3 Districts of Canyonlands National Park
Explore the Needles, Island in the Sky and the Maze of Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands delivers a quintessential desert experience: deep canyons, prehistoric rock art, rivers, and sweeping overlooks. The park has three distinct districts, each a fairly long drive apart so plan accordingly.
Canyonlands Island in the Sky District
The closest district to Moab, Island in the Sky is the place for rim-side views over deep, vast canyons. Hiking trails to arches and domes descend into this area, and the White Rim Road, popular with mountain bikers and ATVers, circles the district. The most popular views here are Shafer Trail Road, Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.
The district also attracts rock climbers to its sandstone towers. You’ll find a visitor center, ranger programs and Willow Flat Campground.
Island in the Sky is approximately 40 minutes from Moab.
Canyonlands Needles District
Located in the southeastern part of the park, the Needles contains popular hiking trails through a desert decorated with rock spires. It’s also one of the best places for overnight backpacking trips. You’ll find a visitor center, ranger programs and the Squaw Flat Campground here. Needles is approximately an hour and a half from Moab.
You can also gaze at ancient rock art panels here.
Canyonlands Maze District
Not recommended for first time visitors, the Maze is a truly isolated area filled with labyrinth like canyons that gave the newest district of the park its name.
Experienced hikers visit the untracked Maze area for solitude, scenery, and adventure—trips to this zone usually require several days. There is a ranger station but no visitor center. The Maze is best accessed from the west near Hanksville. If you approach from Moab, it’ll be a several hour drive.
Need a map? Download an official Canyonlands National Park map for basic road and attraction locations. Or buy the NatGeo Trails Illustrated Map for Canyonlands National Park at REI.com. The topographic map includes trails, trailheads, points of interest, campgrounds, lakes and much more. The complete Utah National Parks Map Pack with five topographic maps is also available. All of the NatGeo maps are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material.