Where to Stay in Canyonlands: Hotels, Lodges, and Gateway Towns
Canyonlands has no hotels or lodges within its boundaries. If you want a comfortable place to stay, you'll be based in Moab, about 40 minutes from the north entrance to Island in the Sky. The town has most of the area's hotels, motels, and B&Bs, and it also serves as a base for Arches National Park. Farther out, Monticello serves visitors heading to The Needles district in the southeast.
Park lodges and gateway towns (5)
- Gateway town Moab entrance Island in the Sky (US-313, ~20 miles north) · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
- Gateway town Monticello entrance The Needles (UT-211, ~30 miles northwest) · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
- Gateway town Blanding entrance The Needles (UT-211, ~43 miles north) · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
- Gateway town Green River entrance The Maze (via Hanksville / Hans Flat, ~81 miles south) · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
- Gateway town Hanksville entrance The Maze (Hans Flat Ranger Station, ~40 miles east) · hotels, gas station, restaurants Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO ⚠ Lodge & Gateway town data is undergoing editorial review.
Hotel Inside or Outside the Park?
Unlike Yellowstone or Zion, there's no real question here: the park has no lodges. You'll find a full overview of the options, including camping, in the Canyonlands lodging guide. This page focuses on hotels and lodges outside the park, which are your only option for indoor accommodations.
Hotels in Moab: The Essential Base
Moab is the clear headquarters for any Canyonlands trip. The town, with about 5,400 residents, offers everything from basic motels to spa hotels overlooking the red cliffs.
Downtown Area (Main Street)
Most properties are along Main Street or within a couple of blocks. The logistical advantage is that you can walk to everything, including restaurants and supermarkets. Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn is one of the area's best-known addresses, with a heated outdoor pool, a central location, and free parking. Rates run around $150 to $250 per night during the busy spring and fall seasons, and are much more reasonable in winter.
Moab Valley Inn and Gonzo Inn, with its colorful facade and desert-chic atmosphere, are two other reliable options in this price range. Travelers who prefer more independence can find several family-run motels charging $90 to $130 in the off-season.
Upscale Accommodations and Charming Lodges
A few miles north of Moab, along the Colorado River, Sorrel River Ranch offers a completely different atmosphere, with log cabins, mesa views, and horses in the pastures. This ranch resort runs about $300 to $500 per night. It's a good value if being immersed in the landscape matters more than being right next to the park, and when we visited in spring, the evening light on the cliffs from the terrace was well worth the detour.
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a middle-ground option, with polished design, a spa, and an on-site restaurant, at around $200 to $350 depending on the time of year.
Budget Accommodations in Moab
For travelers watching their spending, Moab has several options under $100, including Adventure Inn, Bowen Motel, and a few hostels with private rooms. Just know that supply is tight in April and May and again in September and October, the park's two peak tourist periods. Book early. See the section below.
Monticello: The Gateway Town for The Needles
If you're planning to spend several days in The Needles district in the southeast part of the park, Moab becomes a bit of a haul, at about a 1.5-hour drive. Monticello, about 30 miles from The Needles, offers a few more modest hotels, including Monticello Inn, Canyonlands Motor Inn, and budget chains such as Days Inn. Prices are 30% to 50% lower than in Moab, but the selection of restaurants and services is also much more limited.
For The Maze district, the area is so remote that there's no useful gateway town nearby. Most visitors plan a round trip from Moab or Green River, to the northwest, about a 1.25-hour drive via Highway 24.
Green River: An Option for The Maze
Green River, Utah, is a small stopover town on I-70 that can be useful if you're starting the drive toward The Maze via Hans Flat. The selection is limited to a few motels, and Ray's Tavern also serves as a well-known local landmark. For a longer stay, Moab is more comfortable.
How Many Nights Should You Plan for Canyonlands?
The park has three districts that are completely disconnected from one another by road: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Trying to see everything in one trip from a single base means spending more time in the car than in the canyons.
Plan on at least 2 nights for Island in the Sky, and two more if you add The Needles. The Maze is a backpacking expedition that you'll need to plan separately. The Canyonlands itineraries lay out possible combinations based on how much time you have.
When to Book and What to Budget for Lodging
The most comfortable window for visiting Canyonlands runs from April through May and from mid-September through October. During these periods, Moab hotels are almost always sold out on weekends by February or March. Book at least 3 months ahead for April and October, the two most in-demand months.
Outside these peak periods, rates drop noticeably:
- Summer (June through August): prices drop 20% to 30%, but the heat is intense, with canyon temperatures regularly exceeding 100 °F. Hit the trails early in the morning.
- Winter (November through March): some properties close or operate on a reduced schedule. Daytime temperatures hover around 32 to 50 °F, and nights can drop below 14 °F. In return, prices plummet and the crowds disappear.
Typical nightly lodging budget (Moab, double room):
| Category | Price range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget / motel | $80 to $120 |
| Mid-range | $140 to $250 |
| Upscale / lodge | $280 to $500 |
For details on seasonal rates and the best times to visit, the guide to the best times to visit Canyonlands provides a season-by-season overview.
Our Recommendations for Different Travelers
For total immersion in the landscape: choose a lodge or ranch outside Moab, on the Colorado River side, with direct views of the mesas. Stepping outside in the late afternoon, when the light warms the blood-red sandstone, is priceless.
For a controlled budget: a decent motel in downtown Moab will do just fine. You don't need a spa when the canyons are 40 minutes away. Choose dates in the off-season, such as March or November, for the best rates.
For families: look for a Moab hotel with a heated outdoor pool, essential after a day in the red dust, plus connecting rooms or a suite. Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn and Moab Valley Inn check all the boxes without breaking the bank.
For solo or two-person backpackers: if your dates are flexible, book at the last minute in winter for unbeatable rates and uncrowded views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which town should you stay in to visit Canyonlands National Park?
Moab, Utah, is the logical base for visiting Canyonlands. It's about a 40-minute drive from the entrance to Island in the Sky, the park's northern district, and offers the region's largest selection of hotels, restaurants, and services.
What is the entrance fee for Canyonlands National Park?
Admission costs $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. The $80 America the Beautiful annual pass is valid at all U.S. national parks and pays for itself after visiting 2 or 3 parks. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees and Passes page.