Canyonlands Hiking Tours

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ALL CANYONLANDS HIKING TOURS

Why book a guided hiking tour to Canyonlands?

A guided hiking tour of Canyonlands National Park will help you fully appreciate and understand the rugged landscape of canyons, mesas, and spires. Our expert guides are knowledgeable about the local flora, fauna, history, and culture of the native Utah inhabitants. A guided tour can make navigating the vast and complex park easier, as we are familiar with two out of the four districts (Needles, Island in the Sky). The the best times and routes to visit specific locations, such as Mesa Arch for a sunrise or Grand View Overlook for a group hike. As an authorized permit holder at Canyonlands, we have a thorough understanding of trail closures, weather patterns, parking locations, bathroom and water stops, visitor centers, and much more. With a guided adventure, you can focus on the beauty of Canyonlands rather than worrying about logistics and have an stress-free and enjoyable visit to the park!

Each tour is great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike

More Information about Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park, located near Moab, Utah, is a vast and rugged wilderness area that is home to a rich and diverse array of geological features, flora, and wildlife. The park was established in 1964, and today it covers over 337,000 acres of land, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States.

The history of Canyonlands National Park is deeply intertwined with the history of the Native American peoples who have lived in this region for centuries. The park is home to many ancient rock art panels and other cultural sites that attest to the long and varied history of human habitation in this area.

Some of the specific wildlife you might see while visiting Canyonlands include Desert Bighorn Sheep and Coyotes. The Desert Bighorn Sheep are majestic animals that are well adapted to the park’s arid climate and can often be seen clambering up rocky cliffs and slopes in search of food. Coyotes are intelligent and adaptable carnivores that can be found throughout the park, where they hunt small mammals and scavenge for food. They are often seen in the early morning and evening hours and are known for their distinctive howls. In terms of trees, you might see Pinyon Pines, Junipers, and Cottonwoods in Canyonlands. Pinyon Pines are small, bushy trees that are common in the park and are known for their distinctive pinecones, which contain edible seeds. Junipers are evergreen trees that are also common in the park and are known for their fragrant, berry-like cones. Cottonwoods are large deciduous trees that are found along the park’s rivers and streams, where they provide shade and habitat for a wide range of animals. They are known for their distinctive, cottony seeds, which are produced in the spring. Some of the plants you might see in Canyonlands include Prickly Pear Cacti, Mormon Tea, and Rabbitbrush. The Prickly Pear Cactus is a distinctive plant with flat, pad-like stems and colorful flowers, and it is an important food source for a variety of animals. Mormon Tea is a small, shrubby plant that is found in dry, rocky areas of the park and is known for its distinctive, needle-like leaves. It has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. Rabbitbrush is a tall, shrubby plant that is common in the park and is known for its bright yellow flowers, which bloom in the fall. It is a popular food source for a wide range of animals.

The park is divided into four distinct districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers District. We visit both Island in the Sky and The Needles District. Each of these districts has its own unique geography and geological features, ranging from the towering mesas of the Island in the Sky to the “Needle like” spires in The Needles District.

Island in the Sky District

Nestled atop the Colorado Plateau in Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky is a mesa that offers a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking landscape below. With deep canyons, towering spires, and other geological wonders, this spot is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. There are several trails available for visitors to explore, including the popular Mesa Arch Trail, which offers a stunning view of the arch at sunrise, and the Grand View Point Trail, which takes hikers to the edge of the mesa for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Other notable hikes include the Whale Rock Trail, which features a natural rock arch, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which leads to a mysterious circular depression that has puzzled geologists for decades. No matter which trail you choose, a visit to Island in the Sky is sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Canyonlands National Park.

Needles District

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is a rugged and remote area known for its towering sandstone spires and colorful rock formations. Located in southeastern Utah, the Needles District is home to several popular hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s stunning landscape. Some of the trails available for hikers in the Needles District include the Elephant Hill Trail, the Chesler Park Loop, and the Joint Trail. The Elephant Hill Trail is a challenging route that leads hikers to the base of the park’s iconic spires, while the Chesler Park Loop offers a more moderate hike through a grassy meadow surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. The Joint Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through a series of narrow slot canyons and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Average Temperatures + Precipitation for Canyonlands National Park

*Based on weather data from the National Park Service