National Park · UT
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is quietest in January and February and busiest in May.
Canyonlands is a wilderness of canyons, buttes, and spires carved by the Colorado River and Green River. The park is divided into four distinct districts; no roads join them together. The districts share similar desert ecosystems, but each one provides unique opportunities for adventure and discovery.
805K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Canyonlands
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 62°F | 48°F | 5% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 71°F | 45°F | 8% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 73°F | 51°F | 6% |
| Wed 21 | Light drizzle | 75°F | 57°F | 59% |
| Thu 22 | Rain showers | 68°F | 57°F | 89% |
| Fri 23 | Light drizzle | 63°F | 50°F | 65% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 61°F | 48°F | 15% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 17°F | 0.4" |
| February | 49°F | 23°F | 0.6" |
| March | 59°F | 30°F | 0.6" |
| April | 67°F | 36°F | 0.7" |
| May | 77°F | 46°F | 0.7" |
| June | 89°F | 56°F | 0.3" |
| July | 95°F | 63°F | 0.9" |
| August | 92°F | 61°F | 1.0" |
| September | 84°F | 51°F | 0.8" |
| October | 70°F | 38°F | 1.1" |
| November | 55°F | 26°F | 0.6" |
| December | 42°F | 18°F | 0.6" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CANYONLANDS-THE NEEDLES, UT US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.
- Hours
- Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Trip-planning tips for 2026
Planning to visit Canyonlands this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If overlook or trailhead parking is full, plan to return a little later. Please avoid parking on vegetation and roadways to help preserve this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
- Park Closure
White Rim Road CLOSED AND IMPASSABLE
Due to recent rains and flooding, there is a rockfall, cutbanks, washouts, mud and standing water causing IMPASSABLE conditions on the White Rim. The western side of the White Rim Road (From Mineral Bottom to West of White Crack Junction) is CLOSED to all traffic through at least October 20 2026. Visitors can still drive to White Crack on the eastern side of the White Rim, but a full loop is not possible at this time.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Canyonlands questions
When is the best time to visit Canyonlands?
Canyonlands is least crowded in January, February, and December. May is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Canyonlands?
Entrance to Canyonlands costs $30 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.).
When is Canyonlands busiest?
Canyonlands is busiest in May, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Canyonlands during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Canyonlands. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.