Established: September 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson

Preservation: Committed to saving many endangered species both plant and animal alike.

Plant Species: Limited desert plant life

Animal Species: Limited endangered species

Hiking Trials: Several well rated hiking trails

VISITATION: Highest in spring and fall.

LOCATION: Southeast Utah

Address: Canyonlands National Park, 2282 S. West Resource Blvd., Moab, UT 84532-3298

Telephone: (435) 719-2313. Backcountry Reservations: (435) 259-4351

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS: Visitor centers are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours during spring and fall. Visitor centers are closed on some federal holidays.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING: The climate in Canyonlands is extremely dry. Most precipitation falls in early spring and late summer. Summer highs often exceed 100 Degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the 60's. Fall and Spring temperatures are milder, with highs in the 70's and 80's. Winter temperatures range from highs in the 40's and 50's to lows well below freezing.

DIRECTIONS: Canyonlands is divided into three land districts which are two to six hours apart by car.

Needles District: From U.S. 191, take Utah 211 west to the Needles.

Island in the Sky District: From US 191, take Utah 313 south to the Island.

Maze District: From Utah 24, take a graded dirt road east to the Hans Flat Ranger Station.

TRANSPORTATION: To Park: Commercial airlines serve Grand Junction, CO and Salt Lake City. From Salt Lake City, a commuter airline serves Moab. Nationwide bus service is available to Green River (fifty miles from Moab) and Crescent Junction (thirty miles away). Amtrak services Green River and Grand Junction, CO. Taxi and shuttle services can be arranged from these locations.

FEES, COSTS, RATES: Fees are $10 for private vehicles, $5 for individuals (good for seven days). Golden Age, Eagle, and Access passes are available and honored. Commercial Tours and Educational Groups fee information call (435) 719-2313.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Island in the Sky District:
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (except December 25th), with extended hours spring through fall. Exhibits, publications and information are available, and a park orientation video may be viewed. Bottled water is available for sale at the visitor center. No water is available elsewhere; bring all that you will need.

Maze District:
The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a small sales area with books and maps. There are no amenities like food or gas, no entrance fees and no potable water sources in the Maze District.

Needles District:
The Needles District Visitor Center is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except December 25th), with extended hours March through October. Exhibits, publications and information are available, and a park orientation video may be viewed. Water is available.

Trails, Roads: Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of backcountry roads and trails. Backcountry permits are required for overnight use and are limited in number. Reservations are recommended.

Lodging: There is no lodging in Canyonlands National Park. Overnight accommodations are available in the nearby towns of Hanksville, Green River, Moab and Monticello.

Camping facilities:Individual camping sites for ten or fewer people are first-come, first-served.

Needles District: Squaw Flat Campground is an ideal base camp for day hikes to popular destinations like Chesler Park, Druid Arch and the Joint Trail. There are 26 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bathrooms, fire grates, picnic tables, tent pads and water available year-round. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Fee is $10 per night. Squaw Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October.
Island in the Sky District: Willow Flat Campground is a short walk from one of the finest sunset spots in the park: Green River Overlook. Twelve sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites include picnic tables, fire grates and vault toilets. No water. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Fee is $5 per night. Willow Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October.

Group Campsites: The Needles District offers three campsites for groups of 11 or more people which may be reserved in advance. The Squaw Flat Group Site can hold up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. The Wooden Shoe Group Site can hold up to 25 people and 5 vehicles. The Split Top Group Site can hold up to 15 people and 3 vehicles. Nightly fees are $3 per person.

Food/supplies: There are no services within Canyonlands. Gas, food and other items are available in nearby towns.

Accessibility: At the Island in the Sky, visitors with mobility impairments can access the visitor center and restrooms, Buck Canyon Overlook and Grand View Point Overlook. In the Needles District, visitors with mobility impairments can access the visitor center and restrooms, Squaw Flat Campground and restrooms and Wooden Shoe Overlook. Other points of interest are accessible with some assistance.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE: Canyonlands is primarily a backcountry destination. Visitors come to the park for sightseeing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, and river running. Each district retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration. The Island in the Sky offers expansive views from many overlooks, short hiking trails, and is the easiest to visit in a short period of time. The Needles offers more of a backcountry experience, requiring some hiking or four-wheel driving to see the area's attractions. The Maze is entirely a backcountry area which requires a good deal of hiking and/or four-wheel driving over rough terrain and considerably more time to visit.