Canyonlands Backpacking Adventure
Dive into the backcountry for an unforgettable backpacking adventure through Canyonlands National Park!
TRIP DATES:
All 2025 trips are SOLD OUT! 2026 dates coming soon.
Trip Length
5 Days
$2250 Per Person
Embark on a thrilling adventure of backpacking & camping in Canyonlands National Park through the Needles District, where towering red rock formations and winding trails await. Traverse through mesmerizing landscapes, navigating the iconic Needles District with its sculpted spires and arches. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the desert, experiencing the perfect blend of challenge and awe-inspiring vistas. As you trek through this unique terrain, savor the freedom of the open trail and the boundless beauty of the American Southwest.
Activities
- Camping
- Backpacking
- Hiking & Interpretive Tours
Included
- Medically-trained, naturalist guides
- Round-trip transportation from SLC
- Camping reservations & fees
- Group camping equipment
- Double/triple occupancy at Fieldstation
- All meals
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Flights
- Gratuity for Your Guide
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
- Personal camping gear (see pack list)
*Prices do not include 8.5% Utah sales tax
WEather
The best times of year to hike in the deserts of Utah are during early spring from late February to May, and the fall months of September through to early November. The summer months can be oppresively hot and not ideal for hiking. Daytime temperatures in spring and fall are usually from 60° to 80°F and nights are cool. In the early fall you should be prepared for the odd afternoon thunderstorm.
Intensity- Moderate
Expect to spend 3-6 hours walking or hiking over the course of the day (with some elevation change) while carrying day packs full of water and snacks! Suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.
Accomodations
- One Night Double Occupancy Tent Camping
- Two Nights Backcountry Camping Double Occupancy
- One night Double/ Triple Occupancy at Field Station Moab
Flights
We begin at 10:30 AM on Day 1, so please book a flight that arrives by 9:30 AM. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation in Salt Lake City at 8:30 AM if you are already in town.
Your trip ends back at Salt Lake City International Airport at around 2:00 PM on Day 5. Please book a flight that leaves after 4:00 PM to ensure you have enough time to check-in. Alternatively you can be dropped at your accommodation in Salt Lake City if you are staying to explore.
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s a day of discovery and connection with the soul of the Southwest. Book your private tour with Good Trip Adventures today and craft memories that will last a lifetime!
Day One
Your adventure starts at the Salt Lake City airport where you will be picked up by your guides and fellow travelers. After enjoying a quick lunch in town, you’ll begin the 5 hour drive south to your front country camping inside Canyonlands National Park’s Needle District. Take some time to set up camp and enjoy a camp cooked meal. Be sure to take a look up at the stars as you rest up for the days ahead.
Meals: L, D
Day Two
After enjoying breakfast, you’ll pack up camp and begin your backcountry adventure! The day will be spent traveling 3-5 miles across the backcountry of Canyonlands Needles District. With heavy packs and some elevation gain, you’ll take breaks as needed. You’ll arrive at your backcountry camp and home for the next two nights. Take some time to settle in after an adventurous day.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
Today you’ll take it a little easy! You’ll leave camp and your heavy backs behind for some slackpacking to the iconic backcountry Druid Arch! With a short day of hiking, depending on the group, you may find yourself doing a few various slack-packing routes. The day will be spent connecting with each other in the backcountry as you hike amongst towering red rock spires, canyons, arches, and more! Settle back at camp for your final night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
Enjoy breakfast in town, before it’s time for you to bid “farewell” as you are transferred back to the Salt Lake City airport for your departing flight.
Meals: B
Day Four
The time has come for you to leave the backcountry behind. You’ll hike 3-5 miles out before arriving back where you began. After reaching the trailhead, you’ll be transferred out of the park and to Moab where you will settle into a much needed hotel. Enjoy a shower and a bed before having a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Meals: B, L, D
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Backpacking pack (60 liters recommended)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 15 degrees
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles
- Wag Bags
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Meals may be prepared by guides, picked up as boxed lunches, or enjoyed in restaurants. We prioritize seasonal, fresh ingredients and local suppliers in all regions. We can cater to most dietary requests and allergies with advanced notice. Be sure to include this information in our client intake form when registering for your trip!
Can we adjust the start time or trip length?
Start times are totally customizable to your group’s needs! Trips can easily be shortened to accommodate your needs. If you’d like to lengthen your trip, email hello@goodtripadventures.com as additional rates may apply.
Do you offer payment plans?
We are here to help! We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you with payment options. Regardless of the payment plan implemented, full payment must be received by 30 days in advance of the trip start.
Are there age requirements?
They say age is just a number and we (mostly) agree! However, due to legal restrictions and group dynamic considerations, we do have a minimum age of 18 on our public group departures. But there’s no maximum!
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!