Canyonlands National Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide

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Spiriteds, if I burst into tears in Arches National Park, then let it be known I experienced actual, physical heartache when it was time to leave Canyonlands National Park. Since I had no expectations about the park before we arrived, I was gobsmacked at my own emotional connection to the place. After all, prior to our departure, it was just one of many stops we’d visit during our Utah-Arizona road trip. Simply a thing to do.

And I don’t think our family is alone in that attitude. In addition to flying below MY radar, Canyonlands National Park seems to fly below the national park radar, as well. According to Here and There, Canyonlands saw 796.1k visitors in 2025, ranking it the least visited of the five Utah national parks. Even Dead Horse Point State Park saw more visitors in 2025, according to Fox13 Salt Lake City.

But, Spiriteds, don’t let the numbers fool you. Canyonlands National Park is worth every minute you can devote to it. Offering a laid-back atmosphere, especially in March, and an exhilarating environment, it’s an ideal stop for families with kids of all ages. We loved our experience so much, we’re already planning a return trip. I can absolutely see this park being a place we visit whenever opportunity presents.

That’s how quickly and completely we fell in love with this lesser-known gem. The vast landscape includes cliffs, rivers, arches, canyons, and mesas, to name a few, so that each view is like seeing the park for the first time. 

Land acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples affiliated with Arches National Park

Before we begin, if you would like to learn more about the Indigenous Peoples whose histories and stories are rooted in this land and who were the original stewards of this vast space, then please visit the National Park Service’s Canyonlands National Park page, Wilderness.

Canyonlands National Park belongs on every family’s Utah bucket list

The Island in the Sky District: A perfect starting point for families

This national park is comprised of different districts. If you visit Canyonlands National Park with kids during March, or any other time of year, then your best starting point is the Island in the Sky district. It is the most family-friendly of the districts, based on location and ease of access. Once you enter the park, head toward the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. There you can refill your water bottles or hydration backpacks and use the restrooms, which are located just outside the center.

Why Canyonlands feels unlike anywhere else on Earth

Canyonlands’ geodiversity creates an immersive experience unlike any other national park in Utah. The sun reflects off canyons, arches, and buttes. The clouds soften the landscape, cascade the mesas, and complement the Green River. We felt like we had been transported to another world. One with invigorating views that simultaneously melted stress from our minds and bodies. 

Why Canyonlands National Park in March is perfect for families

Fewer crowds than summer – by a long shot

Canyonlands is the least visited of the Mighty Five Utah national parks. But, don’t let that fact fool you. It still gets crowded, congested, and busy. By visiting in March, we navigated crowds and our favorite hotspots more seamlessly than we would have during peak season.

Cooler weather at Canyonlands in March

Just like we were spoiled in Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, the weather spoiled us in Canyonlands. Do anticipate layering clothing, though, because mornings and evenings are cooler than daytime temps. We had breezy, sometimes cloudy, mostly sunny weather, which was a welcome change from the rainy weather we expected in the days leading up to the trip.

Planning your family trip to Canyonlands National Park

How to get to Canyonlands (it’s closer to Arches and Moab than you think)

Canyonlands National Park is located in Moab, UT. As a point of reference: from our Marriott Fairfield hotel in Moab, we took US Highway 191 north and then turned onto Utah 313 in the direction of the park. You’ll see signage for Canyonlands National Park along the way.

Canyonlands National Park entry fees, passes, and what to know before you go

As of this writing, Canyonlands National Park does not require timed entries during peak season. And timed entries were not required in the offseason, either. 

But here’s an important Canyonlands National Park tip: You will need an America the Beautiful Pass or a Canyonlands National Park pass to enter the park. Even if a national doesn’t require a timed entry, entrance passes are required and are not the same thing.

Another way to think about it is this: An entrance pass gets you into the park, and during peak season, a timed entry determines the date and timeframe you can use your entrance pass. Extra fees may also apply to timed entries.

What should families bring to hike in Canyonlands National Park?

The diverse landscape and ever-changing March weather mean you’ll need water, snacks, and layers of clothing. Fortunately, you are never far away from your car in the Island in the Sky district. So, if you need to make a clothing swap or grab something you forgot, it’s easy to do. This is another reason the Island in the Sky district is ideal for families visiting Canyonlands.

Below is a list of what we had on hand:

• Women’s thermal long johns and mens thermal long johns underneath hiking pants
• Water-resistant hiking boots
• Thick crew socks
• Long-sleeve shirts and lined windbreakers for warmth
• Winter hats, baseball caps, and activewear gloves
• GPS tracker
• Hydration backpacks. These are an absolute must-have. We found ours at our local Sierra store. Learn more about how to choose one, thanks to REI.
• Hiking backpacks
• Snacks: fruit strips, applesauce, granola, and dried fruit

K-Hubs found hiking pants at Target. He also found socks and a lined windbreaker at our local Sierra store. I found super-warm socks at our local Costco that served as backup to my crew socks.

Canyonlands National Park tip: We experienced clouds AND sun while we were there, frequently adding, removing, and adding layers of clothing AGAIN. So, in addition to those layers, also pack sunscreen.

How to get around Canyonlands National Park with kids: navigation tips for families

Do you need a car in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, you absolutely do need your own car to drive around Canyonlands. There is no shuttle service, but there are pull-off spots where you can park. It got slightly congested at the Mesa Arch trailhead, but we were still able to find a parking spot. Because we visited during early March, it was fairly easy to get around. 

The best way to navigate Canyonlands National Park

Option 1: If you have the time, then drive the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive to Grand View Point Overlook, and work your way back to the Visitor Center. This may allow time for people to move through the ever-popular Mesa Arch area, so that by the time you reach it on your return journey, there’s room to park.

Option 2: Drive to your must-do points of interest and visit those first, regardless of where they are on the map. You may need to do this if certain parts of the park, including Grand View Point Overlook, are congested.

Are there bathrooms throughout the park?

Yes, there are bathrooms. Some are modern while others are pit toilets, also labeled on Canyonlands maps as “vault” toilets.

The Canyonlands National Park Junior Ranger program at Island of the Sky

Full disclosure: this ranger program was unlike any of the other ranger programs in the parks we visited. I went up to a ranger at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, and he just gave me two badges, no questions asked, no required activities for the girls to complete beforehand.

When I said my kids would much rather receive their badges from a ranger than their mom, he still gave me the badges. So, once the girls joined me in the visitor center, I handed the badges back to him so he could then pass them back out to the girls. 🤣 I don’t know why I thought it was so funny (I still do), but I could not stop laughing. The girls absolutely did not want Ranger Mom awarding them their badges.

I don’t know if that is how the program is generally managed in the park or whether that was specific to our ranger. Either way, the girls were thrilled to get their badges and then explore Canyonlands. 

Quick tips for visiting Canyonlands with kids in March

The #1 thing to do before you visit Canyonlands with kids: Map your hikes

Print a map of the park and circle the hikes you want to do. You’ll likely find some are close to each other while others are farther apart. This is especially true if you plan to visit Whale Rock, Holeman Spring Canyon Overlook, and Upheaval Dome in addition to Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, and more spots south of the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. 

We printed a PDF map of Canyonlands via Moab Adventure Center. It came in handy since cell phone reception is iffy in Canyonlands. 

Drive the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive

If everyone’s a little tired from (or of) hiking, then pack into your car, rest your legs, and drive the scenic drive. We did this during our evening excursions at several national parks we visited. It was the perfect opportunity to relax without having to leave. And it’s much easier to do in the offseason when you have most of the place to yourself.

Always have headlamps or other hands-free source of light (not a cell phone) on you

This is especially true for later-afternoon, early evening, and evening hikes. If each person has their own light source, then so much the better. We learned our lesson from Arches National Park and wore stocking caps with rechargeable headlamps built in.

The best views and kid-friendly hikes of Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is known to our family as a park with some of the quickest returns on investment. From the minute we entered the park, we knew we were in a special, spiritual place. The destinations listed below can easily be completed in a one-day Canyonlands itinerary. If you go during peak season, usually May through October for most parks, then start early in the morning.

Island in the Sky Visitor Center

You don’t have to go far in Canyonlands to see incredible views. We started at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and took in the view around us. Although not an official hike, the scenery is breathtaking. This was also a great moment for me and K-Hubs to get our bearings before we began our hikes.

Mesa Arch

After the awe and wonder of Arches National Park, I questioned how Mesa Arch would stack up in Canyonlands. The verdict? Mesa Arch more than exceeded our expectations, Spiriteds.

This hike was the most congested of all our hikes in the park. It’s a tourist draw for selfies and family pictures. But going in March was a good decision. Crowds were small and easy to navigate. Everyone was patient, kind, and laid back. I suspect this positive energy is a reason we enjoyed Canyonlands and Mesa Arch as much as we did.

Distance: 0.6 mi (1 km) roundtrip – out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Tip for families visiting Mesa Arch: Beyond the arch is a ledge, which could be a fall risk.

Airport Tower | Washer Woman Arch | Monster Tower

While you are at Mesa Arch, peek through and view three more popular Canyonlands arches, including Airport Tower, Washer Woman Arch, and Monster Tower.

Green River Overlook

Mesa Arch blew me away, no question. But when I think of Canyonlands and the heartbreak I felt upon leaving, it’s the Green River Overlook that’s on my mind. The area exemplifies the diverse Canyonlands landscape. It’s also the area where the girls did most of their roaming.

Taking in the view felt like gulping water when one is parched and attempting to quench a thirst. We simply couldn’t get enough.

Distance: 755 ft – out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Grand View Point Overlook

We were so sad to leave Canyonlands we actually returned in the evening, when the place was all but deserted, and enjoyed a calming ride along the Island in the Sky Scenic Drive. We landed at Grand View Point Overlook with the intent to have a sunset car picnic.

Distance: 1.8 mi (2.9 km)

Difficulty: Easy

By the time we made it to the overlook, the sun had gone behind the canyon walls. The sky went from beautifully lit to a dusty gray. It was pretty but still an important reminder that light behaves differently in national parks than it does in cities and towns. We enjoyed our car picnic by the light of the sky’s constellations.

By the time we headed out of the park, others were coming in, presumably to take in the dark sky night. If you have a telescope, and plan to visit Canyonlands at night, then bring it with you. Canyonlands National Park is a certified international dark sky park. If, like our kids, your crew is too tired to pull out the telescope you packed, then don’t worry. You can easily see constellations from the comfort of your car. 

Did we do The Needles district in Canyonlands?

We did not. This rugged area is perfect for backpackers who enjoy remote, rough terrain. Access to The Needles District is from the southern portion of the park and not through Island in the Sky. Though the districts are in the same national park, they are not near each other and long drives between the two are necessary. Remember to have your trusty paper map close by since cell reception and GPS are unreliable in this area. 

Our honest family review of Canyonlands National Park

What left us speechless

Canyonlands National Park was one of the most geodiverse national parks on our trip. Take in the breathtaking views of the Green River. Then turn your head and see awfully familiar landscapes if you’ve already visited Dead Horse Point State Park. And don’t forget the snow-capped La Sal Mountains off in the distance. No matter where you look, there is something to enjoy.

The reciprocal photoshoots I mentioned in our post about Arches National Park occurred here, too. The relative hustle and bustle of Mesa Arch in March didn’t stop tourists from offering to take photos or wait patiently for others to have their turn. And if you initiate an offer to take photos for others, then plan for them to ask you the same in return. When they do ask, just say yes. Future You will be grateful to have photos of this gorgeous place.

Why we’re going back to Canyonlands

I left my heart in Canyonlands, and when we return, I don’t even think I’ll bother to retrieve it. That piece of my heart belongs there. Canyonlands can have it. The vast space, diverse landscape, varied experiences, and laid-back attitude of Canyonlands National Park is perfect for families with children of all ages.

FAQs about Canyonlands with kids

Is Canyonlands good for tweens and teens?

Yes! Our kids LOVED running around Canyonlands. The hikes we chose were the right amount of strenuousness. And everywhere we looked, there was something new to enjoy. Canyonlands National Park is unique in that the wilderness varies from one direction to another, which kept our kids engaged.

Is Canyonlands completely paved?

No. While some areas are paved, not all trailheads are. Plan to hike to several points of interest, and if you are unsure about a trailhead or destination, then ask the rangers inside the park. They are knowledgeable and incredibly helpful.

How does Canyonlands compare to Arches National Park for families?

While the parks themselves are different from one another, they are each built around a main scenic road. This is convenient for families who want a straightforward itinerary with little worry about getting lost in the park. 

Whereas the Visitor Center at Arches National Park is right after the entrance to the park itself, in Canyonlands, you’ll enter the park and then drive a distance to the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. But neither park is difficult to navigate. And both should be on your itinerary, if you have the time.

Should we pair Canyonlands with a trip to Dead Horse Point State park?

Absolutely! If you have flexibility in your Moab, UT park itinerary, then designate time for Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point. Each park offers a uniquely different experience. And since they are all next to each other, it’s fairly easy to plan your excursions.

Is one day at Canyonlands with kids enough?

If you plan to stay near the Island in the Sky district AND you’re going during the offseason, then, yes, you will be able to cover a lot of ground in one day in Canyonlands. Even though it is the least visited national park in Utah, places like Mesa Arch are popular. If you plan to take pictures, including family photos, you may need to wait a while before you get a turn.

This oft-overlooked park had our hearts the minute we passed through the entrance gate. If anyone needs me, they can find me in Utah. And if you get a chance to visit Canyonlands National Park, in March or any other time of year, then OMIGOSH, PLEASE DO SO.

Spiriteds, stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun (of a national park) whenever you can. And always remember I’m glad you’re here. ❤️