Activities
Courtesy of Neal Herbert, Canyonlands National Park Web Site

Hiking

There are extensive hiking trails in the park, providing opportunities for short walks, half or full-day hikes, or week-long backpacking trips. See district descriptions and maps for more details. Lack of water is a limiting factor, and hikers may have to carry their own supply. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Permits are required for all overnight trips, and advance reservations are recommended. No permit is required for day hiking.

camping There are developed campgrounds in both the Needles and Island in the Sky districts of the park. Campground sites have picnic tables, fire pits and toilet facilities nearby. There are no showers. Primitive backcountry sites accessible by foot or four-wheel drive are also available.

Mountain Biking

Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, especially for the 100-mile White Rim Road at the Island in the Sky. Permits for the White Rim should be reserved in advance as sites are limited. Mountain bikes must remain on established roads; they are not allowed on hiking trails. Many four-wheel-drive roads in the park travel up wash bottoms and are unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand, especially in the Needles District. Overnight trips require backcountry permits. Bicycle parties must use designated campsites. A support vehicle is recommended for all multi-day bike trips. Guided trips are available.

Four-wheel Driving

There are hundreds of miles of four-wheel-drive roads in Canyonlands, ranging in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical. Most roads involve negotiating stretches of steep slickrock, deep sand or even water. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles must stay on established roads and must be "street legal." ATVs are not permitted. Pets may not accompany groups on four-wheel-drive roads, even in a vehicle. Overnight backcountry camping with a vehicle is allowed in designated sites (permit required). Guided trips are available.

Interpretive Activities

Rangers conduct programs and talks spring through fall at the Island in the Sky and Needles districts, as well as at Horseshoe Canyon. Schedules are posted at visitor centers and campgrounds.

Boating

The Colorado River is famous for its rapids and the challenging Cataract Canyon is located within the park. Above the Confluence, the calm waters of both the Green and Colorado rivers attract boaters seeking a more peaceful journey. Permits are required for all overnight river trips, and for day trips through Cataract Canyon. Guided trips are available.

Rock Climbing

The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky attract the most rock climbers. Little climbing is done in the rest of the park due to the poor quality of the rock and a lack of established routes. Permits are not required for technical rock climbing unless it involves an overnight stay in the backcountry. Climbing is prohibited on natural arches (except for Washer Woman Arch) and in the Salt Creek Archaeological District in the Needles. All climbing must be free or clean aid climbing. Existing bolts or other hardware and software items may be replaced if unsafe. Chalk and webbing left at permanent anchor points should match the color of the rock. Motorized drills, chiseling and the gluing of holds are prohibited. A guidebook to climbing routes is available through the bookstore.

Horseback Riding

Horses may be ridden on all backcountry roads. However, there are very few roads with water sources along them. A permit is required for both day and overnight use, and special pack and saddle stock regulations apply. Pets may not accompany groups into the backcountry.

Fishing

Fishing is not a popular activity at Canyonlands. In the Green and Colorado rivers, about 99 percent of the fish are exotic species, predominantly carp, catfish, sand shiners, red shiners and fathead minnows. Visitors must have a valid Utah State fishing license and must comply with all state fishing regulations. Colorado squawfish, razorback sucker, humpback and bonytail chub are endangered species and may also be found in the park's waters. Due to resource development, competition with non-native species and a variety of other factors, native populations have declined and are struggling in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Visitors should become familiar with these endangered fish and the proper techniques for releasing them unharmed. If you are unable to identify a fish, please release it back into the water alive.