News Release

Canyonlands National Park Continues Temporary Closure of Needles District Due to Babylon Fire

Smoke from the Babylon Fire is visible from The Needles district on the evening of June 30, 2026.

NPS/Travis Spake

News Release Date: July 1, 2026

Contact: SEUG Public Affairs

MOAB, Utah — Canyonlands National Park will continue the temporary closure of The Needles district until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, Utah.

The Babylon Fire is burning within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning within Canyonlands National Park. Due to the fire's northward progression toward the park and Utah Highway 211, all park staff and visitors in The Needles district were evacuated on the evening of June 28, 2026.  

The Needles district remains closed to all public use until further notice. All existing day-use backcountry permits, overnight backcountry permits, and campground reservations for The Needles have been canceled through July 31, 2026. Additional cancelations later in the summer are being assessed based on the status of the district closure. 

All other districts of Canyonlands National Park remain open and accessible. Smoke from the Babylon Fire and other regional fires may impact air quality and visibility. Air quality resources are available at AirNow.gov. 

For official updates and incident information, visit the Babylon Fire InciWeb page at Utmlf Babylon Information | InciWeb. 

For more information about fire restrictions, wildfires, fire prevention, and fuels treatment projects, visit utahfireinfo.gov. As a general practice, being fire-wise helps prevent wildfires, keeps families safe, protects communities, and reduces unnecessary risk to firefighters.