Canyonlands has 4 districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and The Rivers. Read on below to decide whether you should visit Canyonlands Island in the Sky or The Needles. Also, be sure to check out trip itinerary visiting Arches, Canyonlands and Rocky Mountain National Parks!
*Last updated September 9, 2025
Canyonlands Island in the Sky or The Needles
Island in the Sky District
The above map shows the trails that we did in Island in the Sky District.
If you research Island in the Sky, you will see many people describe it as “busy” compared to the other districts in Canyonlands National Park. However, even though that is true, it is still far less busy than nearby Arches National Park. Island in the Sky is also more popular than the other districts due to its proximity to Moab, which is a popular basecamp in the area.
Island in the Sky is a good choice if you have limited time, or prefer shorter hikes or lookouts from your vehicle. However, there are plenty of longer hikes as well if you are looking for a challenge. Additionally, we are traveling with three children, so we found some good intermediate hikes like the Mesa Arch Trail (a must visit), White Rim Overlook Trail, Aztec Butte Trail and Upheaval Dome Trail. When we arrived that White Rim Overlook (about a 2 mile roundtrip trail), my daughter exclaimed “unreal” and I couldn’t agree more!
Aztec Butte Trail takes you to some native shelters. However, be aware that the granary trail goes up above the mesa, we had difficulty finding it.
On the way to from the Island in the Sky district
Dead Horse State Park is off the road into Canyonlands Island in the Sky. In addition to its interesting name, is the fact that there were numerous movies filmed here, including the cliff scene in Thelma and Louise.
The Needles District
The above map shows the trails that we did in Island in the Needles District.
If you research The Needles District, people will describe it as further and more remote, both of which are true. However, it is not a bad drive at all from Moab (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each way) and is easy to do in a day trip. Additionally, it is common to see only a handful of cars if you arrive at a trail or the visitor center, so you definitely feel more off of the beaten path.
The Needles is a good option if you are looking for longer trails and a lack of other visitors. Chesler Park Trail is an amazing hike with amazing scenery, but it is a 11 mile loop trail. However, Chesler Park Viewpoint is a 5.8 mile out and back trail to see the Needles.
Additionally, the Cave Spring Trail is a nice short option for the kids with some fun ladder sections. Additionally, there is an old cowboy camp and a sacred native cave spring, which my wife really enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere in that area.
On the way to from The Needles district
On the road into the national park, there is Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument. It is right off of the main road and is a large rock with numerous petroglyphs. Additionally, it is definitely worth a visit.
Also, you will drive by signs for the Hole N The Rock. Be warned, it is the textbook definition of a tourist trap. However, a lot of people like a lot of tourist traps, so you will have to decide for yourself if it is worth it. Tours are around $15 per person and a tour is the only way to enter the hole/cave rooms. There is also a petting zoo and animal encounter available for purchase.
The Maze and the Rivers Districts
The above map shows the drive to The Maze district from Moab.
We did not visit The Maze, but it is the most remote part of Canyonlands National Park. Additionally, it is primarily for backcountry camping, backpacking, mountain biking or four-wheel-drive off-roading.
The Rivers district is just the actual rivers themselves as Canyonlands encompasses the confluence of the Colorado River and Green River. You can see a list of whitewater rafting, four-wheel-drive and mountain biking tours here.
Canyonlands Island in the Sky or the Needles
The easy answer is to do what we did and visit both! However, if you have limited time, I’ve outlined the pros and cons of each below.
Island in the Sky
- There are more overlooks that are easy to access from your vehicle.
- You are up above the canyons looking down with sweeping vistas.
- Mesa Arch is a short trail with an amazing arch.
- Aztec Butte Trail has some Native American dwellings.
- Upheaval Dome is believed to be a meteor impact crater.
The Needles
- Less crowds, less people and more off the beaten path.
- You are down in the canyons instead of up above.
- The park rangers get less visitors so they have more time to discuss the park and tell stories.
- Chesler Park Trail is a great trail and a memorable experience.
- While not in the park, “Newspaper Rock” is on the drive in and is a fascinating wall of petroglyphs.