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.

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 1: Visit Canyonlands National Park

(4-5 hours)

Entrance Fees:

$30 per vehicle

$25 per motorcycle

$15 per bicycle/pedestrian

From State Highway 191, approximately 12 miles north of Moab, take State Highway 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 miles (11 kilometers) to the junction with the Grand View Point Road, 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.

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 miles (19 km) to Hwy 313; take the signed turnoff to Dead Horse Point. Follow Hwy 313 for about 22 miles (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 miles (12km) and take a right on Hwy 313 for 7 miles (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 2

• 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.

Sleep in, then eat a late breakfast. Homeward bound.

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