Alerts & Conditions

 

Phased Increase in Recreational Access

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

 

Statewide COVID-19 restrictions

The following guidance is in effect:

• Statewide mask mandate: By governor's order, you must wear a mask whenever within six feet of anyone you don’t live with (indoors or outside). 
• Social gathering limits:  A limit of ten (10) people for casual social gatherings is recommended for high-transmission areas (such as Grand and San Juan counties).

 

Currently, the following facilities are open for public access:

• All Canyonlands' roads, trails, and restrooms,
• Campgrounds at Island in the Sky and The Needles,
• Outdoor visitor assistance at park visitor centers and Hans Flat Ranger Station,
• Park stores operated by Canyonlands Natural History Association at Island in the Sky and The Needles, and
• Commercial services previously permitted.

Backcountry and river permits may be obtained online. Overnight permits must be requested online at least two days before start of trip. Day use permits may be obtained up to 24 hours in advance of trip start.

At The Needles and Island in the Sky visitor centers, museum exhibits and theaters showing park films remain closed.

While the areas listed above are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Follow this web page for the latest public health updates from the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm

 

On This Page Navigation

 

NPS

Canyonlands National Park

The park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day.

Each district of Canyonlands has its own visitor center or ranger station. Hours vary by season.

 

NPS/Sierra Coon

Traffic

Between March and October, particularly on busy holiday weekends, you may experience long lines at the entrance road, and parking lots at popular trailheads and viewpoints are often full.

The following holidays and weekends are especially busy:

• The weeks surrounding Easter (Dates vary. In 2020: April 5-19),
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May),
• Labor Day (first Monday in September),
• Utah Education Association break (Dates vary. Usually third weekend in October)

Check traffic conditions outside the park on the Utah Department of Transportation Traffic Site.

 

NPS

Road Conditions

Four-wheel-drive roads in Canyonlands range in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical.

Rain and snow can quickly change unpaved roads to four-wheel-drive condition or make them impassable. Check current road conditions.

 

NPS/Sheena Harper

Camping

Developed campgrounds at Island in the Sky and The Needles are open year-round. Sites at Island in the Sky are first-come, first-served. Some sites at The Needles are available for reservation. During spring and fall, the campgrounds usually fill early. Read more about camping in and around Canyonlands.

 

NPS/Kirsten Kearse

Ranger Programs

National park rangers and volunteer interns offer various programs spring through fall. Check at park visitor centers for schedules. You can also check the calendar for special events and activities.

 

Park News

Looking for more information about what is happening at Canyonlands? Check out our latest News Releases, read the latest issue of the Visitor Guide, or connect with us through social media. We're on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.