If you are looking for the ultimate family hiking adventure, check out the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park! If you have never been to Canyonlands National Park, then it’s the perfect place to go for an outdoor experience with the family that’s different from your regular beach trip.
There are so many great hikes in the park for beginners and experienced hikers too. The best part about these trails is that many are short enough for children to do as well.
If this is your first time traveling with kids, you’ll find that this vacation will be a memorable one for everyone, as national parks are the perfect vacation locations.
Here’s everything you need to know about the many hikes in Canyonlands National Park – there’s something for everyone!
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About Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeast Utah and at 337,598 acres, and it’s so big that you can’t access the entire park on one trip. However, there are many hiking trails throughout the park with varying degrees of difficulty.
It’s located close to Arches National Park, so you can spend the week touring two of Utah’s National Parks on your visit to Moab, Utah, which is a great place to stay when visiting Canyonlands National Park. It is also 15 minutes from Dead Horse Point State Park, also worth visiting when you are in the area.
This park is home to the Mesa Arch, one of the most iconic stops to see when visiting Canyonlands. In fact, you probably have seen many photos of Mesa Arch.
And while some people think this spectacular arch – through which you can get an amazing view – is in Arches National Park, Mesa Arch is in fact in Canyonlands!
It’s also to countless canyons, fins, arches, spires, and buttes that the Green and Colorado Rivers and its tributaries carved out. Rivers divide this national park into four separate districts – The Maze, Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the rivers themselves.
Where Arches National Park is full of arches among the many things to see, Canyonlands has more vast wide canyons and spectacular breathtaking views.
Island in the Sky District
Island in the Sky District is the most popular area for the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. There are trails that take you to amazing views of the Colorado and Green Rivers, and White Rim Mountains – Island in the Sky is truly an incredible experience!
Each overlook in the Island in the Sky district gives you a different perspective of the stunning landscape in Canyonlands National Park. One of the most impressive overlooks in Canyonlands National Park is the Visitor Center Viewpoint.
The Visitor Center Overlook is located across the street from the parking lot at the headquarters of the National Park Service. Just simply follow the trail to the overlook.
The Island in the Sky District is also more car-friendly and feels a lot like the Grand Canyon. Also, Island in the Sky is a great place for short hikes and drive-through visits. It’s a great district with incredible viewpoints and overlooks just a short walk from the paved road.
The Needles District
The Needles District features a wide variety of slot canyons where you’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities for day hikes and overnight trips. However, there are some easier hikes that are great for families. It was named after the Cedar Mesa Sandstone colorful spires.
The National Park Service advises you to use a map to get to the Needles District, as GPS units often lose people. You may need a backcountry permit for adventures in this district and some of the others.
There are many great hikes in the Needles District, such as:
- Chesler Park Viewpoint (Chesler Park Loop and Trail offer stunning views over the Chesler Park spires).
- Wooden Shoe Overlook
- Pothole Point Trail
- Cave Spring Trail
- Slickrock Foot Trail
And more as you could spend a lot of time in the Needles.
The Maze District
The Maze District is the most remote area in Canyonlands National Park, and it’s not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Hikes must have the proper equipment and supplies, as there is no place to get them in this area.
You must prepare for self-sufficiency here. Park visitors rarely spend less than three days in this District, and you can easily make it a week trip. The Maze Overlook is west of the Green and Colorado Rivers and is for advanced hikers as it’s tricky to get to. It takes a lot of preparation and planning, but the hike is pretty.
Horseshoe Canyon District
In 1971, the district added Horseshoe Canyon to the list. It’s best known for the Great Gallery, a historic panel of remarkable indigenous rock art created by the Puebloan Native Americans with human figures towering over the canyon floor. This Horseshoe Canyon district is not attached to the rest of Canyonlands National Park as it’s separated by the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.
The Horseshoe Canyon West Trailhead descends right into the canyon and continues to drop 650 feet in a little over a mile. The Horseshoe Canyon distance is seven miles out and back.
No roads link the districts in Canyonlands National Park as park authorities have taken great care to preserve the human history and nature that makes this park so unique. It takes anywhere from two to six hours to travel between the districts in Canyonlands National Park, as you can only cross the rivers in a few places.
The atmosphere is a primitive desert, and there are plenty of great sightseeing and hiking adventures.
Park Fees
Passes to Canyonlands National Park are good for seven days. The park entrance fee is $30 for private vehicles, $25 for motorcycles, and $15 for each individual. The individual national park pass is often used by hikers and bicyclists. Kids 15 and under can visit the park for free.
You may want to look at an annual Southeast Utah National Parks Pass that also allows you to visit Arches National Park and the Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments.
If your family visits national parks often, you can also purchase America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series (the annual pass.) This national park pass covers the entrance fees and standard amenity fees for more than 2,000 national parks across all 50 U.S. states.
Passes include:
- Lifetime Senior Pass: $80
- Lifetime Access Pass: Free
- Volunteer Pass (Annual): Free
- Senior Pass (Annual): $20
- Fourth Grade Pass for U.S. students in fourth grade (Annual): Free
- Annual Pass: $80
- Annual Military Pass: Free*
All lifetime passes also include a 50 percent discount at the campgrounds in the Needles and Island in the Sky.
To visit Canyonlands National Park, reservations aren’t currently required, but they are recommended.
Things to Remember for Your Trip to Canyonlands National Park
You’ll want to make sure you bring plenty of water since this is a desert environment. Everyone will also need the right clothing for the weather, so be sure to check the forecast before you go.
- Bring good hiking gear, hiking essentials, and hiking boots.
- Follow the cairns – the stacked stones mark the trails.
- If you decide to go hiking in the winter, stop by the Visitor Center and ask a ranger which trails are safe to hike.
- Bring food as there is none available in the park. It’s a good idea to bring a cooler packed with food, snacks, and water in your car, but also you can take them on your hikes in Canyonlands National Park. And bring a hiking pack so you can access what you need. In fact, we brought a picnic lunch in ours.
- Avoid hiking in the summer from 12 PM to 4 PM as that’s the hottest part of the day.
Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
Let’s take a look at some of Canyonland National Park’s best hikes for kids and families. I have separated this by easy, moderate, and hard.
I don’t recommend the hard hikes for younger kids. But if you have adventurous teens or are traveling with adults only and are an experienced hiker, these may be of interest to you.
Easy Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
White Rim Trail Overlook
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.8 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 160 ft
The White Rim Overlook Trail is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands for families, and the trail distance is about1.8 miles long. It’s a smooth, easy trail that you don’t even need to wear hiking boots for. You can easily walk it in tennis shoes or sandals. White Rim Overlook Trail has amazing views over White Rim Road and Monument Basin, and the nice thing is that it is less crowded than hikes like Grand View Point.
Located in the Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park district, White Rim Overlook offers incredible views of the Green River, Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains below. This hike is perfect for kids who are new to hiking or those who want an easy adventure.
You can also take side hikes in Canyonlands National Park to interesting archaeological sites. The White Rim Overlook Trail descends down to the Green River, where your family can enjoy white water rafting adventures.
When you park near the trail, you can easily just walk to the overlook or follow the cairns to the end of the trail. At the end of the trail, you’ll see a gorgeous view of the white sandstone bench that rims the canyon, the La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River.
Mesa Arch
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: .7 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 88 ft
Another of the park’s easy hikes is the Mesa Arch Trail. Also, in the Island in the Sky district, it’s only half a mile long and an easy hike.
Many visitors say that hiking at sunrise is the best time because the sunrise over the stunning canyon is incredible. The nice things is that it’s just a short walk from Island in the Sky Road.
This is a great spot for a photo opp! Our family has a great picture in front of the Mesa Arch, and you will want one of yours too.
The short hike and gorgeous views make the Mesa Arch Trail one of Canyonland National Park’s best hikes. Just beware that if you’re hiking with children, the canyon drops off if you hike all the way up to the arch to look down into the canyon.
But you don’t want to miss this opportunity to take pictures and get unique views of the canyon through the arch.
Grand Viewpoint Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.6 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 160 ft
The Grand View Point trail is also located in Island in the Sky and is a favorite hiking spot for many who venture on the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. It’s an easy hike and the trail distance is approximately 1.8 miles long.
The stunning Grand View Point views make it one of the most popular hiking trails in the park, and it’s definitely one of the best hikes in Canyonlands.
This trail starts at the Grand View Point Overlook, and while many people stop there, I recommend you continue on the two-mile hike because the panoramic views are extraordinary. You really need to experience the sights from Grand View Point.
Buck Canyon Overlook
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: .1 mile Out and Back
- Elevation Gain: 0 ft
Just off of Grand View Point Road is Buck Canyon Overlook. A very quick stop to see a spectacular view, this is one definitely to include in your list.
It is just off the parking lot, so not so much of a hike as it is a stop. It is one of the most spectacular views of the Island in the Sky district.
Murphy Point Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.4 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 147 ft
The Murphy Point Trail is yet another of the Canyonlands National Park best hikes. This trail is harder to get to and not as well-known as some of the other trails, so it’s less traveled.
It’s one of the easy hikes, but the trail is about 3.6 miles long. Murphy Point Trail starts on super soft, pretty desert sand. It follows the canyon rim until it opens up with expansive views overlooking the Green River, White Rim Road, and Candlestick Tower.
Whale Rock Trail
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Distance: .8 miles
- Elevation gain: 131 ft
Whale Rock Trail is another one of the Canyonlands National Park’s best hikes. This is considered a moderate hike because the distance for this trail is about one mile long.
This was our favorite short hike because it was unique and had breathtaking views. You can literally climb up the large whale rock to get to the top, which was one of the reasons my kids thought this was one of the best hikes in Canyonlands.
Whale Rock Trail is known as a fun trail for kids, but they should be over 10 years old as there are steep drop-offs. This trail could be dangerous for younger children.
Getting down Whale Rock is also a place to take caution, as the rock can be slippery. It is definitely one of the best hikes in Canyonlands.
It’s one of the steepest inclines in the whole park. All you need to do is follow the cairns that mark the trail until you can’t climb any higher.
The views over the whole park in the distance are amazing, and you can see the huge rocks that gave the trail its name.
Shafer Trail Viewpoint and Shafer Canyon
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: .3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 45 ft
The walk to the Shafer Canyon Overlook, located along Grand View Point Road, is just a short 0.1-mile walk that allows you to see amazing views of the Shafer Canyon.
For more impressive views of the canyon, you can hike to the Shafer Trail Viewpoint. This overlook allows you to see the twists and turns of Shafer Road as it winds down the canyon.
If you’re in a 4×4 vehicle, you can drive Shafer Canyon Road, but you’ll need a day permit. You can also take a guided tour of the Island in the Sky District that also tours Shafer Trail. The Shafer Canyon Overlook is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
Moderate Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
Cave Springs
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: .6 mile loop hike
- Elevation Gain: 39 ft
Cave Springs was another favorite hike for our family. This trail is 0.6 miles long and leads to the prehistoric rock peckings and paintings and the historic cowboy camp. To complete the hike, you will need to climb two ladders, so consider this when traveling the trail with small children.
Cattlemen settled in canyon country and created successful cattle operations here. It required the cowboys to stay out in the open range with their cows, so they lived an isolated lifestyle from the late 1800s to 1975. These cattlemen cooked in cast iron Dutch ovens over an open fire and ate simple foods like canned food, biscuits, coffee, potatoes, bacon, and beans.
Many of the artifacts still remain from their stay, but you’re not actually allowed to go into the camp or touch the items.
Before the cowboys, ancestors of the local Native Americans lived in these canyons from approximately 6,000 to 700 years ago.
Neck Spring Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.3 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 665 ft
This moderately challenging trail is almost six miles long, and it’s quite unique! The varied terrain prevents boredom and makes a challenging hike that will keep you on your toes, but it’s not too strenuous.
One thing that makes the Neck Spring Trail unique is it’s the only one with a natural water source from rain. You can even see the remains of watering troughs, fencing that kept the cattle in, and old tin cans from the cowboys and livestock that drank water here.
You will have to do some rock scrambling here, so everyone hiking will need to wear hiking shoes.
Upheaval Dome Overlook
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.3 out and back
- Elevation Gain: 226 ft
This Upheaval Dome trail via Crater View Trail is a moderate hike. It is 1.3 miles long, and it is one of the best hikes in canyonlands. The trail difficulty rating is from the elevation gain instead of the distance.
The Upheaval Dome Overlook gets its name from the massive crater supposedly formed by an ancient meteor strike. But really, it’s a mystery as to how it formed. There are two different overlooks, so you can actually split this trail into two hikes.
The first overlook trail is about 0.8 miles long, and hiking shoes are a must as it’s a short but steep trail. If you’re up for a challenge, this is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
The second Upheaval Dome Overlook presents a view of the salt peaks. This trail is about 1.8 miles long. The path is even steeper here, and you’ll run into a giant slick rock about 3/4 of the way down the trail.
So, be prepared for a more challenging hike than some of the easier hikes on this list. The Upheaval Dome trailhead has bathrooms and picnic tables.
More adventurous hikers may be interested in the Syncline Loop Trail, which is an 8.4-mile hike around the Upheaval Dome. It is a hard hike, so I do not recommend it with kids.
Aztec Butte Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.7 miles out and back
- Elevation: 259 ft
Aztec Butte Trail is not as popular as some of the other hikes on this list of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. This hike is unique because you can still see the stone granaries. Some points of this 2-mile hike are steep, but this trail is worth it because the view at the top is phenomenal.
You’ll find the Aztec Butte trail down Upheaval Dome Road. Once you pass the turn-off for the Willow Flat Campground, you’ll see the trail. It’s flat but sandy and winds you through sagebrush and juniper. If you take the trail to the left, you’ll get to see a set of ruins, while the trail to the right leads you to Aztec Butte.
Druid Arch Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 10.4 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1614 ft
Another one of the best Canyonlands National Park hikes is the Druid Arch Trail. This would be a hike you would spend at least half a day, so given its length, I would recommend it more for older kids who are experienced hikers, teens, and adults.
Druid Arch Trail is a popular 10.4-mile hike that begins at Elephant Hill Trailhead (note, you need a four-wheel drive vehicle for Elephant Hill). You’ll see some incredible views of the Needles District on this trail.
The Druid Arch trailing is one of those desert hikes for the more adventurous soul as you travel through loose rock and deep sand. You’ll also encounter a ladder along the way.
It begins on the same pathway as the Chesler Park Trail but eventually splits off toward the base of Elephant Canyon. The trail distance of Chesler Park Loop is a 10.4-mile hike with over 1800 feet elevation gain, and popular with hikers and campers. Also, Chesler Park Loop and Trail are quite popular, but you do need a four-wheel drive vehicle to reach the trailhead.
Joint Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4 miles Out and Back
- Elevation Gain: 567 ft
The Joint Trail is a moderate 4-mile hike that takes you through some of the best views in Canyonlands National Park.
This trail is best done as an out-and-back, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the 5.5-mile loop. The Joint Trail is best hiked in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler.
This trail is located in the Needles District and begins at the Big Spring Canyon Trailhead. The first mile of the hike is easy as you wind through a canyon. The canyon walls gradually get taller and narrower as you hike.
About 2 miles into the hike, you’ll reach some petroglyphs. These ancient carvings are worth the stop to see.
The last mile of the hike is the steepest as you make your way up to the joint. The views from the top are incredible and make this one of best hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
Slickrock Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2.4 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 137 ft
The Slickrock Foot Trail begins near the parking lot and is located in the Needles district. This is a great trail for kids as it’s short and has little elevation gain.
The first part of the trail is easy as it winds through the desert. You’ll then come to the Slickrock Foot Trail section, which can be a little more challenging. The Slickrock is best navigated by looking for cairns, or rock piles, that mark the trail.
And the best part is the four viewpoints on the lollipop loop. You will see a panoramic view of the region from the first viewpoint. On the second through fourth viewpoints, you will see the views of several canyons.
Do take caution, though, as you will be walking on the ridge of the canyon edge. All the trails of this hike will be full of amazing sights and breathtaking views.
Difficult Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
Lathrop Canyon
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 10.6 miles
- Elevation: 2582 ft
This trail is better for teens or adults only who are experienced hikers. Lathrop Trail is a longer trail of about a 10–13-mile round trip. But some hikers say that this trail is more difficult because the switchback section is tough to navigate and not maintained well.
But you don’t have to travel the whole trail, especially if you’re hiking with small kids. The reward for hiking this trail is breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the canyons surrounding it.
If you’re looking for a more difficult trail for experienced hikers, this is the adventure for you.
Other Hikes To Add If You Have Time
Here are some other great hikes if you have time to add some more activities.
- Confluence Overlook Trail – This hike takes about five or six hours and ends at a cliff with sweeping views of the Green and Colorado Rivers confluence.
- Hike in Dead Horse State Park (This park is located a few miles outside of Canyonlands National Park.
FAQs
How long should you spend in Canyonlands National Park?
There’s so much to see in Canyonlands National Park that you’ll want to spend more than a day here.
Two days would allow you to explore more of Canyonlands National Park’s best hikes as well as some scenic drives in the Island in the Sky District.
But if you only have one day, you can explore some of the popular hikes in the Island in the Sky District, such as:
- Mesa Arch
- Grand View Point Trail
- White Rim Overlook Trail
- Murphy Point Trail
- Aztec Butte Trail
What can you not miss in Canyonlands National Park?
Many of the Canyonlands National Park best hikes are on this list. But there are some additional ones you may want to check out if you have more time, such as:
Buck Canyon Overlook
This overlook shows the layering and depth of the canyons below you. It’s easy to get to at about four minutes from the Parking Lot for White Rim Overlook and just a six-minute drive for Grand View Point.
Green River Overlook
Definitely include the Green River Overlook on your stops. It is unique as you can see the Green River that carved some of the canyons below you. For some people, the Green River Overlook is a favorite viewpoint that’s perfect to hit the trail early for sunrise. The Green River Overlook is a quick .02 in-and-out hike from the parking lot (with plenty of parking spaces).
Visitor Center Overlook
The Viewpoint at the Visitor Center is located across from the Visitor Center parking lot. It may be your first or last view of the canyons that make this park so famous.
Pothole Point Trail
Learn more about pothole formation on this iconic Needles trail.
Gooseberry Trail
Gooseberry Trail is known for being the steepest hiking trail in Canyonlands National Park. Because the Gooseberry hike distance is 5.4 miles and on very steep terrain, it is very strenuous. I would not recommend this hike for kids, but it is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands for experienced adult hikers.
How far is Moab from Canyonlands?
Canyonlands National Park is located just 32 miles southwest of the city of Moab. It’s a great place to stay if your vacation includes the best Canyonlands National Park hikes. And it’s one of the best things to do in Moab with kids.
How far is Salt Lake City from Canyonlands?
Salt Lake City is about four hours from Canyonlands National Park. You can certainly fly into Salt Lake City. Other airports to consider:
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 109 miles
- Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY): 11 miles
- Salt Lake City (SLC): 230 miles
If you fly to Canyonlands, you may also need to rent a car. You can find discount flights and car rental services on websites like Skyscanner.
Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park?
We stayed in Moab, at the Marriott Springhill Suites in Moab But if you want a unique stay, check out Red Cliffs Lodge, a unique hotel and adventure center sure to add to your vacation. Check out more places to stay in the search box.
Booking.comFinal Thoughts on Canyonlands National Park Best Hikes
Canyonlands National Park is not the most popular park in Utah, but your family can experience some amazing hiking and backpacking adventures if you know where to go. Experience Canyonlands National Park because I know you’ll just love the magnificent views and hiking trails for all ages.
Our family spent one day in Arches National Park and one day in Canyonlands National Park. While you can certainly dedicate several days to either park, it is also doable to try a few parks in each while on your vacation.
Whether you choose to drive the scenic roads, hike the trails, or take a guided 4×4 tour, exploring Canyonlands National Park is a unique adventure you don’t want to miss. And now you know some of the best hikes in Canyonlands the whole family will love.
And if you’re looking for your next Utah hiking trip, consider visiting Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, or Dead Horse Point State Park.
If you’re looking for kid-friendly vacations that don’t involve hiking, consider visiting Maui, Hawaii, for a fun Disney vacation, or even visiting London for an epic 5-day vacation.
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