Canyonlands National Park: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Stunning Views and Short Hikes
Canyonlands National Park was the final stop on our Utah Mighty 5 road trip, and it didn’t disappoint. After a few unforgettable days exploring Arches, we set aside a day for Canyonlands. We stayed in Moab and got up early, determined to catch the famous sunrise at Mesa Arch. Apparently, we weren’t alone—photographers lined up shoulder to shoulder, all trying to snap that iconic shot. Instead of squeezing in, we found a quieter spot off to the side, perched on some rocks. Even though we didn’t have the classic view through the arch, the sunrise was still absolutely stunning. After waiting for the crowds to thin out (spoiler: they didn’t), we decided to move on and come back later.
Our first hike of the day was Aztec Butte, a 1.6-mile trail with 249 feet of elevation gain. It’s not too tough, but with a bit of rock scrambling, it definitely feels like more of a moderate hike. It’s also super close to Mesa Arch, so it was a perfect choice. After an hour on the trail, we headed back to Mesa Arch, and by then, most of the sunrise crowd had cleared out. This time, we had the arch almost to ourselves (just a couple of others), and it was such a more peaceful, enjoyable experience.
Next, we drove over to Upheaval Dome, another short but rewarding 1.3-mile hike with 226 feet of elevation gain. It took less than an hour and offered some great views. Both hikes, along with Mesa Arch, are in the Island in the Sky district, which is super easy to navigate and full of short, scenic hikes with minimal elevation gain.
While we didn’t get to explore the other areas of Canyonlands—The Needles and The Maze—we’re already planning our next trip to dive deeper into this incredible park.
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park, Islands in the Sky District - Moab, UT
Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites - $$$ - This is where we stayed while we were in Arches National Park and it was amazing! The pool was also our favorite with lots of seating, multiple pools and hot tubs which we enjoyed every day we were in Moab. This hotel is very close to the Arches National Park entrance, if not the closest hotel option, so its a perfect short drive for your early mornings heading into the park. It shares the pool area with the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, you can’t go wrong with either of these hotel options.
Element Moab - $$$ - If you are looking for a hotel option that offers small kitchens so you can do your own cooking.
Hoodoo Moab - $$$-$$$$ - For a more luxurious stay in Moab, and walking distance to downtown this is a great place to stay when visiting Arches National Park
VRBO Vacation Rentals in Moab, UT - $$-$$$$ - There are some amazing vacation rentals in Moab, anything from condos, to houses. These are great options for bigger groups who all want to stay together.
Things to do in Canyonlands National Park
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to see everywhere we explored on our road trip.
