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Canyonlands · December
December is one of the best times to visit Canyonlands — quieter than November, busier than January.
Expect light crowds (2/10), highs near 42°F, about 9.5 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 17% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
December draws about 3% of Canyonlands’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CANYONLANDS-THE NEEDLES, UT US
What's open
Canyonlands National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Seasonal closures may apply:
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.
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
Conditions
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.
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.
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 →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 →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
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
December rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Canyonlands National Park — about 17% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 20,296.
In December, Canyonlands averages a high of 42°F and a low of 18°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
Entrance to Canyonlands costs $30 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.).
Canyonlands is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-December, Canyonlands gets about 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:29 AM and sunset around 5:00 PM.