to the most majestic and wondrous points throughout the park. You'll even have a chance to venture out to Dead Horse State Park. Hike, raft, kayak, or go offroading. Two days and two nights will be enough to entice you back again and again for an entire lifetime.

2 Days, 2 Nights

Canyonlands is for the outdoor adventure enthusiast. Countless canyons have been carved out by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Canyonlands can be seen from above by hiking, driving 4-wheel-drive vehicles or riding mountain bikes to vistas on the different mesas. The canyon can be experienced by rafting or kayaking the Colorado River.

Day One

Drive To Canyonlands

Visit Canyonlands National Park
(4-5 hours)

Entrance Fees:
$30 per vehicle
$25 per motorcycle
$15 per bicycle/pedestrian

Drive to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands

From Hwy 191 approximately 12 miles north of Moab, take Hwy 313 to Canyonlands National Park. Stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a map and information before continuing to the lookout points.
Island in the Sky comprises the northern portion of Canyonlands National Park. From Dead Horse Point, return north on Hwy 313 for 7 mi/11 km to the junction with the Grand View Point Road and then drive the Grand View Road south into Canyonlands. Stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a map and information before continuing to the lookout points.

Main Points-of-interest

• Mesa Arch
• Grandview Point
• Upheaval Dome
• Green River Overlook

Visit Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point is a Utah State Park. It is a spectacular vista providing panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River. From Moab, drive north on Hwy 191 for about 12 mi/19 km to Hwy 313 and take the signed turnoff to Dead Horse Point. Follow Hwy 313 for about 22 mi/35 km as it winds to the top of the plateau and then south to Dead Horse Point.

As you leave Canyonlands, go about 8 mi/12km and take a right on Hwy 313 for 7 mi/11 km to Dead Horse Point. This gives you a birds-eye view of Canyonlands and the Colorado River over 1,000 feet below. It is an absolutely spectacular view of the river. It will be late afternoon/evening so you might catch a beautiful sunset over Canyonlands.

Check into your accommodations

Eat Dinner in Moab

Day Two

Jet Boat and 4X4 Ride

Take a half-day jet boat ride down the Colorado River into Canyonlands National Park. See Canyonlands from the river, a view that most people never experience. Glide along the top of the water going around bends in the river surrounded by high cliffs. Climb the 800 foot cliff to Fossil Point.

Then take a 4X4 ride up the Shafer Trail that winds itself through rugged backcountry onto Island In the Sky Mesa in Canyonlands National Park. See petroglyphs and other ancient Indian ruins.

Day Three

Sleep in and eat a late breakfast. Homeward bound.

TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION

MOAB AREA TRAVEL COUNCIL

25 East Center Street
Moab, UT 84532
800-635-6622
Visit website

UTAH’S CANYON COUNTRY

297 S Main St
Monticello, UT 84535
435-587-3235