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 that requires a good deal of hiking and/or four-wheel driving over rough terrain and considerably more time to visit.

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General Information

Visitation

Highest in spring and fall; lowest in winter

Location

Southeast Utah

Address

Canyonlands National Park
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532-8000

Telephone

General Information (435) 259-7164
Backcountry Office (trip planning only) (435) 259-4351
Backcountry Reservations (fax only) (435) 259-4285
Island in the Sky District (435) 259-4712
Needles District (435) 259-4711
Maze District (24-hour recorded information) (435) 259-2652

Operating Hours

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

Climate

Pleasant temperatures prevail during spring and fall, with cold winters and very hot summers.

Directions

Canyonlands is divided into three land districts that are 2 to 6 hours apart by car.

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

Island in the Sky District: From U.S. 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.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are charged March through October.

Golden Eagle Passport

The Golden Eagle Passport is an entrance pass to any national park, monument, historical site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee. It is a great convenience for those who plan on visiting several different areas that charge special fees. It is valid for one year from the purchase date. A Golden Eagle Passport may be purchased for $50 at any National Park Service entrance fee area or by mail. To order by mail, send check or money order (no cash, please) to:

National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Room 138
Washington, DC 20242
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

Where entry is by private vehicle, the Golden Eagle Passport will admit the passholder as well as any passengers. Where entry by private vehicle is not possible, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Eagle Passport will not reduce use fees, such as those for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It covers entrance fees only.

Golden Age Passport

The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass for those United States residents 62 years or older. These may be purchased at any National Park Service entrance fee area for a one-time processing fee of $10. The Golden Age Passport cannot be purchased by mail or telephone. Proof of age and citizenship or permanent residence must be shown at the time of purchase.

The Golden Age Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. When entrance is not via private vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder as well as children, spouse, and parents.

The Golden Age Pass grants a 50 percent discount to the holder on any federal use fees charged for things such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or tours. It does not, however, reduce the price of special recreation permit fees or fees for concessions.

Golden Access Passport

The Golden Access Passport is a free entrance pass to any national park, monument, historic site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge for those who are blind or permanently disabled. The Golden Access passport may be obtained at any National Park Service entrance fee area. Proof of a medically determined disability and eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law is necessary at purchase.

The Golden Access Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. Where entrance is not by vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50 percent discount on any federal use fees charged for services and facilities. It does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged for concessions.

All passes described above are non-transferable.

Facilities and Opportunities

Visitor Centers and Exhibits

The visitor centers at the Island in the Sky and Needles districts offer exhibits and sales areas for books, maps and other publications. The information center for the Maze District is the Hans Flat Ranger Station, which has a small sales area.

Backcountry Use

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.

Programs & Activities

Evening programs, overlook talks and other programs are offered spring through fall. Check at visitor centers for current schedules. A Junior Ranger program is available for children 6-12.

Frontcountry Camping

Individual sites for 10 or fewer people are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Needles District: Squaw Flat Campground, 26 sites, water, vault toilets, $8 a night, no reservations.

Island in the Sky District: Willow Flat Campground, 12 sites, vault toilets, no fee, no water, and no reservations.

Group Campsites

There are 3 group campgrounds located in the Needles District of Canyonlands that will accommodate groups of 11 or more people. Reservations are recommended.

Food & Supplies

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

Recommended Activities

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 that requires a good deal of hiking and/or four-wheel driving over rough terrain and considerably more time to visit.

The Islands in the Sky District

Overview

The Island in the Sky District overlooks the canyon country from a high mesa top, 1,000-2,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Bordered by the Green River on the west, and the Colorado River on the east, it provides easy access to overlooks with spectacular views of the canyons. Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips.

Location

To reach the Island, take U.S. Highway 191 to Utah Highway 313 (10 miles north of Moab, or 22 miles south of I-70) and then southwest 22 miles.

Visitor Center

The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (except some winter holidays) with extended hours spring through fall. Exhibits are on display, and maps, publications, programs, and information are also available. No water is available in the district, bring all you will need.

Interpretive Activities

Overlook talks and programs are presented by rangers spring through fall. Check at the visitor center for times and locations.

Campground

Willow Flat Campground, 7.5-miles south of the visitor center, provides 12 sites and is open year-round. The 1-mile access road is unpaved. Sites are primitive, offering tables, fire grills and vault toilets. No water is available in the district and visitors must bring all their own wood as collecting wood in the park is prohibited. Sites are first-come, first-served and accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet long. Maximum group size is 10 people, with a limit of two vehicles per group. Maximum length of stay is seven days. No fee is charged.

Hiking Trails

Island backcountry trails generally begin on the mesa top and descend via switchbacks to the White Rim bench, with some continuing to one of the rivers below. Most are considered strenuous and involve an elevation change of 1,000-2,000 feet.

Trails are primitive and marked with small rock piles called "cairns," with signs at trailheads and trail intersections. All trails are rough, and most require traveling down steep sections with loose rock and along sections of deep sand. Rain or snow may render trails difficult or impassable.

Permits are required for all overnight trips. Backpackers camp in designated sites (one group per site), or in at-large camping zones where they may choose their own site. Water is usually not available in the backcountry. Inquire about seasonal water sources at the visitor center.

For an overview of the district's trails, see the park map.

Backcountry Roads

The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Most visitors take two to three days by four-wheel-drive vehicle, or three to four days by mountain bike, to complete the White Rim Road.

Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is considered moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphys Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a challenging mountain bike ride, and also require extreme caution for both four-wheel-drive vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather. For mountain biking trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.

Permits are required for all overnight trips along the White Rim Road. Bicyclists and four-wheel drivers must stay in designated vehicle campsites. Twenty campsites are arranged in 10 camping areas. Location capacity (number of separate campsites per camping area) varies. There are four sites located at Airport; three sites located at Murphy Hogback and Potato Bottom; two sites at Gooseberry, Hardscrabble Bottom and Labyrinth; one site at Shafer, White Crack, Candlestick and Taylor. When there is more than one site at any particular location, they are generally positioned to be out of earshot and, whenever possible, sight of each other.

For an overview of the White Rim Road and backcountry campsites, see the park map.

The White Rim Road is extremely popular and campsites fill early. Advance reservations are highly recommended. No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. Toilets are provided at each campsite.

Permits are not required for day-use along the White Rim Road.

Rock Climbing

There are many established climbing routes at the Island, many of them on freestanding towers. Popular routes include Moses and Zeus, Standing Rock and Monster Tower. Permits are not required for climbing unless trips involve staying overnight in the backcountry. All climbers should be aware of the park's climbing policies.

The Needles District

Overview

Named for its colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone, the Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands, and is the most popular backpacking destination in the park. The dominant formations are the needles themselves, and the district's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for daylong hikes and overnight trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Angel Arch, the Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill and Chesler Park.

Location

From U.S. Highway 191, 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles, and is the only paved road leading in and out of the district. There is no direct link between the Needles and the other districts.

Visitor Center

The Needles Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with extended hours spring through fall. Exhibits are on display, and maps, publications, programs and information are also available. Water is available at the visitor center year-round.

Interpretive Activities

Evening programs are presented spring through fall. Check at the visitor center for times and locations.

Campgrounds

Squaw Flat Campground is an excellent base camp for visitors wishing to make extended day-hikes or short walks in the district. Twenty-six sites are available year round on a first-come, first- served basis. Sites are equipped with fire rings (bring your own wood) and picnic tables. Centralized bathrooms are provided. Water is available year round. A fee of $8 per night is charged March through October.

There are also 3 group campsites in the Needles: Split Top, Woodenshoe, and Squaw Flat, which will accommodate up to 15, 25 and 50 people respectively.

Hiking Trails

Needles backcountry trails wind through a labyrinth of sandstone canyons linked by high slickrock passes. Trails are primitive and marked by small rock piles (cairns), with signs at trailheads and trail intersections. Some trails may require negotiating ladders or areas with sheer drop-offs, which are dangerous in wet or icy conditions. Other trails involve walking through deep sand. Although most trails can be hiked in a day by strong hikers, many trails form loops and may be combined with other trails for longer trips. Net elevation change is generally several hundred feet or less, except for the Lower Red Lake Trail, which drops 1,400 feet to the Colorado River.

Permits are required for all overnight trips in the backcountry. Backpackers stay either in designated sites (one group per site), or in at-large camping zones where you may choose your own site. Locations of seasonal water sources are available at the Needles Visitor Center.

For an overview of the district's trails, see the park map.

Backcountry Roads

Backcountry roads range from moderate to very difficult. All require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle and technical four-wheel-driving experience and skill.

Roads may close intermittently due to poor driving conditions or weather. Some travel through stretches of deep, loose sand that may become impassible in long periods of dry weather. In wet weather, travelers on the Salt Creek Road may cross the creek dozens of times and drive through several long pools of water 18 or more inches deep.

Driving into the Elephant Hill backcountry is considered very difficult under any conditions and involves considerable risk of vehicle damage. Several tight switchbacks, as well as steps from 12 to 18 inches high, make negotiating Elephant and SOB Hill especially tough for vehicles that are wide or have long wheel bases.

Permits are required for all overnight trips in the backcountry. Backcountry vehicle campers and bicyclists must stay in designated vehicle sites. Ten campsites are arranged in 5 camping areas. Location capacity (number of campsites in each area) varies. Devils Kitchen has 4 sites; there are 2 sites located at Bobby Jo and Peekaboo; one site at both New Bates Wilson and Horsehoof. When there is more than one site at any particular location, they are generally positioned to be out of earshot and, whenever possible, sight of each other. No water is available at these sites, but vault toilets are provided at all camping areas except New Bates Wilson. Parties camping at New Bates must provide and use a washable, reusable toilet system.

Permits are required for day use by vehicles, horses, and bikes in Salt Creek/Horse Canyon and Lavender Canyon. Day use reservations are available for the period between March 1 and December 1. The Salt Creek/Horse Canyon road is usually closed in winter.

For an overview of the district's roads, see the park map.

Bikes are allowed on all designated roads, however many four-wheel-drive roads in this district are difficult for biking because of deep sand.

The Maze District

Overview

With its intricate network of steep-walled canyons, the Maze remains the least accessible district of Canyonlands. Due to the districts remoteness and the difficult roads and trails, travel to the Maze requires more time, as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency. A minimum of 3 days is required to see the Maze, and the area can easily absorb a weeklong trip.

Maze visitors should be skilled in the use of topographic maps and, if traveling by vehicle, in technical four-wheel driving. The Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area shares Canyonlands National Park's western boundary and is administered under the same backcountry management plan and reservation system. While some regulations differ, the information here should assist Orange Cliffs visitors in planning their trips to this area.

Location

The Hans Flat Ranger Station is a 2.5 hour drive from Green River, Utah. Exit from I-70, taking Utah Highway 24 south for 24 miles. A left hand turn just beyond the turnoff to Goblin Valley State Park will take you along a two-wheel-drive dirt road 46 miles east to the ranger station. In addition, a four-wheel-drive route leads north from Utah Highway 95 near Hite. Area two-wheel-drive roads may become four-wheel drive or even impassable when it snows or rains heavily.

Ranger Station

The Hans Flat Ranger Station is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., spring through fall only. There is a small shop with books and maps. There are no facilities, no entrance fees, and no potable water sources in the Maze.

Hiking Trails

Trails in the Maze are primitive and lead into canyons and to various viewpoints. Due to the nature and depth of Maze canyons, access to them is severely limited. Routes into the canyons are cairned from mesa top to canyon bottom, but routes through washes are often unmarked. Many of the canyons look similar and are difficult to identify without a topographic map. All Maze routes are steep and have some exposure to cliff edges. The Maze Overlook Trail and many other routes in the district require some basic climbing maneuvers and may be uncomfortable for hikers who dislike heights. These routes may require the negotiation of pour-offs, steep slickrock, or steps carved into the rock. A 25-foot length of rope is often essential for raising and lowering packs in difficult sections.

Most trailheads start from four-wheel-drive roads. Visitors with two-wheel-drive vehicles may park at the North Point Road junction, approximately 2.5 miles southeast of the Hans Flat Ranger Station, and hike 15 miles to the Maze Overlook. Depending on the vehicle, hikers may also be able to negotiate the 14-mile road to park at the top of the Flint Trail switchbacks.

Permits are required for all overnight trips in the Maze. Backpackers stay in at-large camping zones. There are several springs in the canyons of the Maze, but there is no water above the canyon rims. Inquire at the Hans Flat Ranger Station for more information.

Backcountry Roads

Four-wheel-drive roads in the Maze are extremely difficult, present considerable risk of vehicle damage, and should not be attempted by inexperienced drivers. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for all Maze backcountry roads.

The most commonly used road in the Maze is the Flint Trail, which traverses slopes of clay that are extremely slippery when wet. The Flint Trail is usually closed during winter.

The road around Teapot Canyon toward the Land of Standing Rocks is considered very difficult under any conditions and involves considerable risk of vehicle damage. Four-wheel drivers in the Maze should be prepared to make basic road or vehicle repairs and should carry the following items: at least one full-size spare tire, extra gas, extra water, a shovel, a high-lift jack, and from October to April, chains for all 4 tires.

Permits are required for all overnight trips in the Maze. Backcountry vehicle campers and mountain bikers must stay in designated vehicle sites and must provide their own washable, reusable toilet systems. Twenty campsites are arranged in 17 locations. Only the Doll House (3) and Maze Overlook (2) have space for more than one group.

No water is available along Maze four-wheel-drive roads.

Park Activities

Hiking and Backpacking

There are extensive hiking trails in the park providing opportunities for short walks, half or full-day hikes, or backpacking trips lasting a week or more. Lack of water is a limiting factor, and hikers may have to carry their own supply. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Permits are required for all overnight trips, and advance reservations are recommended. Check out backcountry information for details. No permit is required for day hiking.

Camping

Established campgrounds exist in both the Needles and Island in the Sky districts of the park.

Mountain Biking

Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, especially for the White Rim Road in the Island in the Sky District. Mountain bikes must remain on established roads; they are not allowed on hiking trails. Many four-wheel-drive roads in the park travel up wash bottoms and are unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand. Overnight trips require backcountry permits, and bicycle parties must use designated campsites. Reservations are highly recommended for permits to camp along the 100-mile White Rim Road, as sites often fill many months in advance. A support vehicle is recommended for bike trips of more than one day.

Four-Wheel Driving

There are hundreds of miles of four-wheel-drive roads in Canyonlands, ranging in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical. Most roads involve negotiating stretches of steep slickrock, deep sand, or even water. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles must stay on established roads. Vehicles and drivers must be "street legal." ATVs are not permitted. Pets may not accompany groups on four-wheel-drive roads, even in a vehicle. Overnight backcountry camping with a vehicle is restricted to designated sites and permits are required. Permits are issued at visitor centers and may be reserved in advance by mail or fax.

Interpretive Activities

Rangers conduct programs and talks spring through fall at the Island and Needles districts, as well as at Horseshoe Canyon. Schedules are posted at visitor centers and campgrounds.

Boating

The Colorado River is famous for its rapids and the challenging Cataract Canyon located within the park. Above the Confluence, the calm waters of both the Green and Colorado rivers attract boaters seeking a more peaceful journey. Permits are required for all overnight river trips, and for day trips through Cataract Canyon. Guided tours are also available.

Commercial Trips

The companies listed below are authorized by the National Park Service to provide visitors with guided trips into the park. Many of the tour operators offer specialized educational trips. Tours combining several modes of transportation are also available.

Camping (Inside the park)

Canyonlands has 2 frontcountry campgrounds. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

• Squaw Flat Campground (Needles District) 26 sites; drinking water available spring through fall; fee of $8 per night; group size limit of 10 people and 2 vehicles per site; no reservations for individual sites
• Willow Flat Campground (Island District) 12 sites; no water; no fee; group size limit of 10 people and 2 vehicles per site; no reservations; vault toilets; picnic tables

The Needles District also has 3 campsites for groups of 11 or more people, which may be reserved in advance.

Camping (Outside the park)

• Dead Horse Point State Park, which has a 21-site campground, is located on Utah 313 approximately 35 miles from Moab, near the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands. Drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables and grills are provided. Reservations may be made 3-120 days in advance by calling the Utah State Parks reservation office at (800) 322-3770.
• Private campgrounds are located in nearby towns and near the Needles District. For information on private campgrounds, contact the Utah Travel Council
• Camping is allowed in many Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas outside the park. Some restrictions apply. Contact the nearest BLM office for more information.

Lodging

There is no lodging in Canyonlands National Park. For information on nearby lodging contact the local travel councils by phone, or visit the Utah Travel Council Web Site.

Backcountry Permits

The Permit System

Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. This includes backpacking, four-wheel drive or bicycle camping, flat water river trips on the Green or Colorado to the Confluence, and Cataract Canyon river trips. Permits are also required for day use by vehicles, horses, and bikes in Salt Creek/Horse and Lavender canyons in the Needles District.

Permits (except day use) may include up to 14 consecutive nights in the backcountry. This does not include camping at established, frontcountry campgrounds such as Willow Flat. When multi-district trips are planned, permit holders may spend one night outside the park in order to travel and re-supply.

Backpackers may stay up to seven nights in any site or zone. Visitors using the designated vehicle camps may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate.

Please note that permits are not required for day hiking.

Fees

To help recover some of the costs of permit processing and the reservation system, Canyonlands now charges a non-refundable reservation fee for each permit. Both walk-ins and visitors pay these fees when making advance reservations.

Permit Type	Fee	Group Size	Limit Per Permit
Backpacking	$10	7 people	7 people

(p=people, v=vehicle)

Island Needles Maze

5 people

Backcountry Vehicle $25 15p/3v 10p/3v 9p/3v

Flat water $10 16 people (recommended)

Cataract Canyon $25 16 people (recommended)

Day Use (Needles only) $5 1 vehicle per permit

Calculating Fees

When combining different activities on a backcountry trip, reservation fees are not cumulative: only the higher of the appropriate fees will be charged. For example, groups planning to backpack during a Cataract Canyon trip will not be charged an extra $10 for the backpacking reservation. However, group size limits vary by activity and location (see above), and a large group on the river may have to divide into smaller groups when backpacking. In this case, a second reservation must be made and another fee charged.

When combining other activities with group camping or day use, reservation fees are cumulative. For example, groups spending the night at Devil's Kitchen Camp must pay an additional fee for day use permits to enter Salt Creek/Horse or Lavender canyons. The only exceptions to this are that groups camping at Peekaboo in the Needles, or backpackers using the Angel Arch trailhead, do not have to purchase a day-use permit to gain access to Salt Creek.

Day-use permits are required for each vehicle in a group, and are valid for one day only. Please note that a permit to travel in Salt Creek/Horse canyons does not provide access to Lavender Canyon.

How to Obtain a Permit

Permits are issued to walk-ins, on a space-available basis, and to confirmed reservation holders. Permits may be obtained in person either the day-of or the day-before a trip begins. All members of a group must be present for a regulation talk at the time the permit is issued. Rangers will not issue permits during the last hour of visitor center operation.

Backpacking and all vehicle permits must be obtained from the national park visitor center closest to where their trips originate. For example, if your trip is in the Needles, you must pick up the permit at the Needles Visitor Center. In some cases, visitors entering the backcountry through remote locations (that do not involve passing one of the park's visitor centers) may receive their permits through the mail. In addition, permits for campsites along the White Rim Road may be mailed in advance.

River permits must be obtained from the reservation office at park headquarters in Moab, UT. The reservation office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before contacting the reservation office, visitors interested in flatwater trips should make their upstream travel arrangements. Jet boat shuttles from the Confluence or Spanish Bottom to Moab are available from 2 licensed operators: Tag-A-Long Expeditions, (435) 259-8946; and Tex's Riverways, (435) 259-5101.

In order to receive a permit by mail, visitors must contact the reservation office at least 2 weeks before a trip begins. Groups must provide vehicle information for all vehicles that will be in the park overnight (license plate number, state of registration, make, model, color) and coordinate parking arrangements for any vehicles left at trailheads before a permit can be mailed.

The reservation office and district visitor centers are closed on some federal holidays.

Calling Us

Reservation office staff is available by phone to answer questions and assist with trip planning Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (MST), at (435) 259-4351. When our workload permits, phones may be answered until 4 p.m. Please have a map available if you would like assistance with trip planning.

Reservations may not be made over the phone.

The Rivers District

Overview

Near the center of Canyonlands National Park, the Green and the Colorado join to form one great river, the Colorado. The combined flow of both tributaries spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class stretch of white water. Above the Confluence, both rivers remain calm, providing opportunities for quiet enjoyment by canoeists, kayakers, and others. There are no facilities and no potable water sources along the rivers in Canyonlands. Vault toilets are available at Hardscrabble and Potato Bottoms on the Green, and Lathrop Canyon on the Colorado. All groups on the rivers are required to have a cleanable, reuseable toilet system. River flows are dependent upon snowmelt, with high water periods generally stretching from early May to late June.

Access

The most common river access points are at Green River State Park or Mineral Bottom for the Green, and Potash or the Moab dock on the Colorado. See chart below for river mileage information. There is no vehicle access to the rivers near the Confluence or Cataract Canyon.

Hiking to the rivers from any of the other districts generally involves a descent of 1,000 feet or more over rough terrain. There are established hiking trails leading to the rivers in each of the districts.

Flat-Water

Flat-water trips float down either the Green or the Colorado to the Confluence or Spanish Bottom (which is 2 river miles below the Confluence).

A permit is required for all overnight flat-water trips in Canyonlands.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the riverways upstream of the park boundary, which include most launch locations. Permits are not required for overnight use or launches on bureau land. Green River State Park and Ruby Ranch both charge a small fee for launches. Call Ruby Ranch at (435) 564-3538, or Green River State Park at (435) 564-3633 for more information.

The calm water stretches of the Green and Colorado rivers are slow moving. Average distances covered may vary between 15 to 20 miles per day during high water, to 10 to 15 miles per day during low water, depending on the amount of time spent hiking or how much you paddle.

Flat-water trips must arrange their own take-out from the Confluence area. Jet-boat shuttle service is available for a fee from two licensed concession operators, both located in Moab: Tag-a-Long Expeditions, (435) 259-8946; and Texs Riverways, (435) 259-5101. The National Park Service does not operate a shuttle service.

There are no restrictions on launch dates or group sizes for river trips, although the park recommends groups be limited to no more than 16 people. People interested in flat-water permits should make their upstream travel arrangements before contacting the park.

There are no designated campsites along the rivers in Canyonlands. During periods of high water, camps are more difficult to find, especially for large groups. During late summer and fall, sandbars are usually plentiful and make ideal camps.

Cataract Canyon

Cataract Canyon contains 14 miles of rapids ranging in difficulty up to Class V. It is a particularly hazardous and isolated section of the Colorado River and is subject to extreme water level fluctuations.

A permit is required for all trips through Cataract Canyon.

Most Cataract Canyon trips put in at Potash, Moab, Green River, or Mineral Bottom. Individuals interested in boating through Cataract Canyon should also read the section on flat water.

The common take out for whitewater trips is Hite Marina on Lake Powell, in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is 45 miles from Spanish Bottom to Hite Marina. Rowing trips may want to arrange for a tow across Lake Powell to the take out. Contact Hite Marina (435) 684-2278, or the San Juan County Travel Council (800) 574-4386 for more information.

Fishing

Within Canyonlands National Park, only the muddy waters of the Green and Colorado rivers contain fish. About 99 percent of these fish are exotic species, predominantly carp, catfish, sand shiners, red shiners and fathead minnows. To fish in the park, visitors must have a valid Utah state fishing license and must comply with all state fishing regulations.

Small populations of native fish still exist in the park. Due to resource development, competition with non- native species, and a variety of other factors, native populations have declined and continue to struggle in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Colorado squawfish, razorback sucker, humpback, and bonytail chub are endangered and may be found in the park's waters. Visitors should become familiar with these endangered fish and the proper techniques for releasing them unharmed. If you are unable to identify a fish, please release it back into the water alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a flash flood?

A: Flash flooding occurs when intense rain is funneled into a single channel, called a "wash" or "arroyo." Because this country is more rock than soil, there is little or no water retention and rain runs quickly into and down these drainages, eventually flooding areas that can be miles from the source. Fortunately, most canyons in this park are wide enough to allow escape from these brief but intense water flows. Do not try to hike or drive across a wash in flood. Depending on the size of the area drained, floods typically do not last long. As a precaution, pay attention to your tent site. Avoid camping in sandy washes or other natural drainage as even a small amount of water can be an unwelcome surprise in the middle of the night.

Q: Where should I pitch my tent?

A: Set your tent where it will have the least impact on the fragile, desert environment. Use either a designated campsite when required, or pitch your tent on slickrock. Sleeping on sandstone is remarkably comfortable given the quality of modern camping mattresses. Self-support dome tents work well and can be weighted down with rock and gear in windy situations. Though the deep sand may look tempting, do not camp in washes (see flash flooding warning above).

Q: What about spiders, snakes, and scorpions?

A: Canyonlands is home to a variety of these creatures, though few are poisonous. Spiders, snakes, and scorpions are rarely aggressive, and will generally attack only if threatened. By observing a few simple guidelines, encounters with these desert dwellers can be a source of wonder rather than fear and dread.

• Most bites and stings occur when people try to handle wildlife. Do not attempt to capture or molest wildlife.
• If you come across a snake when hiking, back up slowly and give it a chance to escape.
• Wear long pants and sturdy shoes when walking around at night; scorpions are nocturnal and are difficult to see because of their pale color. Scorpions are often found on the sandbars along the rivers.
• Always be aware of where you place your hands and feet when moving rocks, logs, or climbing.
• Shake out your boots and clothing before dressing, and your bedding before climbing into it.
• If you are allergic to any bites or stings, carry your epinephrine kit at all times, and let others in your party know of your condition.
• Educate yourself by learning the appropriate first aid treatment for bites and stings.

Q: Are there insects to be concerned about?

A: Mosquitoes, cedar gnats, and deer flies all make their presence felt in Canyonlands' backcountry. Their numbers are entirely dependent on the amount of rainfall and other environmental factors, so are impossible to predict. In general, insects are more prevalent near water sources and vegetation. At times, mosquitoes and deer flies can be so intense as to make tent-less camping very difficult and long pants mandatory for hiking in wash bottoms. Early spring and fall are good times to avoid these airborne pests.

Q: Do I need a tent?

A: Not always. Minimizing pack weight can make hiking far more enjoyable. While desert weather is somewhat unpredictable in the spring and fall, summertime usually means blue skies, starry nights and heat so intense you may want to leave your tent or even your sleeping bag behind.

Q: Are there predators I should be concerned about?

A: Probably not. Though there are mountain lions and sometimes black bear in the park, sightings are extremely rare. These animals are usually more afraid of you than you are of them, and will avoid contact with people.

Q: Should I hang my food?

A: Yes. Food should be hung up in a stuff sack at night to prevent rodents, birds, and other creatures from gaining access to it. Do not share your food with desert wildlife. Camps should be kept clean and free of food scraps, as these will attract ants and mice, which may attract scorpions and snakes.

Q: Can I bring my dog?

A: With the exception of the Orange Cliffs Unit of Glen Canyon NRA, and the use of guide dogs for visually impaired visitors, dogs and other pets are not allowed in the backcountry of Canyonlands. Phone numbers of local kennels are available from the park, but it is recommended that pets be left at home with friends and family.

Q: Are there water sources in the backcountry?

A: There are very few reliable springs in the backcountry. Inquire at the districts for specific information regarding location and availability. During rainy periods, water often collects in small depressions in the rock called "potholes." This water should be used only as a last resort because desert wildlife depends on it. Never drink a pothole dry. All water should be filtered or otherwise purified. Common methods of purification include boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, or using iodine tablets.

Q: How much water should I drink?

A: One gallon per day per person is the minimum amount of water recommended. This estimate does not include water for cooking, and strenuous exercise in hot weather will require more. When planning your trip, remember that 1 gallon of water weighs 8 pounds.

Q. How can I avoid lightning?

A: Lightning strikes are impossible to predict. Get to a car if possible and roll up the windows, or crouch low to the ground while resting on your feet. Make as little contact with the ground as possible. If you are in a group, maintain a good distance between each person. Avoid ridgelines, canyon rims, and other high, exposed locations, and never crouch beside a lone tree.

Q: What do I do with my garbage?

A: Pack it out, including any used toilet paper and food scraps. Do not dump garbage in vault toilets.

Q: What about human waste?

A: When backpacking, human waste should be buried in a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, at least 300 feet from any water source, sandy wash, or trail. The best place to dig is under pinyon pine or juniper trees where cryptobiotic soil is not present. Do not bury or burn toilet paper. Urine alone is not a health hazard and need not be buried. When vehicle camping, some areas are equipped with vault toilets; in others, like the Maze, the river corridors and some Needles sites, groups are required to carry their own washable, reuseable toilet systems.

Q: Can I build a fire?

A: Wood fires are allowed only along the river corridors in Canyonlands. All fires along the rivers must be contained in a firepan, and all partially burned debris must be removed from the backcountry. White ash may be scattered in the main river channel.

Q: What if there's an emergency situation in the backcountry?

A: Your first resource for emergency help is the district rangers who will coordinate any search and rescue operation within the park. Have one or two members of your party hike to the nearest ranger station for help. If you are alone, stay in one location and await rescue. Rangers patrol roads and trails, but the National Park Service does not have a check out system. Don't count on cellular phone service reaching you in canyon country. Make friends and relatives aware of your itinerary so they may contact us if you are missing. Don't forget to check in with them at pre-scheduled times.

Q: What if my vehicle breaks down?

A: All repair and towing fees are paid by the vehicle owner. Local rates are roughly $150/hour for service on four-wheel-drive roads, so towing bills can easily exceed $1,000. The park does not have a towing or repair service to assist visitors, but will help coordinate any such operations.

Q: Can I deviate from the zones/ sites listed on my permit?

A: No. The park limits the number of people camping in the various sites and zones each night in order to minimize resource impact and preserve the serenity of the wilderness. Many sites are reserved far in advance so it is important that you stay in your designated location.

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History

Native Americans

The first people known to inhabit Canyonlands were the Archaic hunter-gatherers, who wandered the area 2,000 to 10,000 years ago in search of large game animals and edible plants. They lived in the open or camped under overhangs, leaving behind such artifacts as projectile points, atlatls or spear-throwers, fire hearths, and ghost-like pictographs.

By 1 AD, these hunter-gatherers were cultivating corn and constructing slab-lined cists for storing the grains they collected. The Basket Maker agriculturists that followed also constructed pit houses and made fine basketry. Around 450 AD, they developed pottery from basket-molds, adopted the bow and arrow, and developed multi-roomed pueblos with ceremonial chambers known as kivas. The Basket Makers and later Pueblo people are now collectively referred to as the Ancestral Puebloans. By 1300, the Ancestral Puebloans left the region, perhaps because of climatic changes that made life difficult.

European Exploration

Ute, Navajo, and Paiute Indians occupied southern Utah when 2 Franciscan Priests, Silvestre Velez de Escalante and Afanasio Dominguez, circled Canyonlands in 1776, looking for a route between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Monterey, California. The United States recognized southern Utah as a Spanish possession with the signing of the Adams Onis treaty in 1819, but this did not deter trappers from entering the area in the early 1800s. From 1836 through 1838, a trapper named Denis Julien left his name carved throughout the Canyonlands area, including the Colorado River canyon. The U.S. Army sent Captain John N. Macomb on an expedition to explore the Colorado Plateau for a wagon route from New Mexico to Utah in 1859. The expedition members drew the first accurate maps of southeast Utah, and compiled geographical and geological information of the area.

River Exploration

Little was known of the Colorado River until 1869, when Major John Wesley Powell completed his first expedition from Green River, Utah, through the Grand Canyon. Powell repeated the expedition in 1871-72, continuing his studies of the topography, natural history and Native American cultures. Bert Loper, Charles S. Russell, and E.R. Monett made the first pleasure run down the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in 1907. Julius Stone was the first to hire a guide, Nathaniel Galloway, to take him down the river in 1909, and in 1937 Norman Nevills started commercial river trips on the Colorado.

Pioneer Settlement

The first Pioneers to settle the area were cowboys. Al Scorup began grazing cattle in the White Canyon area near Natural Bridges in 1891, on his way to becoming one of the most influential ranchers in the region. Don Cooper and Mel Turner settled along Indian Creek in 1885, founding the Dugout Ranch. By 1900, D.L. Goudelock, who had settled near the head of Cottonwood Creek, joined forces with the Dugout Ranch, forming the Indian Creek Cattle Company.

On the north end of Canyonlands, Preston Nutter grazed cattle on the Island in the Sky from 1886 to 1893. Cattle ranching depended on a steady cattle market, and with the panic of 1893, many ranchers began raising sheep instead. Sheep were grazed on the Island after 1900. Cattle ranching encouraged cattle rustling and the rugged canyons provided hideouts for such outlaws as Robert Leroy Parker (Butch Cassidy), Tom and Bill McCarthy, and Matt Warner. Robbers Roost, west of the Maze, served as a secluded refuge for such gangs.

In March 1883, the Denver & Rio Grande railroad joined with the Rio Grande Western railroad near Green River, Utah, providing rail transportation to southeastern Utah. This, combined with the displacement of Native Americans to reservations during the late 1800s and early 1900s, nurtured the growth of farming and ranching communities such as Moab and Bluff. With the Utes removed to the Uinta Reservation, Mormon settlers reclaimed their abandoned pioneer community of Moab, and Mormons from the town of Bluff branched out to build Blanding, Monticello, and La Sal.

In spite of the early settlers, much of the Canyonlands area remained relatively inaccessible until the uranium boom in the 1950's. Following the atomic bombings in Japan which ushered in the Nuclear Age, the Atomic Energy Commission offered monetary incentives for the discovery and delivery of uranium ore. The uranium-rich Canyonlands area lured prospectors who built many exploratory roads in search of the radioactive "gold," opening up miles of previously unexplored public lands.

Park Creation

Public awareness of this scenic canyon country expanded, mostly due to the efforts of Arches National Monument Superintendent Bates Wilson. Wilson first visited the area by horse in 1951, riding to the Confluence and up Salt Creek. His early mapping of archeological sites in Salt Creek and Horse Canyon spurred the interest of University of Utah archeologists. Wilson worked from 1951 to 1955 for an official National Park Service investigation of the area. In 1957 he began leading visitors into the Canyonlands area, publicizing its scenic and recreational values, and recommending the creation of a "Grand View National Park." Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall visited the area in 1961, and began campaigning for a national park on what was then Bureau of Land Management lands. On September 12, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill establishing Canyonlands National Park, covering 257,640 acres. The park was expanded in 1971 to its current 337,570 acres.

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Reservation Information

What Can I Reserve?

Reservations are available for all backcountry permits and for group campsites in Arches National Park and in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

Do I Need a Reservation?

Reservations are highly recommended, but not required. Currently, competition is greatest for White Rim trips during the spring and fall, Needles backpacking trips during spring, and for group campsites throughout the year. For these activities, groups should apply as early as possible. In the past few years, the Cataract Canyon allocation has been filling by late April or May. Unreserved permits and campsites are made available to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Make a Reservation

Reservation requests are accepted by mail or fax only. Reservation requests must include:

• Name and address of trip leader, with daytime and evening phone numbers
• Dates and campsites, zones, or day use area desired, with alternates if possible
• The number of people in your group
• The number of vehicles/boats in your group
• Non-refundable reservation fee payment

Faxed reservations must include a Visa or MasterCard number and expiration date. Mailed reservations may include credit card information or a check/money order made payable to: The National Park Service.

Due to the unique nature of day-use permits, visitors may make special arrangements with the reservation office for last minute trips into Salt/Horse and Lavender canyons in the Needles.

River Trip Applicants:

Applications for river trips do not need to list an itinerary. However, launch and take-out information (place and date) must be provided. In addition, flat-water permit requests must indicate upstream shuttle arrangements.

Mail or fax your request to:

Canyonlands National Park, Reservation Office
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-4285

How Early May I Apply?

The earliest date to apply varies by activity.

Backpacking, backcountry vehicle and day use:

Reservation requests for these permits are accepted (postmarked or faxed) no earlier than the second Monday in July for the following calendar year.

Group campsites and river trips:

Requests for these reservations are accepted no earlier than the first business day in January for trips during that calendar year.

Initial applications for just-released reservations are held for two weeks from the release date and then processed according to postmark or fax date. In other words, if the earliest date to apply was January 2, applications would be processed on January 17, starting with those marked January 2, then January 3, etc. All applications postmarked or faxed on a given day during the first two weeks are processed randomly. In this way, fairness is ensured as faxed requests are not processed any sooner than mailed ones. After this two-week period, all applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Helpful Hints

Use the "Itinerary" and "Special Instructions" blocks on the application form to provide as many specifics and options for your trip as you can. Details such as preferred direction of travel, or alternate itineraries will help us schedule your trip. If you're visiting for the first time, please say so and reservation office staff will use their experience to give you the best trip possible based on what's available. If questions arise about your application, they will contact you by phone.

Calling Reservation Staff

Reservation office staff are available by phone to answer questions and assist with trip planning Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (MST), at (435) 259-4351. When the workload permits, phones may be answered until 4 p.m. Please have a map available if you would like assistance with trip-planning.

Reservations may not be made over the phone.

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