Canyonlands National Park Map: Explore the Distinct Districts

Canyonlands National Park is one of Utah’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, a place where deep canyons, towering mesas, winding rivers, and remote backcountry blend into an endless panorama. The park is divided into four distinct Canyonlands districts, each with its own character, activities, and level of accessibility.

Our illustrated Canyonlands National Park map makes it easy to understand the layout of the park and plan your visit, whether you have a single afternoon or a full week to explore.

Your Guide to Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands covers over 330,000 acres of desert wilderness in southeastern Utah, just outside of Moab. The park is split into three districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.

While these districts are part of the same park, there are no roads connecting them within the park boundaries — driving between them requires planning and often several hours of travel. Each district offers unique views, hikes, and adventures.

Our map of Canyonlands shows you exactly where each district is located, how the rivers divide the park, and the main points of entry for each area.

Canyonlands National Park Four Districts Map

Embed illustrated map here with alt text:
“Illustrated Canyonlands National Park map showing the four districts — Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers — in matching Moab hiking map style.”

Download the Canyonlands Four Districts Map PDF for a high-resolution version you can use offline while exploring the park. This Canyonlands map PDF is ideal for trip planning and navigating when cell service is unavailable.

Island in the Sky

Island in the Sky is the most accessible district in Canyonlands, located just 32 miles from Moab. This mesa-top plateau rises more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding canyons, offering some of the most dramatic overlooks in the Southwest.

Popular hikes include Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and Upheaval Dome. The scenic drive features multiple pullouts for short walks to jaw-dropping vistas.

Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, short hikes, and scenic drives.
See more in the Island in the Sky hiking map.

The Needles

Named for its colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone, The Needles is a hiker’s paradise. Trails weave through sandstone fins, past ancient ruins, and into narrow canyons.

Popular routes include Chesler Park Loop, Druid Arch, and Elephant Canyon. While there are shorter trails, many of The Needles’ best hikes are longer and require a full day. Backpacking is common here, and permits are required for overnight trips.

Best for: Serious hikers, backpackers, and those looking for diverse desert scenery.
Explore the Needles District hiking map.

The Maze

The Maze is the least accessible and most remote district of Canyonlands — a true backcountry wilderness. Reaching it requires high-clearance, 4WD travel, and careful preparation. Trails here are rugged and route-finding skills are essential.

Highlights include the Harvest Scene pictograph panel and remote canyons like Pictograph Fork. Most visitors spend multiple days exploring The Maze, and self-sufficiency is critical.

Best for: Experienced backcountry travelers, 4WD adventurers, and those seeking solitude.
Learn more with the Maze District map.

The Rivers — Colorado and Green

While not an offical distict of the national park the Colorado and Green Rivers run  through Canyonlands, meeting at the Confluence — a stunning, remote viewpoint accessible by trail or boat. It is hard to speak about the park without mentioning the part these rivers have played in their history. 

The rivers offer both calm flatwater and challenging whitewater stretches. Flatwater trips are common upstream from the confluence, while Cataract Canyon offers some of the biggest rapids in North America during high water.

Best for: Rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and viewing Canyonlands from a unique perspective.
Plan your trip with the Canyonlands river map.

Download the Canyonlands Map PDF

When visiting Canyonlands, cell service is extremely limited. Our Canyonlands Four Districts Map PDF is designed for offline use and shows:

  • District boundaries and main access roads

  • Locations of visitor centers

  • River paths and the confluence

  • Major trailheads and scenic viewpoints

This Canyonlands hiking map is free to download and print, so you can take it on your adventure without worrying about losing your connection.

Plan Your Canyonlands Adventure

Before you go, consider these tips for a successful trip:

  • Permits & Regulations: Check NPS Canyonlands Permits for backcountry, river, and backpacking trips.

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best weather for hiking and river trips.

  • Camping & Lodging: Campgrounds are available in Island in the Sky and The Needles; nearby Moab offers hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

  • Guided Tours: If you want expert navigation and insight, book a guided hike, 4WD trip, or river tour with a local outfitter.

With our map of Canyonlands and trail resources, you can confidently choose your district, plan your route, and make the most of your time in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.