Embark on a self-driving tour of Canyonlands National Park and experience the majestic mesas, deep valleys, and sweeping canyons. Discover iconic landmarks, learn about the history, and enjoy maximum flexibility and value.
Embark on a self-driving tour of Canyonlands National Park and experience the majestic mesas, deep valleys, and sweeping canyons. Discover iconic landmarks, learn about the history, and enjoy maximum flexibility and value.
- White Rim - In this stunning landscape, the temptation to explore off the main path is irresistible. However, be cautious! Venturing off the trail might mean stepping on living soil. It may sound surprising, but throughout Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab, there exists a biological soil crust.
- Cataract Canyon - Cataract Canyon is a 46-mile-long…
- White Rim - In this stunning landscape, the temptation to explore off the main path is irresistible. However, be cautious! Venturing off the trail might mean stepping on living soil. It may sound surprising, but throughout Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab, there exists a biological soil crust.
- Cataract Canyon - Cataract Canyon is a 46-mile-long canyon of the Colorado River, situated within Canyonlands National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah.
- Green River Overlook - The Green River Overlook provides some of the most distinctive views of Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District. Here, you can observe the Green River as it continues to shape the canyon walls. At 730 miles, it is Utah’s largest stream. The name likely originates from the green soapstone found along its banks.
- Island in the Sky - Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center ahead. It’s an excellent spot to gather supplies, use the restroom, and refill your water bottles. As you’ve noticed, this park lacks extensive infrastructure, and staying hydrated is crucial.
- Canyonlands National Park - Located in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park is renowned for its dramatic desert landscape sculpted by the Colorado River. Island in the Sky is a vast, flat-topped mesa with sweeping overlooks. Other notable areas include the towering rock formations known as the Needles, the secluded canyons of the Maze, and the Native American rock art in Horseshoe Canyon. Cataract Canyon features thrilling whitewater rapids.
Note: The tour spans over 62 miles, includes more than 37 audio stories, and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Corona Arch - Corona Arch is a natural sandstone arch near Moab, located within the same rock formation as Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch.
- Shafer Canyon Overlook - This overlook provides views from three sides. It might be intimidating if you’re afraid of heights since there’s nothing between you and the Canyon. Nevertheless, the breathtaking view is worth it.
- Plateau Viewpoint - On your left, there’s a turn out for Plateau Viewpoint. Stop if you want to capture some stunning views! There’s also a handicap-accessible toilet and an information panel on anthropological work in the area.
- Dead Horse Point State Park - Dead Horse Point — quite an eerie name, isn’t it? According to local legend, wild mustangs were once corralled here to be broken in the early 1800s. After all the desirable horses were broken and claimed by cowboys, the less desirable ones were set free.
- Monitor and Merrimac Rock Formations - Look to the right. Currently, all you can see are tall rock walls because we’re near the floor of Sevenmile Canyon. As we continue driving, we’ll emerge from the canyon and spot two distinct features in the distance to the right – the Merrimac and the Monitor.
- Murphy Point Trail - The trail leading to Murphy Point Overlook is quite easy, totaling 3.5 miles roundtrip. While the hike itself doesn’t offer much scenery, the overlook provides a breathtaking view of Stillwater Canyon and the Green River.
- Lathrop Canyon - Many natural landmarks and trails in Canyonlands are named by or after cowboys and ranchers. In fact, Ned Chaffin’s father and one of his brothers had a spring named after them.
- Big Mesa Viewpoint - On your right is Big Mesa Viewpoint. Pause for a quick look at some stunning scenery. The enormous mesa appears as if it was placed here by accident and then forgotten.
- Aztec Butte Trail - What makes this trail special? Simply put: the granaries left here by Native peoples. They’re visible from the base of the last hill if you keep your eyes open. These granaries are centuries old, so approach with care.
- Whale Rock - In front of you is perhaps the world’s largest whale. Don’t see it? The whale’s head is on the left side of the rock.
There’s an easy one-mile hike that takes you along the whale’s back. Once on top of this cetacean, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Upheaval Dome.
- Mesa Arch - Ahead, pull over for Mesa Arch. This is a must-see at Canyonlands.
Once parked, walk along the short trail to the arch.
As you walk, notice the juniper and pinyon trees around you. These are common in Canyonlands, so keep an eye out for them elsewhere too.
- Candlestick Tower Overlook - In the distance, do you see three giant candles protruding from the landscape? That’s Candlestick Tower! Doesn’t this sandstone formation resemble a layered birthday cake, topped with candles? * The bottom layer is white, the middle a reddish-brown, and the top is red.
- Basin Overlook Parking - Despite its small size, there’s plenty to do here. First, the overlook itself offers a view of the Colorado River. There’s also a cafe to recharge.
- Buck Canyon Overlook - Here, you’ll witness spectacular views of Buck Canyon and the La Sal mountains. The short trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible spots in the park. There’s also a rail between you and the canyon, so if you have a fear of heights, this overlook is ideal for you.
- White Rim Overlook Trail - This is a fantastic spot to rest and enjoy a quick meal! There are only eight tables, so be sure to secure one if available.
- Orange Cliffs Overlook - The cowboys extensively used the Orange Cliffs. They referred to a part of these cliffs as “Under the Ledge” — as it appeared to be beneath a massive, rocky ledge.
- Grand View Point Overlook - We’ve reached the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you liked the tour, explore our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!
- Upheaval Dome - Remember how the park’s rocks have formed in layers? In most of the park, these layers have remained undisturbed since their formation. What you see is what was deposited, all those hundreds of millions of years ago.
- The Neck - The area we’re traversing is known as the Neck. Why? Well, remember that this Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands is a vast mesa surrounded by lowlands. There’s a strip of land connecting this mesa to other mesas — much like a natural bridge!

- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
-…
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Park Passes
- Park Passes
Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Embark on a journey through the expansive canyons, deep valleys, and towering mesas of Canyonlands National Park with this self-guided driving tour. Experience the breathtaking Mesa Arch at sunrise, take in the magnificent views from the White Rim Trail, and…
Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can listen together!
Embark on a journey through the expansive canyons, deep valleys, and towering mesas of Canyonlands National Park with this self-guided driving tour. Experience the breathtaking Mesa Arch at sunrise, take in the magnificent views from the White Rim Trail, and learn about the cowboys who once attempted to conquer this wild and beautiful land. This self-guided tour offers the ultimate flexibility and value for exploring Canyonlands.
After booking, check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the specified starting point.
Purchase once and use for an entire year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips within the next 12 months.
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Kindly note that an entrance permit is required to visit Canyonlands National Park, and it is not included with this tour.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car’s stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.