Canyonlands National Park Active and Adventure Vacations

Canyonlands National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Active and Adventure Destinations In or Near Canyonlands National Park

Mountain West Active and Adventure States/Provinces

Active and Adventure Travel Destinations
Aerial view of the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Colorado River flows through Canyonlands National Park, Utah (Robert Glusic/Corbis)

Canyonlands National Park Active and Adventure Highlights

By Travel Expert: Bill Weir
  • With more than 60 miles of interconnecting trails, the Needles District offers many loop possibilities. Most trails can be done in a day, or you can combine them for a backpacking trip.
  • Land of Standing Rocks, at the heart of the Maze District, has groups of strangely shaped rock spires that are fun to explore. Hiking routes branch off to overlooks and down to Cataract Canyon’s first set of rapids.
  • Dramatic vistas await bikers at every turn on White Rim Road’s 100-mile length as it wraps around the Island in the Sky.
  • Almost any shallow-draft boat can navigate the Green and Colorado Rivers above their confluence. Boaters typically do 20 miles a day in canoes or kayaks and 15 miles a day in rafts.
  • The serious whitewater and remoteness of Cataract Canyon require big-water skills and equipment. Private groups will have the best chance of obtaining a permit by planning well ahead.

Canyonlands National Park Overview

34 miles W of Moab, 304 miles SE of Salt Lake City

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Hotels

from: $339 compare hotel rates expert favorite hotel
Sorrel River Ranch Resort
P.O. Box K
Moab, UT 84532
Hotel Class: 5 class stars
Distance: 29.3 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
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Red Cliffs Lodge
Mile Post 14 Hwy 128
Moab, UT 84532
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 42.3 Miles
(from destination center)
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from: $30 expert favorite hotel
White Rim Road Campsites
Canyonlands National Park, 2282 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 19.9 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Maze District
Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, Utah 84532 Map
Distance: 28.5 Miles (from destination center)
Description: This rugged land of sandstone fins and "mazes" of... Read More
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Needles District
Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, Utah 84532 Map
Distance: 28.5 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Needles District of the park lies to the east... Read More
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expert favorite attraction
Island in the Sky District
Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, Utah 84532 Map
Distance: 28.5 Miles (from destination center)
Description:

The Colorado and Green Rivers form the... Read More

Active Expert Rating
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Feature Articles

More Canyonlands National Park Active and Adventure Feature Articles (27)
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Trip Ideas

GORPTravel Trips

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Canyonlands National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

Caving and Canyoneering: Hiking and Backpacking: Paddling:
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