Is Needles or Island in the Sky better?

There's really no way to say which part of Canyonlands National Park is the best, but we'd recommend that first-time visitors start with the Island in the Sky before heading to the Needles. The Island in the Sky has more impressive vistas and easier trails, and it's closer to Moab so you can get there a little faster.



People Also Ask

The time it takes to drive through the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands will depend on how many stops you take. There's a Scenic Drive that runs from one end of the mesa to the other, about 25 miles, so you can drive to the end and all the way back in a little over two hours.

MORE DETAILS

UT 211 ends in The Needles, and is the only paved road leading in and out of the area. We strongly recommend using a map to reach The Needles.

MORE DETAILS

Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to Plateau Point along Bright Angel Trail took us about 7.5 hours to complete (roundtrip) at a brisk pace and minimal breaks. Since HIKING OUT of the canyon from Plateau Point was all uphill, the second half of the hike is the most challenging, physically.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

This does not mean you should not visit Canyonlands, but you may want to spend more time in Arches than Canyonlands if you are short on time. We would also agree that Arches is a better visit, but if you want to explore the wilderness by 4×4, then Canyonlands is a better option.

MORE DETAILS

The distance from Canyonlands to Arches is only 27 miles, around 30 minutes of a drive. That is why it is so easy to combine both national parks in one day.

MORE DETAILS

Take It Easy Winding drives throughout the park are most enjoyable at a slower pace. When making plans, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. Expect travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes to enjoy Needles Highway.

MORE DETAILS

As Needles Highway is only 14 miles long, you can most certainly drive all of it in less than an hour. With that said, due to its one-way tunnels, tight turns, and slow driving sightseers it can be a bit slow going. To avoid max traffic congestion, drive Needles Highway in the Spring or Fall.

MORE DETAILS