Canyonlands National Park guide · 1 min read
Desert Extremes: Best Seasons for Canyonlands
Canyonlands sits on the Colorado Plateau, a high desert where temperatures can swing by more than 40 degrees in a single day.
Rain is scarce, with less than 10 inches falling in a typical year. Because the range is so wide, the season you choose shapes what your trip feels like.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Spring runs through April and May, and fall stretches from mid-September through October. In both seasons, daytime highs average 60 to 80 degrees and nighttime lows fall between 30 and 50 degrees, which suits hiking and exploring on foot. The Island in the Sky and Needles District visitor centers are good places to get oriented before you head out.
Summer is the hardest season. Temperatures frequently climb above 100 degrees, and any strenuous activity becomes hard going. Crowds are heavier then, and parking at viewpoints can be difficult to find.
Winter is much quieter, but the cold is real. Highs typically reach only 30 to 50 degrees, and lows drop to between 0 and 20 degrees. Large snowfalls are uncommon here, although nearby mountains see more. Even a little snow or ice can make trails and nearby roads hard to travel, so check conditions before you go.
The Colorado and Green rivers shaped much of this landscape, and boating them lets you see the canyons from water level. On land, hundreds of miles of unpaved roads lead to campsites, trailheads and viewpoints. Most of these routes need a high-clearance vehicle with low-range four-wheel drive, and difficulty ranges from moderate to very demanding. Plan each route carefully before you leave.
