By Mariah Cannon
This itinerary is everything I did with only one day in the park and a couple of things I would add when I go back! It’s jam packed and includes a lot of hiking, with the idea of you adjusting the itinerary to whatever works best for what you want to see and do!
Things to Know Before You go
The wait time to get into the park from the Moab side can be 30 minutes to 1 hour and during super busy seasons, even longer.
This park is located in the desert of Utah meaning it gets toasty – be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. My favorite sun shirt is the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie.
You will need to pay a $30 entrance fee or have your America The Beautiful Pass ready and displayed.
How to Get to Canyonlands
From Moab, Utah you take US 191 Northbound for 10 miles and then take UT 313 Southwest for 22 miles. You will see signs for Canyonlands and follow them to the entrance station. There are two other entrances to the park, The Needles district near Monticello, UT and The Maze district which is the most remote and difficult area to come in at.
Nearby Cities
- Moab, UT – 33 miles, 30 minutes
- Monticello, UT – 55 miles, 1 hour
- Provo, UT – 196 miles, 3 and 1/2 hours
- Grand Junction, CO – 121 miles, 2 hours
Places to Stay
Itinerary
- Take a quick hike at Mesa Arch Trail, a stunning .7 mile loop hike. This trail is very popular, but you can find more solitude in the early morning/late evening. Along it you’ll find many surprises and unique landscape.
- Hike Grand View Point Trail where you’ll find sweeping landscapes of the canyonlands below and the carvings throughout in 1.8 miles. This was my favorite trail when I went. You walk mainly on rock and follow cairns throughout, the trail can be tricky to stay on if you’re not watching for the cairns or following a direct map. The end point is an incredible highpoint looking over the canyon, thousands of feet above the floor of it to be exact.
- Hike Aztec Butte Trail – a 1.6 mile out and back trail with ruins and old homes shaped within the rock. This trail is moderate and can be somewhat tricky to navigate, look for cairns to help navigate!
- Have lunch at Green River Overlook. I highly suggest stopping at the food trucks in Moab and bringing something along with you. You will not regret it!
- For a longer day hike, check out Chesler Park Loop – a 10 mile loop with otherworldly views. This trail is rated as hard with 1,800 feet of gain.
- On your way out of the park, stop at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center to grab a souvenir
- If you have time and have worked up an appetite, grab some dinner from Moab Diner – their milkshakes are so good.
Enjoy this guide? Save it for future travels and adventures!
Let’s Get Adventuring!
Mariah
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