Canyonlands National Park is divided into five separate districts, though one is a water district, so it doesn’t really count. Each district is offering incredible opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, camping, and picnicking. During our time in Moab, we explored two of these districts and found them to be a perfect escape from the crowds at other national parks.

If you’re looking for a more serene hiking experience beyond Arches National Park, this guide has everything you need to plan your adventure!

Canyonlands National Park’s Island In The Sky District 

The Island in the Sky district gets its name from its perch atop a massive mesa top, offering some of the most breathtaking canyon views in the park. From various lookouts, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that stretch for miles, with the best view just footsteps away from your transportation.

This district features a wide variety of hikes, some that stay atop the mesa for easy access and others that descend deep into the canyon for a more challenging adventure. If you’re driving the White Rim Road, you’ll find plenty of scenic spots to stop and stretch your legs along the way.

Upheaval Dome

This hike is on the shorter side, with a round trip distance of 0.6 miles to the first overlook and 1.2 miles total if you continue to the second. It’s considered one of the moderate trails, with an elevation gain of about 115 feet to the first overlook and 114 feet to the second, totaling 229 feet of elevation gain over the entire route, equivalent to about 305 steps up stairs.

The second overlook offers spectacular panoramic views into both the crater and the canyon. This location is unique because there are two theories about its formation. Some scientists believe it was formed by a salt dome, while others support the impact crater theory. After your hike, take in the fascinating rock formations and contemplate which theory makes the most sense to you.

Mesa Arch Trail

Mesa Arch is a must-see and a classic stop, making it one of the short trails perfect for all ages. With a short hike length of just 0.6 miles and only 56 feet of elevation gain (or 75 stairs), you can leave your hiking poles and large water bottles in the car. It’s ideal for a quick photo op and snack break.

Murphy Point Trail

Murphy Point Trail is considered an easy hike according to Canyonlands’ trails guide, offering a flat path with pasture views at the start, followed by a juniper tree forest. The trail is 3.4 miles long and offers 142 feet of elevation gain, equivalent to 190 stairs.

The trail ends with epic views of red rock formations, perfect for photos. During my hike, the La Sal Mountains were on full display, with the snow-capped peaks adding a stunning backdrop visible right from the parking lot.

Green River Overlook

The Green River Overlook is an amazing spot to stop for views, and it’s just as captivating now as it was 10 years ago, its perfect for a family experience.

What made this stop even more special was a bighorn sheep (also known as a ram) that casually walked by the campground. We parked and watched as he slowly disappeared into the mountainous terrain. With only about 350 bighorn sheep in the entire park, we felt incredibly lucky to spot one near the Green River Campground in the Island in the Sky area.

The park spans 337,598 acres, and with roughly 350 sheep, that means there’s about one sheep for every 965 acres. Keep your eyes peeled, you might just be blessed with a close-up view of these magnificent animals!

Grand View Point Trail and White Rim Overlook Trail 

These two trails are located in the southernmost part of Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District. Both trails offer a 1.8-mile total hike. The Grand Point Trail offers a southwest-facing view, perfect for stunning sunset opportunities, and is an easy hike with an elevation gain of just 73 feet (equivalent to 97 stairs).

The White Rim Overlook Trail offers an east-facing view, providing a breathtaking view of the canyon with red rock spires at the canyon floor. The scenery transitions from the red rock canyon to the snow covered La Sal Mountains during our visit, adding a dramatic touch that truly captures the harsh beauty of Utah’s desert landscape.

Needles District of Canyonlands National Park 

This was my first time visiting the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, and I was on the hunt for more remote trails. I had spent time in Indian Creek for rock climbing in the famous area but had never made it to the Needles until this trip. The 1.5-hour drive never really interested us before, but as this trip evolved, I decided to visit to explore longer day hikes and the unique rock formations in this part of the park.

When I arrived, I found that the Needles Visitor Center was closed due to low visitor numbers, and entry fees weren’t being collected at the checkpoint. The visitor center is closed from December 8 to February 12.

Along the way, make sure to stop at Newspaper Rock. It’s located on the same road leading to the park, has a pit toilet, and is just a short walk from the parking lot. The petroglyphs here are amazing, depicting people, deer, and various other symbols, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history.

Druid Arch Trail

On my quest through the Needles District, which included getting lost for an entire day, a couple of trails stood out as offering amazing views and a moderate hiking experience. I had originally planned to do the Chesler Park Loop Trail, but I was persuaded to try Druid Arch instead.

Getting to the Elephant Hill parking lot was an adventure in itself. The paved road turned into a dirt road that was easily passable with a normal 2 WD vehicle, but it’s important to watch out for blind corners. Be prepared to stop at turnouts to let others pass, as the road narrows. If steep drop offs and no guardrails are a concern, it’s a good idea to have someone else drive.

This hike offered everything you could want in a long day hike. It started with a steep trail up a rock slab right from the parking lot. Once on top, the trail smoothed out as it wound through a few sandy washes.

I initially planned for about 8 miles, but after seeing the narrow section of Druid Arch, I decided to push for the extra 2 miles, after all, I had come this far!Along the way, I met a couple of backcountry hikers staying at a nearby campground. It was a pleasant surprise to have company on this 10-mile route into the deep canyons.

Though I hiked in sandals with socks, I strongly recommend wearing hiking boots, especially in the summer months. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as this route is very remote. Despite being the off-season, I was surprised to encounter four people along the way.

This trail turned out to be 10.43 miles long with 1,191 feet of elevation gain equivalent to 1,588 stairs. I completed the route in just over 4 hours, picking up the pace on the way back as it was getting close to sunset and darkness was setting in.

Chesler Park Loop Trail and Joint Trail

The Chesler Loop Trail was on my list, and from what I researched, it’s a fantastic hike. It takes you through the different rock needles, offering a unique opportunity to view the rock layers up close, something other hikes in the area don’t provide. The trail shares its starting point with the Elephant Hill parking lot.

This is one of the long trails in the area, but it’s definitely doable if you start early and are prepared for at least 4 hours on the trail. I tend to hike quickly, no matter the terrain, but I’d expect most hikers to spend at least 5 hours on the trail. The trail is 10.7 miles long with 1,794 feet of elevation gain, equivalent to 2,392 stairs.

Confluence Overlook

If you’re up for a long hike with diverse terrain and the stunning confluence of two rivers, this is the spot to lace up your hiking boots, grab your water pack, and hiking poles. The Colorado River and Green Rivers meet here, marking the start of the famous Cataract Canyon. 

This challenging 11-mile hike with 1,371 feet of elevation gain (equivalent to 1,828 stairs) offers breathtaking views. During rafting season, you might spot brave boaters navigating the powerful rapids. Located between the Needles and Maze districts, it’s a prime destination for adventurous hikers.

Slickrock Foot Trail

The Slickrock Trail is a great option for a shorter hike, especially if you have younger kids or prefer a smaller outing. This 2.7-mile loop with 183 feet of elevation gain (equivalent to 244 stairs), located in the Needles North Zone just off the paved road, offers a scenic and manageable outdoor experience. Just be aware, there isn’t a toilet at the trailhead.

Horseshoe Canyon District

Horseshoe Canyon is an incredible, remote location that I couldn’t quite bring myself to drive the 5 hours round trip from Moab to explore this longer hike. The 30 miles of graded dirt road lead to a trail that takes you to the Great Gallery, home to some of the oldest artifacts in North America, dating back 11,000 years.

The hike is 7 miles, with a steep descent and steep climb out of the canyon, and sandy conditions once you’re inside. It’s a challenging, all-day adventure, but if you’re interested in ancestral Puebloan history, this is a must see spot!

Maze District 

The Maze District is a remote area that requires permits, and it’s quite far from Moab, so we didn’t venture there this time around due to the specialized gear and knowledge required. If you’re interested, a visit to the Hans Flat Ranger Station is essential.

They can help guide you to day trails or assist with securing a permit for longer trips. Greg, another blogger, has an excellent 6-day write-up on his trip, where he was dropped off and picked up by boat on the river. It’s a great resource for more detailed info and stunning photos, check it out on his site here!

So, Which Are The Best Hikes In Canyonlands National Park For My Family?

Narrowing down the best hikes in Canyonlands was no easy task, but I’d say if you’re looking for shorter, more enjoyable trails with epic canyon views, the Upheaval Dome and Murphy Point trails in the Island of The Sky District are perfect. You’ll be on the mesa top, looking out over the vast canyons, perfect for a family-friendly hike with breathtaking overlooks.

For families that are a bit more conditioned and want to dive into longer hikes with more variety and solitude, I highly recommend Druid Arch or the Chesler Park Loop Trail. I had the company of some backcountry hikers on my way to Druid Arch, which made the hike even more special. 

The journey took us through sand slabs, narrow canyons, sandy washes, and a bit of scrambling to reach the full view of Druid Arch, nestled in the back of a box canyon.

It’s a fantastic challenge, and the views along the way are totally worth it! If you are on the west side of Canyonlands National Park, check out our blog post “Best Things to Do With Family in Hanksville, Utah” for more hikes and attractions.