Canyonlands is Arches’ wilder, bigger sibling. Where Arches is compact and easy to cover in a day, Canyonlands spreads itself out with deep canyons, dramatic overlooks, and trails that feel a little less “Instagram famous” and a little more rugged. With just one day, you can’t see all four districts of the park, but you can see the Island in the Sky section—and honestly, that’s the part most visitors come for.

I only had one day here, and while the weather wasn’t perfect (rain likes to follow me around on trips), it was still breathtaking. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Canyonlands.

Visitor Center

Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Tip: Stop here first. The center has fun souvenirs, interactive displays, and a ranger desk where you can check for trail conditions. Directly across the street is a beautiful overlook with sweeping views of Shafer Basin and the La Sal Mountains—a preview of what’s to come.

Mesa Arch

Trail Length: 0.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: About 100 ft
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Best Time: Sunrise (famous for the glow under the arch)

Mesa Arch is the showstopper of Canyonlands, and if you’ve ever seen a photo of the sun rising through an arch with canyons spread out below, this is it. I went on a rainy morning, so I missed the fiery glow, but it was still stunning. The short hike makes it accessible for most skill levels, and if you walk past the arch to the right, you’ll get a perspective most visitors skip.

Upheaval Dome

Trail Length: 0.8 miles round trip (to first overlook) or 1.8 miles (to second overlook)
Difficulty: Moderate (short but uphill)
Elevation Gain: About 300 ft
Estimated Time: 30–60 minutes
Best Time: Midday when the sun highlights the colors inside the crater

Upheaval Dome is one of the park’s biggest mysteries. Some say it’s the result of a meteor impact, others believe it’s a collapsed salt dome. Either way, it’s unlike anything else in the park. The first overlook is steep but short. If you continue to the second, it’s another half mile uphill. My legs were not thrilled (short but not sweet), but the payoff view of layered reds and greens was worth it.

Green River Overlook

Trail Length: 0.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes
Best Time: Late afternoon for golden light across the canyons

This overlook is exactly what the name promises—a panoramic view of the Green River winding its way through the canyon. On a clear day, you can see the Maze and the Orange Cliffs in the distance. It was rainy when I went, so the view was a little muted, but still incredible.

Grand View Point Overlook

Trail Length: 2 miles round trip (paved path to viewpoint, then optional trail along the rim)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: About 200 ft
Estimated Time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours
Best Time: Sunset for wide-open views over Monument Basin

This is one of the best stops in the park. The paved path makes the main viewpoint accessible, and you can see La Sal Mountains, Colorado River Canyon, Monument Basin, and spires stretching into the distance. If you walk the rim trail beyond the viewpoint, you’ll get even more dramatic vistas.

Buck Canyon Overlook

Trail Length: 0.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Estimated Time: 5–10 minutes

A quick but worthwhile stop. The views stretch for miles, and it’s a perfect “pull over and gasp” kind of moment.

Dead Horse Point State Park (Optional Add-On)

Fee: $20 per vehicle (not included in national park pass)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip to main overlook (or 5 miles if you combine the West and East Rim Trails)
Difficulty: Easy for overlook; Moderate for full rim loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal for overlook, about 500 ft across the full loop
Estimated Time: 30 minutes (overlook only) or 2–3 hours (full hike)
Best Time: Late afternoon or sunset

Just outside the park is Dead Horse Point, one of the most photographed overlooks in the Southwest. The view of the Colorado River bending dramatically through the canyon is unreal. If you’re short on time, just do the overlook. If you want more hiking, the rim trails give you a different angle on the landscape.

Suggested Itinerary: Canyonlands in 24 Hours

Morning: Visitor Center, Mesa Arch (sunrise), Upheaval Dome
Midday: Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook
Afternoon: Grand View Point Overlook (walk the rim trail if you can)
Evening: Add Dead Horse Point for sunset before heading back to Moab

Practical Tips

Distance from Moab: About 40 minutes to the Island in the Sky entrance
Food & Water: None sold inside the park—pack it in.
Weather: Summer is scorching, spring and fall are best. Rain makes the views moody but still gorgeous.
Time Needed: You can hit the highlights in half a day, but a full day lets you enjoy it without rushing.

Final Thoughts

Canyonlands in 24 hours is all about picking the best viewpoints and short trails, and Island in the Sky delivers them in spades. Even with just a day, you’ll leave with a memory card full of dramatic canyon photos and a serious appreciation for how vast this park really is.

If you have more time, explore another district, but if not—Island in the Sky will more than satisfy your need for sweeping desert landscapes.

Canyonlands National Park in 24 Hours: How to See the Best in One Day