Canyonlands National Park
Friday, April 24, 2026 -
Friday, May 1, 2026 --
$1900
★★★★
Deep in the remote Utah backcountry lies a landscape unlike any other a vast,
otherworldly expanse of canyons, mesas, and towering buttes known as
Canyonlands National Park.
This guided trek explores the Needles District, a region celebrated
for its colorful rock formations, rich cultural heritage, and
rugged, untamed beauty. Widely regarded as one of the most
rewarding and visually stunning areas in the park, the Needles offers
a backcountry experience that is both challenging and unforgettable.
Our journey begins at the Needles Campground, quickly leading into
Big Springs Canyon, where sandstone walls rise around us and the
desert’s quiet vastness sets the tone for the days ahead. As we
ascend slick rock mesas and navigate narrow, winding canyons,
we’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the desert skyline.
Along the way, we’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as Druid Arch,
along with numerous unnamed arches and rock formations that are
just as inspiring in their solitude. Ancient petroglyphs, natural
bridges, and remnants of early 20th-century ranching culture
offer powerful glimpses into the human and geological history
of this rugged region.
This is more than a hike it’s a journey into a landscape shaped
by time, wind, and water. For those ready to take on the challenge,
the Needles District offers an experience of raw beauty, deep
stillness, and the kind of discovery that stays with you long
after the trail ends.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always an important concern when hiking in Canyonlands National Park. April marks the beginning of spring and offers a dramatic shift from the cold, quiet days of winter. In the Needles District, daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, creating comfortable conditions for hiking across slick rock and through winding canyons. Nights, however, remain chilly—often dipping into the 20s or low 30s so warm layers and a properly rated sleeping bag are essential for overnight trips.
While the skies are often clear and blue, early spring weather
can be unpredictable. Occasional light rain or even a brief
dusting of snow is possible, especially at higher elevations
or in shaded areas, though significant storms are rare. The
air remains dry, and the strong desert sun can make midday
feel warmer than the temperature suggests, particularly on
exposed rock surfaces.
Spring winds are common and can pick up in the afternoons,
adding to the sense of exposure on open mesas and ridgelines.
Natural water sources may still be limited or unreliable this
time of year, especially if the winter snowpack was light.
As always in the desert, hikers should be prepared to carry
an adequate water supply and stay updated on current conditions.
April offers a unique window into Canyonlands—before the summer heat arrives and as the desert begins to stir with life. The combination of crisp air, fewer crowds, and dramatic lighting makes it an exceptional time for photography, solitude, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country.
Probable Trip Leaders
Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy.
Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with
another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available
for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to
and from Moab (CNY) as well as personal equipment, restaurant
meals and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for
any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week
if you drive.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days
of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation
to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance
fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important Notes about this trip
Due to the arid desert environment of Canyonlands National Park,
reliable water sources are extremely limited. Participants must
be prepared to carry 8 to 10 liters of water at a time—this is
essential for both safety and comfort during the trek.
The itinerary outlined here represents our planned route, but
please note that it is subject to change. Backcountry permit
requests must be submitted exactly four months in advance.
Because of this process, we won’t receive confirmation right
away. While we expect to follow a route very close to the one
described, we may need to adjust campsites based on permit
availability. Any changes will be made using nearby, equivalent
sites to preserve the overall experience.
Leave No Trace principles are strictly followed—both by Canyonlands
National Park and by Fitpacking;. One important aspect of this is waste
management. Toilet paper does not decompose in the fragile desert
ecosystem and must be packed out. On the final two nights of the
trip, we’ll be camping in Chesler Park, a stunning and ecologically
sensitive area that sees high visitor impact. In this zone, all human
waste must also be packed out. While this may sound unpleasant, the
beauty and serenity of the area make it clear why such measures are
necessary.
Additionally, all food must be stored in bear-resistant canisters,
which we will provide. These are required not only to protect food
from bears, but also from ravenous squirrels, curious ravens, and
other opportunistic wildlife. Thank you for your commitment to
preserving this incredible landscape. These practices ensure that
future visitors can experience the same sense of wildness and wonder.
Canyonlands National Park requires all participants to veiw this video before entering the backcountry
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