Welcome to the Canyonlands Tour
About the Tour
Your Canyonlands tour begins at the Moab Giants museum, near the park’s east entrance. From there, you’ll head west into the deep red of the desert, where you’ll find the striking formations of Merrimack and Monitor. Then you’ll head to your first major viewpoint: Big Mesa Viewpoint. Don’t forget to snap some photos for your Instagram!
As you continue past the famous backcountry trail of White Rim Road, you’ll learn all about the invisible life which thrives in this seemingly desolate desert. Next, you’ll get the scoop on the uranium king of Canyonland. No, really!
After that, it’s on to Basin Overlook and some seriously spectacular views of the Colorado River. Dead Horse State Park is past the overlook, home to a legend spooky enough to suit its name. You’ll then enter the national park itself, where the Island in the Sky Visitor Center will be waiting in case you need a break.
Next up is Shafer Canyon Overlook, offering views from not one, not two, but three sides! Then you’ll pass the secluded Lathrop Trail before arriving at Mesa Arch Trailhead, an absolute must-do. Continuing, you’ll come to yet another jaw-dropping overlook, then the totally unique Aztec Butte Trail, which boasts remnants of ancient granaries along its length.
Then there’s Upheaval Dome, the formation of which has stumped geologists! If you haven’t had your fill of overlooks by this point, don’t worry, a half dozen incredible ones are coming up next! Catching sunset at one of these is an experience you won’t soon forget. Finally, you’ll arrive at the immensely popular Grand View Point, where your Canyonlands tour concludes.
NOTE:
For updated road conditions, you can visit the alerts section on nps.gov. Entrance passes are required for all visitors. Please click on entrance fees to know more.
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Canyonlands National Park Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Address: Moab Giants, 112 UT-313, Moab, UT 84532, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Merrimac and Monitor
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Big Mesa Viewpoint
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Plateau Viewpoint
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White Rim
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Basin Overlook Parking
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Dead Horse Point State Park
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Island in the Sky Visitor Center
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Shafer Canyon Overlook & The Neck
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The Neck
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Lathrop Trailhead
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Mesa Arch Trailhead
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Green River Overlook
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Aztec Butte Trailhead
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Whale Rock
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Upheaval Dome
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Candlestick Tower Overlook
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Murphy Point
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Buck Canyon Overlook
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White Rim Overlook
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Orange Cliffs Overlook
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Grand View Point
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah, near the town of Moab.
Canyonlands is known for its dramatic canyons carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries, as well as its towering rock formations and stunning vistas.
You can access Canyonlands by car. The park has several entrances, each providing access to different areas of the park. The main entrances are Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.
Yes, there are visitor centers at each of the main entrances. These visitor centers provide maps, information, and exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, stargazing, and photography. The park offers a variety of trails for different skill levels.
While there are no guided tours provided by the park itself, there are several tour companies in Moab that offer guided tours of Canyonlands, including jeep tours and river rafting excursions.
The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Summers can be extremely hot, and winters can bring cold temperatures and snow.
Yes, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Be prepared with plenty of water, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and let someone know your plans before heading out on a hike.
Yes, there are campgrounds in the park, but they fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit.
You may encounter wildlife such as mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and various bird species. Keep a respectful distance and never feed wildlife.
Canyonlands is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each district offers unique landscapes and experiences.
Island in the Sky is known for its expansive mesa with panoramic views of deep canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. It’s famous for its dramatic overlooks like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch.
The Maze is one of the most remote areas in the United States. It’s a challenging backcountry district with few marked trails and requires extensive planning and preparation.
Yes, you can access the Colorado and Green Rivers for activities like rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Permits are required for river trips, and they can be obtained through the park’s website.
Pets are allowed in Canyonlands but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
