Itinerary · 2 days · Utah
2 Days in Canyonlands National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Canyonlands National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Apr–May, Oct. Closest major airport: Grand Junction (GJT), about 2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Watch sunrise through Mesa Arch. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Look out from Grand View Point.
- Evening: Hike Chesler Park in the Needles.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Drive or bike the White Rim Road (permit).
- Afternoon: Raft Cataract Canyon.
Island in the Sky pairs easily with Arches (40 minutes away). The Needles is a separate 90-minute drive, so budget a separate day.
When to go
The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is April–May and October.
Best time to visit Canyonlands, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Canyonlands National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: watch sunrise through mesa arch and look out from grand view point on day one, then drive or bike the white rim road (permit) on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Canyonlands itinerary?
Go in Apr–May, Oct, when the park is rated at its best. April, May, October and November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Canyonlands in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss drive or bike the white rim road (permit). Two days is the sweet spot.