News Release

Canyonlands National Park Temporarily Closes Needles District Due to Babylon Fire

Babylon Fire visible from The Needles park road, midday June 28, 2026

NPS photo

News Release Date: June 28, 2026

Contact: SEUG Public Affairs

MOAB, UT — Effective immediately, Canyonlands National Park has temporarily closed The Needles district until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, UT. The Babylon Fire is located within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning within Canyonlands National Park. 

Due to the fire’s progression northward toward the park and UT 211, all visitors in The Needles district are required to evacuate immediately. The Needles Visitor Center is closed. No new backcountry overnight or day use permits will be issued nor reservations allowed for The Needles Campground until further notice. Day hiking and scenic driving in The Needles are also not permitted until further notice.  

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