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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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 27 | Overcast | 99°F | 71°F | 4% |
| Fri 28 | Overcast | 98°F | 74°F | 2% |
| Sat 29 | Light drizzle | 93°F | 74°F | 34% |
| Sun 30 | Drizzle | 88°F | 67°F | 39% |
| Mon 31 | Light drizzle | 87°F | 69°F | 39% |
| Tue 1 | Light rain | 87°F | 66°F | 23% |
| Wed 2 | Light rain | 83°F | 67°F | 16% |
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.
- Information
Expect delays due to paving on Potash Road/SR-279
Paving crews will be working weekdays from 7 am to 7 pm from June 8 through mid-July. Expect closures along the road shoulders in active work zones, and short delays with alternating one-way traffic controlled by a flagging operation.
- Caution
No Wood or Charcoal Fires Allowed - Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect
All fires are prohibited. Only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves or grills are allowed in backcountry campsites, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Fireworks are never allowed. Smoke only inside vehicles or in developed areas over 3 feet from flammables.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Wildfire Smoke Impacts
Smoke and poor air quality may be present due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, UT. Visitors are encouraged to check conditions before visiting.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Temporary Closure of The Needles District
Canyonlands National Park has temporarily closed The Needles district to all uses, including the backcountry, until further notice due to the Babylon Fire near Blanding, UT. The Babylon Fire is located within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning within Canyonlands National Park, but it is progressing toward the park and UT 211.
Details on nps.gov →
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.