7 Easy Canyonlands Hikes With Epic Views

There are some truly spectacular Canyonlands hikes! While it’s a massive park, many of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park are in Island In The Sky district which is the easiest area of the park to access (especially if you’re coming from Moab or Arches National Park.) Even with a short trip you’ll be able to fit in these 7 easy hikes in Canyonlands National Park!

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Overview: 7 Best Hikes In Canyonlands Rated Easy

If you’re looking for an easier hike in Canyonlands, these are my favorite hiking trails.

For more detailed information, like parking, trailhead details and what to expect keep reading!

TIP: You can also find all of these trails in my Easy Canyonlands Hikes list on AllTrails! Feel free to save these for your trip so they’re easier to find when you need them!

While I’ve listed these Canyonlands hikes in order of the best ones, it might be easier for you to plan your Canyonlands itinerary based on where the trailheads are located. That way you can save time instead of driving back and forth!

Use this map to plan your Canyonlands hikes and itinerary!

Super Easy Hikes In Canyonlands National park

There is a wide variety of Canyonlands hikes, ranging from easy hikes to more strenuous, multi-day trails. Luckily, you can still see some epic views in Canyonlands without hiking for days or up significant elevation!

These are my favorite easy hikes in Canyonlands National Park.

#1 Mesa Arch Hike In Canyonlands

This is one of the easiest hikes in Canyonlands and has one of the best views! That also means it’s one of the best things to do in Canyonlands (even landing as #1 on my list!)

Mesa Arch is just over half a mile long and almost entirely flat. It takes less than 20-minutes to hike the full loop, but I’d budget 30 minutes for this hike so you have time to snap some pictures and hang out near the Mesa Arch.

This Canyonlands hike is particularly fantastic at sunrise – but expect it to be a bit crowded. The Mesa Arch is such an iconic view in Canyonlands and many people show up to see the sunrise through it!

#2 White Rim Overlook Canyonlands Hike

White Rim Overlook trail is the perfect distance for an easy hike in Canyonlands National Park. It’s just under 2 miles out-and-back with around 160 feet in elevation change.

The trail is moderately downhill for a majority of the hike to the overlook with the final 0.1 mile having most of the elevation change. However, if you want to skip this you can without sacrificing too many views.

The trail follows a protrusion of the rim into the canyon, so all along the trail you’ll have great views of the deep canyon below. At the end you’ll be able to see almost 360° around the canyon.

In many ways this trail reminded me of a mini Grand Canyon. All you can see are deep canyons carved by water over millions of years. From every angle the canyons extend to the horizon, it’s really quite impressive.

TIP: There’s almost no shade along this trail so pack plenty of water! At least 1 liter. The dry desert air will dehydrate you more quickly than you expect.

NOTE: The trailhead parking is very limited so you may need to circle for a few minutes before something opens up.

#3 Grand View Point Canyonlands Hike

Grand View Point is a must-see when visiting Canyonlands National Park. In fact, this may be the best hike in Canyonlands hands-down. It’s an easy hike and the first portion is paved and wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Grand View Point is located at the very end of Grand View Point Road – the scenic road through Island In The Sky district in Canyonlands.

TIP: Download this self-guided audio tour for your trip! It uses GPS signal (no cell connection needed!) to automatically play information about the park based on your location! It’s like having a tour guide with you, but on your own schedule.

The area is quite popular because it has a viewpoint (no hiking required), and public restrooms. However, most people only stay here for a few minutes so the limited number of parking spaces tend to turnover fairly quickly.

I hiked this trail in Canyonlands during the middle of the afternoon and it was warm. Even in October the desert sun can be brutal.

There’s very little shade on this trail so bring plenty of water and a good hat (I like this wide-brimmed hat for desert trips – it shades your entire upper body and has a cooling effect!)

Because there are no trees to put trail-markers on this path (like most hikes in Canyonlands) the trail is marked with cairns. Cairns are stacks of rocks and while they’re typically frowned upon in most parks, in Canyonlands they’re used to indicate where the trail is so follow them!

TIP: Hike this trail at sunset! The trail follows the overlook with some incredible views of the horizon and you’ll have a panoramic view of the changing colors across the entire sky.

#4 Gooseneck Overlook Canyonlands Hike

Gooseneck Overlook is an easy hike in Canyonlands National Park with a fantastic view of the Colorado River.

In order to access the trail you’ll have to take Shafer Trail to White Rim Road. Both are unpaved, dirt roads.

While this is an easy hike in Canyonlands, it’s not necessarily an easy hike to get to. That also means there are far fewer crowds in this area of the park so you’ll probably have this Canyonlands hike to yourself!

NOTE: In order to access the trailhead for this Canyonlands hike you’ll need to take a very steep, bumpy road. Having a 4wd vehicle is recommended!

Trying to decide between Arches vs Canyonlands? Check out my complete comparison guide.

#5 Shafer Canyon Overlook Hike

Shafer Canyon Overlook is one of the easiest and best hikes in Canyonlands National Park, and it’s a great backup option if you don’t have a vehicle that can get to the trailhead for Gooseneck Overlook.

The trailhead is right next to the parking area for Shafer Canyon. It has limited spots, but very frequently turnover so finding parking shouldn’t be too difficult.

This is one of the easiest hikes in Canyonlands as it’s just 0.3 miles total and is mostly flat.

There are several steps down to the overlook, but they’re wide, not steep and are very easy to navigate. Besides the steps, the trail is fairly flat and easy to hike even with limited mobility or endurance.

From Shafer Canyon Overlook you can also see the Colorado River, but it’s much farther away than if you were at Gooseneck Overlook. You can also look down and see Shafer Trail – a dirt road with several switchbacks.

TIP: This viewpoint faces east so it’s a great Canyonlands hike to do for sunrise.

Moderately Easy Hikes In Canyonlands National Park

If you’re looking for a longer hike, or one with more elevation change then you should consider one of these hikes in Canyonlands – they’re slightly longer, or have a bit more elevation but are equally rewarding!

#6 Upheaval Dome Overlook Canyonlands Hike

Upheaval Dome is a massive crater in Canyonlands, but it’s uncertain how it was formed. The leading theory is that it was struck my a meteorite, but there’s also a theory that it was a massive salt dome that originated from within the earth.

Either way, this hike has some really cool views of the crater that was formed 60 million years ago. It’s very different than the rest of the hikes in Canyonlands, which offer views formed by erosion.

Upheaval Dome is a short, easy hike in Canyonlands that’s just 1.3 miles out-and-back. However, this trail does have some more elevation change than the other easy hikes on the list.

You’ll head up about 100 feet in the first 0.3 miles (near the first overlook viewpoint) before head down and up again to the second viewpoint.

TIP: If you want to make this an easier hike you can turn around after the first viewpoint instead of continuing on.

#7 Aztec Butte Canyonlands National Park Hike

Aztec Butte trail is a super fun hike in Canyonlands and it’s making my easy list because it’s a short trail that is relatively easy with one exception – the final scramble.

This hike is only 1.6 miles out-and-back and takes you to two noteworthy sights: Aztec Butte and ancestral Puebloan structures (which is why it’s such a cool hike in Canyonlands!)

A majority of the trail is almost entirely flat. Once you get to the turn for the ancestral Puebloan structures you’ll have a short 0.1 mile climb up to the site. The final few feet are the steepest and require some scrambling on your hands and knees.

NOTE: It’s forbidden to enter or touch the ancient structures!

Next, you’ll head over to Aztec Butte. The trail is flat to get there, and then you’ll have a steeper section to the top that’s about a quarter mile long with a handful of scramble spots.

Even without fully climbing to the top of Aztec Butte this trail is still worth exploring! You can make it shorter if you’d like by only hiking to the Puebloan site.

I highly recommend good hiking shoes for this trail. The scrambles require good traction, and the trail follows a sandy wash so it can be a little harder to hike through.

TIP: Download this trail on AllTrails+ prior to your trip (you’ll need cell service). AllTrails has built-in route navigation which is helpful on this hike as the trail can be tricky to follow in some areas.

Best Hike In Canyonlands (Hard)

If you’re up for a harder hike in Canyonlands consider Chesler Park Loop! This is the only Canyonlands hike on this list that isn’t located in Island In The Sky District. You’ll need to head out to The Needles to pickup this trailhead.

While this is not an easy hike by any means, it’s definitely on of the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park!

#8 Chesler Park Loop Trail Hike In Canyonlands

Chesler Park Loop trail may be the best hike in Canyonlands National Park, but it’s also one of the harder trails. At just over 10 miles and almost 1,800 feet of elevation change this hike will take you over 5 hours to complete.

Chesler Park Loop trail is a lollipop trail! It follows an out-and-back trail with a loop at the end – so it looks like a lollipop from an aerial view.

Remember, hiking 10 miles in the forest with shade is drastically different than hiking 10 miles in full exposure, particularly in the heat. Pack lots of water!

This is the only Canyonlands hike on this list which is located outside of Island In The Sky District. The Needles is the second most popular district in Canyonlands, and is about two hours farther south.

You’ll see quite a bit along this hike, including several slot canyons and towering rock formations!

NOTE: Slot canyons can be dangerous during rain. If there are storms predicted (even if they’re many miles away) take extra caution – slot canyons are extremely prone to flash flooding.

Tips For Your Canyonlands Hikes

Hiking in Canyonlands National Park can be very exposed, and depending on the weather the conditions can be harsh. You’ll want to plan ahead, check the weather, and bring lots of water!

Sun Protection Is Crucial

Keep Your Feet Happy

The right hiking shoes and socks will save your trip, prevent blisters, and be a lot more comfortable.

I also recommend a good pair of wool socks. Wool naturally keeps your feet cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.

I’ve even heard of someone burning their socks on a campfire while trying to dry them out and they were replaced for free!

I have 4 pairs of these socks and they’ve held up really well for years. I haven’t needed more than 4 pairs for any of my extended trips (because I rewear them since they don’t stink!).

Pack More Water Than You Think You Need

This is a hard lesson I have to relearn every few years. Hiking in a dry desert is a LOT different than hiking in more humid conditions – your body is going to need a lot more water than you expect.

Where To Stay Near Canyonlands National Park

There are two frontcountry campgrounds in Canyonlands National Park. Or, you can stay at a hotel in Moab, which is the closest town to the park.

Best Time To Visit Canyonlands National Park

The best times to visit Canyonlands National Park is spring (April-May) or fall (September-October), when the temperatures are milder.

Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F, making hiking or camping far less comfortable, while winter brings freezing nights but far fewer crowds.

I visited Canyonlands in October and thought it was the perfect weather. Check out the best National Parks to visit in October here.

Additional Planning Guides

If you’re planning a trip to the Utah Might 5 National Parks you may also find these resources helpful.

• 6 Best Things To Do In Canyonlands National Park
• Road Trip From Zion To Arches National Park (2024) – Includes Bryce Canyon + Hidden Gems
• Utah Road Trip: Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon National Park
• Arches National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide