Operating Hours
Open year-round.

Visitation
Highest in spring and fall.

Permits
Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Permits are also required for day use by vehicles, horses, and bikes in Salt Creek/Horse and Lavender Canyons in the Needles District. All permits may be reserved in advance.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: The visitor centers at the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts are open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with extended hours during spring and fall; they are closed on some federal holidays. There are exhibits at both visitor centers.

Programs: Evening programs, overlook talks, and other programs are offered spring through fall. Check with the visitor centers for current schedules. A Junior Ranger Program is available for children ages 6-12.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: There are no services within Canyonlands NP. Gas, food, and other items are available in nearby towns.

Concessions: The visitor centers have sales areas for books, maps, and other publications. The Maze District Ranger Station at Hans Flat has a small sales area.

Visitor Impact
All backcountry travelers should be mindful of their impact on the land and follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Cryptobiotic soil crust is a critical component of the high desert ecosystem and is common in Canyonlands. Crusts are easily damaged, so walk on marked trails or on other durable surfaces such as rock or in arroyos. Keep bikes, horses, and vehicles on designated roads at all times.

Additional Information
The Needles District offers a remote backcountry experience that requires hiking or four-wheel driving to see the area's attractions. The Maze is an entirely backcountry district that requires considerably more time and technical four-wheel driving to visit. Horseshoe Canyon, a detached park unit northeast of the Maze, is managed for non-motorized day use only. The Rivers offer another way to experience this region, with trips generally involving two or more days of boating. There are no roads that directly link these districts.