Here is how to spend a day in Canyonlands, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.
Day 1
About 3 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.
Start at Island in the Sky Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.
Morning
- Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah (1 to 3 hours). Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. (best in summer)
Afternoon
- Experience the Shafer Trail (1 hour). The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime.
- Hiking at Canyonlands (time not listed). Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features.
- Auto Touring in Canyonlands (time not listed). There are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads in Canyonlands, providing access to various campsites, trailheads, and viewpoints in the park's backcountry. (permit or reservation needed)
Make it work
- When to go: April, May, September and October. See the best time to visit.
- Where to stay: 3 campgrounds in the park; see camping and lodging.
- Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.
Today at Canyonlands
LiveLoading the forecast…
Checking park alerts…
Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Island in the Sky Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in Canyonlands National Park (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.