Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

 

Latest COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 community transmission level for San Juan County, which includes the Island in the Sky and Needles districts of Canyonlands National Park, is currently at MEDIUM. Therefore, wearing a mask in all federal buildings in those districts is optional.

Wayne County, which includes Hans Flat, is in LOW community level transmission. Therefore, wearing a mask in federal buildings at Hans Flat is optional.

In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status.

• Cloth masks are no longer allowed as an option when individuals are required to wear masks inside federal facilities.

In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.

Mask requirements vary by park based on CDC's COVID-19 Community Level tool. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Facilities Status Update

Currently, the following facilities are open for public access:

• All Canyonlands' roads (check conditions first), trails, and restrooms,
• Campgrounds at Island in the Sky and The Needles,
• Visitor assistance, and exhibits inside Island in the Sky Visitor Center and Hans Flat Ranger Station
• Theaters showing the park film at Island in the Sky Visitor Center,
• Park stores operated by Canyonlands Natural History Association at Island in the Sky, 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.

The Needles Visitor Center is closed for the winter season, scheduled to reopen in mid-February.

Recreate Responsibly

When recreating, park visitors should 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.
  Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail or in a parking lot.
• 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 a busy search and rescue operation. Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. Heat-related injuries can kill. 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.

 

 

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 November, 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),
• 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.