Ranking first as the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands National Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails that weave through the park. Visitors get to choose between short walks, day hikes, and backpacking trips – all with amazing viewpoints. The bright landscape contains numerous canyons, buttes, arches, and overlooks.
When hiking Canyonlands National Park, you’ll have a lot to choose from. Let me help you out by sharing my top day hikes! From less than a mile to ten and a half, they are unbeatable for any group of day-trip visitors. Canyonlands is divided into three sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Anything outside of that is associated with the Colorado and Green rivers, which run through the park.
Mesa Arch
Mesa Arch Trail is super easy, but there are enough rocks and optional elevation changes around that it’s still quite fun. Plus, the overlook boasts one of the most beautiful sunrise locations in the entire park. It’s not likely that you’ll get much privacy on the trail due to its short distance and amazing views, but it’s absolutely worth your time.
Make sure to always have your trail maps downloaded before you even get into the park as cell service is limited once you enter. Hiking the trail in the wintertime is sure to result in fewer people on the trail, but make sure to bring good boots, traction gear, or hiking poles for the ice. Elevation Gain: 90 ft (27 m)
Distance: 0.7 miles, loop (~1 km)
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Estimated Time to Complete: 20 minutes (plus additional time for rest/photos)
As you drive up to Canyonlands, you will quickly realize that it’s almost entirely made up of panoramic viewpoints. The visitor center is located in a central location of the park – within Island in the Sky. Living up to its name, Island in the Sky is the best place to enjoy overlooks that rise 1,000 feet above the surrounding area. Grand View Point Trail is just one of many trails that lead you to the edge of the “island”. Park at the trailhead and enjoy a relaxing walk to the viewpoint. Elevation Gain: 160 ft (48 m)
Distance: 1.8 miles, out & back (3 km)
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Estimated Time to Complete: 45 minutes (plus additional time for rest/photos)
As a self-identified “Type 2 Fun” adventurer, I must include this hike on my list. It’s for anyone who wants to be able to say they hiked 10 miles, in one day, at one of the most gorgeous locations in Utah. With panoramic views and slot canyon maneuvering, you will have a blast. This hike is bound to be included in my ” favorite rock scrambles in the U.S.” blog post.
You can also break this hike up into two days if you want to camp as well! If you can find this hike on Hiking Project, let me know (I prefer their map system over AllTrails). Elevation Gain: 1,820 ft (555 m)
Distance: 10.5 miles, loop (17 km)
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Estimated Time to Complete: 5 hrs (plus additional time for rest/photos)
As you might be able to tell from the name of this hike – it covers some of the same ground as Chesler Park Loop. If you’re better prepared to complete a shorter hike (but you want to do more than 2 miles), this would be the best choice. You’ll start out similarly, but take a right when you hit Druid Arch Trail (which is next on my list!).
With towering spires of red and white rock surrounding you, this trail leads you through Elephant Canyon. After some time, you’ll have to make your way out of the canyon. This includes some rock scrambling, which is SO FUN. At the top, you will find more rock formations and a flat space ideal for a snack break before you head back. Elevation Gain: 1,150 ft (350 m)
Distance: 5.5 miles, out & back (9 km)
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hrs 45 minutes (plus additional time for rest/photos)
Druid Arch
When hiking Canyonlands National Park, Druid Arch is a sight you can’t miss. This trail is very close to the previously mentioned Chesler Park Loop Trail, and they even intersect. For an even more intense hike, you can combine the two trails into a 14-mile adventure. Both of these hikes have amazing views of the colorful sandstone pillars that freckle the Needles District. If you don’t mind backtracking over the same terrain, this hike leads you straight out to Druid Arch and right back to the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 1614 ft (492 m)
Distance: 10.5 miles, out & back (17 km)
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Estimated Time to Complete: 5 hrs (plus additional time for rest/photos)
Read about MORE adventures nearby:
- Bryce Canyon: 5 Beautiful Things You Must See
- Arizona Travel: How to Hit 3 Spectacular Sights in 6 Hours (Horseshoe Bend/Antelope Canyon/Beehive Trail)
- White Sands National Park
- 5 of the Best Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
