Auto Touring in Canyonlands

A jeep traverses a sandy road at the bottom of a red rock canyon.

NPS/ Kirsten Kearse

Unpaved Roads

There are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads in Canyonlands, providing access to various campsites, trailheads, and viewpoints in the park's backcountry. Most roads require high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive. These roads range in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical. Research your route thoroughly before attempting these roads.

• White Rim Road at Island in the Sky (moderate)
• Four-wheel-drive Roads at The Needles (moderate to technical)
• Four-wheel-drive Roads at The Maze (mostly technical)

If you plan to enjoy the park's four-wheel-drive roads, please be aware of the following:

• A high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive vehicle is required on the White Rim Road and all backcountry roads at The Needles and The Maze. Other vehicles with two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive do not have the ground clearance or low gearing to negotiate the rough slickrock, loose rocks, deep sand and steep switchbacks found on these roads. 
• All vehicles must remain on designated roads.
• ATVs, UTVs and OHVs are not permitted.  Motorbikes must be equipped and licensed for interstate travel.
• All vehicles must be registered and operated by a licensed driver.
• Pets are not permitted, even in the vehicle.
• Road conditions can change quickly following rain or snow. Check road conditions.

Four-Wheel Driving

• White Rim Road

• 4WD at The Needles

• 4WD at The Maze

Do I need a permit?

• Day Use: You must have a permit for day use on White Rim Road, Elephant Hill Road, Lavender Canyon Road, and Horse Canyon/Peekaboo Road.

• Overnight:You must have a permit for all overnight trips in the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, especially to camp along the White Rim Road, we recommend that you make reservations well in advance.

Rental Vehicles

Most vehicle rental agreements restrict vehicles to paved roads. Check your contract and be aware that the rental company can charge you for damage to the vehicle outside of the contract agreement specifications.

Towing Charges

Drive carefully! Towing charges are very expensive. People caught in the backcountry of Canyonlands with disabled vehicles can expect towing fees in excess of $2,000. AAA and other towing insurance may not be valid on backcountry dirt roads.

Details

Activity

Scenic Driving

There are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads in Canyonlands, providing access to various campsites, trailheads, and viewpoints in the park's backcountry. Most roads require high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive. These roads range in difficulty from intermediate to extremely technical. Research your route thoroughly before attempting these roads.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Permits and their associated fee are required for:

• Day Use: You must have a permit for day use on White Rim Road, Elephant Hill Road, Lavender Canyon Road, and Horse Canyon/Peekaboo Road.
• Overnight:You must have a permit for all overnight trips in the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, especially to camp along the White Rim Road, we recommend that you make reservations well in advance.

Reservations

Yes

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

Auto touring in canyonlands requires the use of high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive vehicles to negotiate rough slickrock, loose rocks, deep sand and steep switchbacks found on these roads. ATVs, UTVs and OHVs are not permitted. Vehicles should be equipt with accesible features to ensure the safety of all passengers.