Phased Increase in Recreational AccessThe 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. Currently, the following facilities are open for public access:
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. 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 ![]() NPS Canyonlands National ParkThe 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 TrafficBetween 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:
Check traffic conditions outside the park on the Utah Department of Transportation Traffic Site. ![]() NPS Road ConditionsFour-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 CampingDeveloped 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. ![]() Park NewsLooking 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. |
Last updated: December 28, 2020