Park Alerts at Canyonlands NP Due to Heavy Rain

Some unpaved roads are closed or not recommended

Due to heavy rain, some unpaved roads, primarily in the Needles District, are closed, impassable, or not recommended

ISLAND IN THE SKY

Scenic Drive: open
Shafer Trail: open, but muddy
Mineral Bottom: open, but muddy
White Rim Road: open, but the condition is unknown

During the winter months, adverse weather conditions can prompt closure of the Shafer Trail at a moment’s notice. Please contact the park at 435-719-2100 or 435-259-4712 to check road status before you begin your trip. White Rim permits may be picked up at park headquarters in Moab (2282 Resource Blvd) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THE NEEDLES

Scenic Drive: open
Elephant Hill Access Road: open
Colorado River Overlook: not recommended
Elephant Hill: open, but muddy. To protect our wild landscape, please, drive through puddles not around.
Lavender Canyon: not recommended
Davis Canyon: not recommended
Salt Creek/Horse Canyon: impassable due to quicksand and cut banks


Note
Even when rated as “passable,” conditions on these roads are challenging. Depending on the season, you can expect ice, up to two feet of water, quicksand, and/or debris in the wash that must be negotiated while staying within the boundary of the wash. We recommend traveling in groups of two or more vehicles – both with winches – in order to facilitate self-rescue. Park rangers are unable to winch vehicles out; see note about commercial towing fees at the bottom of the page. Please check at the Needles Visitor Center for permit availability and current conditions.

THE MAZE

Highway 24 to Hans Flat: High-clearance all-wheel or four-wheel-drive
Highway 24 to Horseshoe Canyon: High-clearance all-wheel or four-wheel-drive
Hans Flat to top of Flint Trail: High-clearance two-wheel-drive
Flint Trail: High-clearance four-wheel-drive
Waterhole Flat to Hite: High-clearance two-wheel-drive

Road conditions in the Maze can change suddenly after a single rainfall. Please call the Hans Flat Ranger Station at 435-259-2652 for updated road information before embarking on a trip to this district.

Backcountry Travel Advisory
Backcountry driving conditions can change rapidly after rain or snow. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. All drivers should carry the following items:

• At least one full-size spare tire
• Extra gas
• Extra water
• Shovel
• High-lift jack
• Chains for all four tires (especially from October through April)

 Source: NPS

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