Alerts & Conditions

 

Current COVID-19 restrictions

The following guidance is in effect:

• Federal mask mandate: By executive order, you must wear a mask inside all park facilites and outdoors whenever physical distancing of six feet cannot be maintained. (See details below.) 
• Statewide limits on social gathering:  A limit of ten (10) people for casual social gatherings is recommended for high-transmission areas.

 

Latest COVID-19 Update

To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing the NPS has implemented a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors.

At Canyonlands National Park, face masks are now required in all park buildings and facilities. Masks are also required outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, parking lots, pull-offs, and overlooks, visitor center patios, and common areas in the campground. For a full list of areas where this mandate will be enforced, see the Superintendent's Compendium.

Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources, and uphold this requirement.

Facilities Status Update

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.

Recreate Responsibly

When recreating, park visitors should follow the National Park Service mask mandate, maintain social distance, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. Please do not visit if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19. Park staff 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.

• Keep your distance and be aware of the mask requirement.
  Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot. If staying at least six feet from others is not possible, wear a cloth face covering as recommended by the CDC. Cloth face coverings must be worn while in park restrooms. Masks are also required throughout Canyonlands National Park when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, parking lots, pull-offs, and overlooks.
• Keep it with you.
  If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities are limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Know your limits.
  Canyonlands National Park has an unfortunately busy search and rescue operation. Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. Winter-like conditions exist in high elevation areas of the park. It is critical to make wise choices to keep our national park rangers and first responders out of harm’s way.

Learn more about safety at Canyonlands National Park.

 

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.