Choosing the right place to stay can greatly enhance your experience when visiting a national park. Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is known for its stunning canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. With its vast and varied landscape, there are numerous options for accommodations near the park, each offering unique advantages and experiences. This article will provide an introduction and overview of the best places to stay near Canyonlands National Park, helping you make an informed decision for your next visit.
Get ultimate traveler plannerThe Importance of Choosing the Right Accommodation
Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures a comfortable and restful stay, allowing you to recharge and explore the park with renewed energy. Second, the location of your accommodation can influence your access to various park entrances and activities. Lastly, the type of accommodation you choose can significantly impact your overall travel budget.
Best Places to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park
Moab
Moab is the most popular gateway city to Canyonlands National Park, located only 30 miles from the Island in the Sky district. Moab offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels and campgrounds to upscale resorts and vacation rentals. Staying in Moab provides easy access to various amenities, including restaurants, shops, and outdoor recreation rental services.
Monticello
Monticello, situated 55 miles from the Needles district, is a smaller and more tranquil alternative to Moab. This quaint town offers a variety of accommodations, such as hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Monticello is an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed base for their Canyonlands adventure.
Camping and RV Parks
Canyonlands National Park has several campgrounds within its boundaries, including Willow Flat at Island in the Sky and Squaw Flat at the Needles district. Additionally, numerous private campgrounds and RV parks are located near the park, offering amenities such as hookups, showers, and laundry facilities.
Lodges and Guest Ranches
For a more immersive experience, consider staying at a lodge or guest ranch near Canyonlands National Park. These accommodations often provide guided tours, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities, allowing you to connect with the region’s natural beauty and rich history.
Conclusion
When planning your trip to Canyonlands National Park, selecting the right accommodation is essential. By considering factors such as location, amenities, and budget, you can find the perfect place to stay and make the most of your visit. Whether you choose to stay in Moab, Monticello, a campground, or a lodge, you will be well-positioned to explore the park’s breathtaking landscapes and create unforgettable memories. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Hanoi Vietnam)
Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a breathtaking destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the beauty and wonder of the American Southwest. With its stunning red rock formations, winding canyons, and crystal-clear streams, it is no surprise that this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay near Canyonlands National Park.
Camping in Canyonlands National Park
One of the best ways to experience Canyonlands National Park is by camping within its borders. The park offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds with amenities like flush toilets and potable water, to backcountry camping for those looking for a more rugged experience.
Developed Campgrounds
Canyonlands National Park has two developed campgrounds: Willow Flat and Squaw Flat. Both campgrounds are located in the Island in the Sky district of the park and are open year-round. Willow Flat has 12 sites, while Squaw Flat has 26 sites. Both campgrounds are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly during peak season, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Willow Flat: 12 sites
- Squaw Flat: 26 sites
- First-come, first-served
- Open year-round
Backcountry Camping
For those looking for a more remote and primitive camping experience, Canyonlands National Park offers backcountry camping. Backcountry camping requires a permit, which can be obtained at the visitor center or online. There are over 20 designated backcountry campsites in the park, which are spread out throughout the park’s four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers.
- Permit required
- Over 20 designated backcountry campsites
- Spread out throughout the park’s four districts
Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park
If camping isn’t your style, there are several hotels near Canyonlands National Park that offer a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Here are a few of our top picks:
La Sal Mountain Lodge
Located just 30 minutes from the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, La Sal Mountain Lodge is a luxurious retreat that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lodge features six individually decorated rooms, each with its own private bathroom and fireplace. Guests can also enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning, as well as access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
- 30 minutes from Island in the Sky district
- 6 individually decorated rooms
- Private bathrooms and fireplaces
- Gourmet breakfast
- Access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities
Red Cliffs Lodge
Located just 20 minutes from the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, Red Cliffs Lodge is a rustic retreat that offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, winery, and horseback riding. The lodge features 110 rooms, each with its own private balcony or patio and views of the surrounding cliffs. Guests can also enjoy a pool, hot tub, and access to the nearby Colorado River. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Salt Lake City)
- 20 minutes from Island in the Sky district
- 110 rooms
- Private balconies or patios
- Views of the surrounding cliffs
- Restaurant, winery, and horseback riding
- Pool, hot tub, and access to the Colorado River
Dead Horse Point State Park
Located just 30 minutes from the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park is a scenic destination that offers camping and cabin rentals. The park features 21 campsites, as well as four cabins that can sleep up to six people. Guests can also enjoy hiking trails, a visitor center, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- 30 minutes from Island in the Sky district
- 21 campsites
- 4 cabins
- Hiking trails, visitor center, and stunning views
Key Points
Canyonlands National Park is a stunning destination that offers a range of camping and lodging options. For those looking to camp within the park, there are two developed campgrounds and over 20 designated backcountry campsites. For those looking for a more comfortable stay, there are several hotels near Canyonlands National Park, including La Sal Mountain Lodge, Red Cliffs Lodge, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to take the time to explore all that Canyonlands National Park has to offer. From hiking and biking to rafting and four-wheel drive tours, there is something for everyone in this magnificent park.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Canyonlands National Park today!
| Place | Distance from Canyonlands National Park | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| La Sal Mountain Lodge | 30 minutes from Island in the Sky district | 6 individually decorated rooms, private bathrooms and fireplaces, gourmet breakfast, access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities |
| Red Cliffs Lodge | 20 minutes from Island in the Sky district | 110 rooms, private balconies or patios, views of the surrounding cliffs, restaurant, winery, and horseback riding, pool, hot tub, and access to the Colorado River |
| Dead Horse Point State Park | 30 minutes from Island in the Sky district | 21 campsites, 4 cabins, hiking trails, visitor center, and stunning views |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Places to Stay Near Canyonlands National Park
Where is Canyonlands National Park located?
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah, USA. It is near the town of Moab and is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers (Colorado and Green).
What are the best places to stay near Canyonlands National Park?
Some of the best places to stay near Canyonlands National Park include the town of Moab, which offers a variety of accommodations such as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Other options include the nearby towns of Monticello and Green River, as well as the campgrounds and lodges within the park itself. (See Also: Best Places To Stay Grand Canyon South Rim)
Are there any hotels inside Canyonlands National Park?
No, there are no hotels inside Canyonlands National Park. However, there are several campgrounds and RV parks available for overnight stays.
What types of camping are available in Canyonlands National Park?
Canyonlands National Park offers several campgrounds, including Willow Flat at Island in the Sky, Squaw Flat at The Needles, and Horseshoe at The Maze. These campgrounds have designated sites and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit, and there are many primitive campsites located throughout the park.
What are some things to consider when choosing a place to stay near Canyonlands National Park?
When choosing a place to stay near Canyonlands National Park, consider the distance to the park entrance, the type of accommodations you prefer, the availability of amenities such as restaurants and grocery stores, and the activities you plan to do in the area. If you plan to spend most of your time in the park, staying closer to the entrance may be more convenient. If you prefer more amenities and services, staying in a larger town like Moab may be a better option.
